Book Description
In this inspiring and often humorous memoir, the outspoken Democratic congressman from Harlem—now the chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee—tells about his early years on Lenox Avenue, being awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for wounds sustained in a horrific Korean War battle (the last bad day of his life, he says), and his many years in Congress.
A charming, natural storyteller, Rangel recalls growing up in Harlem, where from the age of nine he always had at least one job, including selling the legendary Adam Clayton Powell’s newspaper; his group of streetwise sophisticates who called themselves Les Garçons; and his time in law school—a decision made as much to win his grandfather’s approval as to establish a career. He recounts as well his life in New York politics during the 1960s and the grueling civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery.
With New York street smarts, Rangel is a tough liberal and an independent thinker, but also a collegial legislator respected by Democrats and Republicans alike who knows and honors the House’s traditions. First elected to Congress in 1970, Rangel served on the House Judiciary Committee during the hearings on the articles of impeachment of President Nixon, helped found the Congressional Black Caucus, and led the fight in Congress to pressure U.S. corporations to divest from apartheid South Africa.
Best of all, this is a political memoir with heart, the story of a life filled with friends, humor, and accomplishments. Charles Rangel is one of a kind, and this is the story of how he became the celebrated person and politician he is today.
He opens his memoir with a preface about the 2006 elections and an outline of his goals as chairman of Ways and Means. From day one he wants to put the public first so that more Americans can say they haven’t had a bad day since.
Customer Reviews:
And I haven't had a bad day yet........2007-09-16
Charlie Rangel surprised me with his wit and respect for the institutions he has served in. He is a far more humble man than I would have guessed, but he knows what factors directed his life. Anyone who wants to see how his race has moved up, survived urban conditions, and then served and contributed has to read this book. It also shows how much prejudice and ethnic ties affect politics more this yuppie-fied world we now live in will admit. It has always been this way, and Charlie Rangel accepts it realisticaly and displays the years since the Korean war where he has served his country in its government. I like watching Congressional moves and am personally surprised more do not hang with C-SPAN observing both houses in these critical times. I found myself agreeing with the Congressman from NY City more than I thought I might; he is a brilliant man and I am glad he accomplished becoming chair of the Ways and Means Committee. The years immediately ahead are going to be tough, and we need him there. I am an Independent, but will always vote Democratic after what this current administration has done to this country. My book on flying helicopters in Vietnam stresses the USA's mistakes there, but the Bush Administration has unbelievably exceeded those mistakes of the past.
A Very Impressive Man.......2007-09-07
Congressman Rangel, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, has come a long way - thanks to lots of hard work and overcoming blatant racism for many, many years. The books tells his life story from the early days to the Korean War (almost totally surrounded by the Chinese at night, Rangel was wounded but still led 43 others to safety across a frozen river - it was after that experience that he declared he hadn't had a bad day since), to his discharge from the Army, to the present day.
Rangel's post discharge experiences were far from rewarding - one menial job after another, in stark comparison to the high non-commissioned officer status he could have had staying in. Rangel eventually found his way to the VA, battled past the old-time bureaucrats, and eventually settled on a goal of becoming an attorney - despite having two years of high-school remaining. Nonetheless, Rangel accomplished this with the help of the G.I. Bill and a scholarship.
The book is primarily about Rangel (no nasty revelations about fellow Democrats, and only a few down remarks about Republicans). Regardless, without question he is a very inspirational and impressive person!
Charlie Rangel's Book.......2007-05-15
This book is excellent reading for all of America.
If you want to understand politics, racism and urban communities ,then this is the must read book for 2007.
Evolution of a Good Man.......2007-05-13
A candid telling of the development of a good man by the man himself. Without rancor, he recalls a time in America when change was commonplace and opportunity for a black man grew as a result of the efforts of good men and women.
Determination and Faith.......2007-05-12
This shows what a person can do when in a situation when you let your onw selt go and think of what needs to be done. He showed bravery in combat and has taken it into his life. His strong Faith needs to be stressed in today's world. Very good book.
Book Description
Written with humor and insight, 21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me provides hands on advice that will help agents start, or maintain, a sucessful career in real estate. This has real life stories from dozens of sucessful, top producing, real estate professionals will help new agents know what to expect and how to succeed.
Customer Reviews:
A Great book on what real estate is all about.......2007-10-17
This is one great book about what it is like being a real estate agent. It gives you the good and the bad. Read this before deciding on a real estate career.
Gary
FIne book, Easy read--.......2007-09-21
This book is ok. It's nothing really new that most people with some common sense don't already know....If you can get it in a library or borrow it, go that route. Not worth it.
Brass Tactics.......2007-07-30
Excellent book! I have been taking classes online and this book has kept me interested in real estate. It gives you plenty of tips on how to gain the edge in real estate.
Must have for new agents.......2007-06-14
If you are new to real estate, this is a must read... I still have mine 3 years later and although I haven't gone back to read it again - I won't get rid of it!
Great for a new agent!.......2007-06-12
Not knowing what to expect as a brand new agent, I found this book to be a really excellent training resource. It was a great way to get a glimpse of what to do and not to do. I highly recommend it! Also, it's a very easy read.
Book Description
After dropping a bombshell that was a bestseller, Lilian Jackson Braun brings back James Qwilleran and his famous felines, Koko and Yum Yum, for the twenty-ninth installment of the beloved, bestselling Cat Who . . . series.
Moose County, 400 miles north of everywhere, is in an uproar (good and bad) following vast inheritances from wealthy old families. Only "Cool Koko" knows what's happening . . . and he's not telling. Jim Qwilleran thinks it's because he has more whiskers than ordinary cats, but who's counting?
Meanwhile . . .
Koko meets a piano tuner.
Polly goes to Paris.
Qwill writes a play (an absurdist play titled The Cat Who Got Elected Dog Catcher).
And there's a mysterious death from a bee sting . . .
Customer Reviews:
Must have been a ghost writer!!.......2007-10-13
This was a waste of time and money. Obviously, writer Lilian Braun is ill and a ghost writer has been appointed. It seemed that the writer was unfamiliar with the previous books in the series and characters we have known for years seemed out of character. I hope that this will be the last The Cat Who book. It will be the last for me.
So Let's Get This Straight...........2007-10-10
So - there was a mystery happening somewhere in Moose County, and Qwill had nothing to do with it, but heard about it vaguely once or twice?
Polly moved to Paris with no notice, and a week later Qwill found someone new to take to dinner, no trouble or emotion involved?
The barn burned down thanks to random arson that had nothing to do with what little plot there was?
And Koko and YumYum make the occasional appearance to reinforce their existence, but do little in regards to the story itself?
The side plots took over! Don't read this book, it's just a disappointment.
Good book, but...(BIG-TIME SPOILER ALERT!).......2007-10-01
I picked up this book, and was so shocked at the barn-burning at the end that I had to read it again. And indeed, I had read that Qwill's barn got burned!! (don't you dare say I didn't warn you!!)
BTW, to those of you that say this book is disjointed: I just took the opportunity to read The Cat Who Read Backwards, and that was disjointed too. I think the entire series has a disjointed feel to it, but that's because while Miss Braun likes to make a whole series, she has to make self-contained books for those of us who are disjointed readers (i.e. those of us who read most of the books out of order).
Can y'all tell that my heart's in Polk County, North Carolina?? She is indubitably my favorite writer still living. She creates the most delightful mystery novels, better than Grafton, better than anyone else save for the dearly departed Virginia Lanier.
BJ Wanlund (aka "The Red-Haired sort-of Qwill")
What did I just finish reading?.......2007-09-30
I am saddened and perplexed. What was this book about? Where did it all go? It consisted of odd paragraphs, vaguely connected. Did Qwill's barn burn down? I think it did, but when did he go over to check it out? Did he and Polly break up? She sent him an unfeeling, unbelievably strange letter, given the long-term relationship they had. He took it as a "Dear John" letter but never reacted, on any realistic level. Wow! Please, ghostwriter of this series, whoever you are, put it to bed! Thank goodness I took this thing out at my local library. Had I bought it, I would be very annoyed, right now. Why did Qwill make almost identical entries into his journal, a few days apart? This pattern of repeated paragraphs in the last few books leads me to believe that the ghostwriter is simply "phoning it in," and whatever is sent is printed, without any editor taking any part in the process, whatsoever. Amazing!
Ruined the whole series.......2007-09-09
I have read the series several times, and also have them all as audio books. Over the years I enjoyed re-reading (and listening to) the series once every year or two. After getting this book I doubt I'll ever read or listen to any of them again. In the back of my mind I'll always know what the characters turned out to be, and don't much care about them any more. I believe LJB is still authoring the books, but is dictating and not writing them. The publisher should be ashamed not to have pulled the plug several books ago when her talent faded. The previous book was awful, but this one is so bad it ruined the whole series.
Average customer rating:
- Wonderful Workbook
- "Psychology in a Nutshell" An excellent resource.
- Nice Idea, VERY Poor Execution (w/ Catholic bias)
- Good for novice
- Awesome
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I Never Knew I Had A Choice: Explorations in Personal Growth (with InfoTrac®)
Gerald Corey , and
Marianne Schneider Corey
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
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The Practical Skeptic: Core Concepts in Sociology
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Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession, Updated Edition (5th Edition)
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ASIN: 0534607861 |
Book Description
Thousands of readers have used this honest and inspiring book to focus on their personal growth and effect personal change. Through their warm--yet thoroughly research-based--discussion of significant dimensions of life, the Coreys help students expand their awareness of the choices available to them. As students work through the text's self-inventories, exercises, and activities and read the first-person accounts of the choices real people have made in response to challenging life events, they will gain insight into their lives, beliefs, and attitudes in a personally empowering way.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Workbook.......2007-09-01
This was a textbook assigned for an online psychology course. This was one of the best "self-help" books I have ever read. This book is easy to read, plus each chapter has a section for activities pertaining to the topics covered. I learned a lot about myself from this book. I recommend doing the activities and answering the questions from each chapter to get the most out of this book. Authors make this a very interesting and uncomplicated read.
"Psychology in a Nutshell" An excellent resource. .......2007-04-13
This book in its 7th edition is well written and easy to understand. "I Never Knew I Had a Choice" is yet another fine work by the educational psychology team of Gerald and Marianne Schneider Corey and one that you do not have be a psychologist to appreciate. It is written so that anyone who is on a quest to search their inner-self can benefit from it.
What I like most about this book is its structure. Prior to the beginning of each chapter is a self-inventory questioner that opens up the mind of the reader by planting seeds of thought to germinate and encourages reflection on the upcoming pages. The questions are designed to boost the reader's perception and digestion of the the material.
I feel that if there was one psychology book any person could pick up and learn how to help themselves this book would be it. It is well rounded and well written. It is the kind of text that if one wanted to know what the basic tenets of psychology are all about in a nutshell, this is the book I would recommend.
It appropriately begins with an invitation to personal growth and transitions the reader to review and to reflect; first on their childhood and then adolescence setting up an internal foundation for which the reader can build upon on before going into adulthood studies and other theoretical constructs.
Chapter 4 covers the all-important theme of maintaining sound health practices and is a miniature lesson in health psychology. In the following chapters, the Coreys deal with the subject of stress and how best to manage it. They also cover the topics of love, sexuality, and relationships in the ensuing chapters.
In addition, the Corey's addresses the all-important subjects such as our search for meaning and purpose, the foundation of meaning, and the importance of embracing diversity. They illustrate well our values in action and challenge us to self assess with a discrimination index to see where our real values lie with concern to an area that is vital to human growth and evolution.
The book in the seventh edition, not too sure of the others, is dedicated to a student of the Corey's named Jim Morelock who died at the tender age of 25 years making their chapter on death and loss even more meaningful to the reader. If you are a searcher, you will love this most excellent and basic book on psychology.
Nice Idea, VERY Poor Execution (w/ Catholic bias).......2006-06-20
This book attempts to cover most if not all the major areas of life in which we must make choices about who we are as individuals, what direction we wish to go. The title of the book suggests that the book's design is to enlighten the reader about the nature of such choices.
Unfortunately, in the my eyes and those of the other introspective members of a class just finished that required this book, the book is a failure in that it attempts to cover so very much material, is insufficiently edited, and generally fails to focus attention on the key life choices suggested by the book's title. Instead, we found the book a rather empty promise of good things to come.
Chapter one begins with some good insight into various ways we learn or relate to the world that may differ from others. That's useful information. Chapter two deals with the major issues children must deal with to mature (at least in western cultures). Chapter two is the highpoint of the book, and its rapidly downhill from there thru another 400pgs and 12 chapters.
A typical chapter will open with 2-4 pages of well conceived, well written text outlining in general terms a life issue such as sexuality or aging. But then the authors will drone on in needless and counter-productive detail without every reaching a point or conclusion, and often going into tantential personal examples that add little -- both clear signs of an absentee editor.
The chapter on sexuality has no -- repeat, no -- mention of birth control, abortion or masturbation, suggesting a Catholic bias to their approach. Does that make sense to you if this is a book about choice?
In fact, my central complaint about this book is that the title could have been a great focal point for the authors. Instead, it seems to have been a marketing afterthought and has little to do with the authors' book.
Our class of 13 had a hand in selecting this book at the beginning of our spring term. While the choice was unanimous, we were equally unanimous in our great disappointment with the book when it was all over.
Good for novice.......2003-07-31
The last Corey book which I have read is Theory and Practice of Conseling and Psychology. I was very impressed by it.
I find that this book is quite different from Theory and Practice of Conseling and Psychology. In simple terms, this book is not very technical, and is very shallow in many respect. Definitely not a book which I would recommend if you are interested in studying Counseling and Psychology, in which case I would recommend you to purchase Theory and Practice of Conseling and Psychology instead.
However if you are a teenager and would like to know more about yourslef, this book may not be a bad choice.
Awesome.......2001-11-07
This is a great book for someone trying to "find" themselves. It helps you reach inside of yourself to find the answers for questions that you have, but you don't want to ask anyone else because you're embarassed. It'll be a great book to read after five years and see how you have changed and grown. I'd suggest keeping a notebook to record your responses to the questions asked in the book and compare the answers after re-reading it a couple years later.
Book Description
An Unstoppable Force will excite and inspire readers about being part of the Church that God had in mind! A "force" created to change the world. A Church that is engaged with its community, daring to cut itself free from atrophied practices and programs to flourish in creative and compelling worship. A Church that risks reaching out to our jaded culture with "outside the box" expressions of faith and love.
Customer Reviews:
Everything I expected.......2007-10-05
The writer has exceptional skills with the use of metaphor to communicate about a difficult subject, the emerging church, in ways that help the changes occuring within Christianity make sense. Without this approach in communications, what he has to say from a content standpoint, would probably be rejected. He breaks through the artificiality of Jesus-speak with a freshness that gets to the heart of the real gospel I believe Jesus brought us. I enjoyed, but was challenged, by this work.
A Must-Read.......2007-01-19
Read this book - it will energize and focus you if you are a believer. If you are not, it will cause you to rethink what your perceptions are about church.
An Unstoppable Force.......2007-01-09
Excellent book with many challenging statements about the role of believers in the world today.
A light in the darkness.......2006-07-01
It seems, from time to time, God raises up visionaries to nudge the church toward His divine directives. The book of Revelations carries letters to the churches reminding them, correcting them, and showing them that even at that early age the church had the potential to stray a bit from the path we are to follow. And throughout our history, there have been others to bring this message to His bride.
Erwin Mcmanus is one of those messengers. He speaks with clarity on the issues that many of us have been wrestling with for some time. To quote the great theologian Morpheus, "you know something is wrong, like a splinter in your mind". (paraphrased)
As I read this book, I cried aloud many times, "Yes!" when I would read another statement laying bare the topic of the generally handicapped state many of our churches is in. Not in the pointless fashion of criticism but with direct counterpoints to many of the tired and stale positions the church has taken on the topics relating to, in all reality, the foundational reasons the church exists. My wife must have thought me crazy during these outbursts.
If you have forgotten your first love-READ THIS BOOK
If you are walking the "narrow path" and would like a trail map-READ THIS BOOK
If you feel your walk is becoming more of a trudge-READ THIS BOOK
If you are involved in ministry in any way. Pastor, teacher, prophet, elder, greeter, parking lot attendant. I beseech you, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK.
This is not a "here's how to fill up those empty seats in your church" book. What this is, is a picture of the heart of the church, laid bare.
I rarely recommend books to folks because I believe all truth is available in the Holy Bible, and we are pushed constantly to spend our money on an endless train of Christiana. Or to send our money to others so that they can do God's work for us. I have no issue whatsoever with any ministry doing valid Christian work. My point is we are ALL called to do the stuff. As the late John Wimber said, "everybody get's to play".
With that said, I do recommend this book wholeheartedly for anyone desiring to pursue a closer walk with Thee.
it will change the way you look at church.......2006-04-06
Loaded with many fresh, new perspectives on churches and pastoring, McManus brings many forgotten aspects of what the church is to the fore.
My favorite is the "pastor as spiritual environmentalist" where he talks about the work of pastoring being like farming. It's all about the soil around the plant, not actually making the plant grow itself.
Many other great insights in this book. It's great if you're currently out of a church or are rethinking the roles of pastors and churches in the world today.
Book Description
The mastermind behind Apple sheds his low profile and steps forward to tell his story for the first time.
Before cell phones that fit in the palm of your hand and slim laptops that fit snugly into briefcases, computers were like strange, alien vending machines. They had cryptic switches, punch cards and pages of encoded output. But in 1975, a young engineering wizard named Steve Wozniak had an idea: What if you combined computer circuitry with a regular typewriter keyboard and a video screen? The result was the first true personal computer, the Apple I, a widely affordable machine that anyone could understand and figure out how to use.
Wozniak's life—before and after Apple—is a "home-brew" mix of brilliant discovery and adventure, as an engineer, a concert promoter, a fifth-grade teacher, a philanthropist, and an irrepressible prankster. From the invention of the first personal computer to the rise of Apple as an industry giant, iWoz presents a no-holds-barred, rollicking, firsthand account of the humanist inventor who ignited the computer revolution. 16 pages of illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Get to know THE man.......2007-09-26
It's Woz, how can you go wrong? I really enjoyed this book, although I would have enjoyed it a little more if Woz told more up-to-date stories. I know he has a ton, and I was really hoping to learn much more about Woz TODAY. Still, if you want to read about one of the most important people in Computer history, this is a good start.
Disappointed.......2007-08-30
Steve Wozniak is interesting because he helped found Apple. This book is not about that time in his life. It covers it, but only minimally. Less than a quarter of the book covers this time period. In fact, it is over half done before Apple even really gets mentioned. Instead, this book is about Steve Wozniak himself. It's about his high school science projects, his pranks, and his philosophy of life. Steve is a little different than other people and it comes through in this book. He talks very highly of his accomplishments and often frames them as more important or unique than they really were. He did good work, but not all of what he claims he was first to do was he truly first.
I love Steve Wozniak, but this book was just too much about the small things in his life to be interesting to me.
Fun and interesting.......2007-08-12
This is a very enjoyable book that tells a fascinating story, one most of us are only vaguely familiar with. Wozniak comes off likeable. There are laugh out loud segments. You don't have to understand all the computer stuff (although the writer makes the stuff understandable)to grasp the thrill of the ride.
A must read for every engineer.......2007-08-01
Its a book with which you can relate to very easily if you're an engineer. At the end it gets boring when he starts talking about how Apple became big but its the part on how he starts off and how difficult it was for him to get to making computers that makes for a very interesting read. Certainly a book I would recommend every engineer to read!
An interesting overview of the history, but a tad banal.......2007-07-17
The story Woz is telling is engaging and makes iWoz a very enjoyable read, but the structure of the book itself and the method of telling his story just feels like it's either being told to an eight year old or it feels like the author needs to write the subject down to a very basic level. iWoz is filled with phrases like, "I was so proud," "We were so excited," and "I was very excited." Even I feel redundant and excessive just mentioning it but I'm not exaggerating to say that nearly every topic includes several statements like this. As other reviews have said, it doesn't take long - only a few paragraphs - to feel like Woz is bragging and the book is just an expression of ego.
If you can look over this, it is an entertaining overview of his life as an engineer, the early days of personal computing and the beginnings of Apple.
Amazon.com
In this autobiography, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson says one of his prime business criteria is "fun." Fun made Branson a billionaire, and few business memoirs are one-billionth as fun as Branson's, nor as niftily written. Not only does it relate his side of near-death corporate experiences, it tells how the chairman literally cheated death by gun, shipwreck, and balloon crash.
Branson's empire--now encompassing interests in an airline, pop music, soda pop, e-commerce, and financial services--began when the dyslexic 16-year-old dropped out of school in 1968 to found the British magazine Student. His headmaster said, "I predict that you will either go to prison or become a millionaire." Briefly imprisoned for dodging customs selling records, Branson got his first million by releasing Tubular Bells, a maverick recording all the stuffy executives rejected. (1998's Tubular Bells III puts the series' sales over 20 million.)
Despite wild tales of Branson's wife-swapping and Keith Richards fleeing naked from Branson's studio at gunpoint with another man's woman, the most shocking parts of the memoir concern British Airways' James Bond-like "dirty tricks" campaign against Virgin Atlantic, resulting in the biggest award for damages in English history.
Though it's filled with famous names, witty quotes, and pulse-pounding accounts of lunatic balloon adventures, it is as a business thriller that the book really scores. His instinctive bet-the-ranch tactics could cost him all, or earn another billion. Either way, Branson will likely remain the most entertaining entrepreneur in Europe. --Tim Appelo
Book Description
"Oh, screw it, let's do it."
That's the philosophy that has allowed Richard Branson, in slightly more than twenty-five years, to spawn so many successful ventures. From the airline business (Virgin Atlantic Airways), to music (Virgin Records and V2), to cola (Virgin Cola), to retail (Virgin Megastores), and nearly a hundred others, ranging from financial services to bridal wear, Branson has a track record second to none.
Losing My Virginity is the unusual, frequently outrageous autobiography of one of the great business geniuses of our time. When Richard Branson started his first business, he and his friends decided that "since we're complete virgins at business, let's call it just that: Virgin." Since then, Branson has written his own "rules" for success, creating a group of companies with a global presence, but no central headquarters, no management hierarchy, and minimal bureaucracy.
Many of Richard Branson's companies--airlines, retailing, and cola are good examples--were started in the face of entrenched competition. The experts said, "Don't do it." But Branson found golden opportunities in markets in which customers have been ripped off or underserved, where confusion reigns, and the competition is complacent.
And in this stressed-out, overworked age, Richard Branson gives us a new model: a dynamic, hardworking, successful entrepreneur who lives life to the fullest. Family, friends, fun, and adventure are equally important as business in Branson's life. Losing My Virginity is a portrait of a productive, sane, balanced life, filled with rich and colorful stories:
Crash-landing his hot-air balloon in the Algerian desert, yet remaining determined to have another go at being the first to circle the globe
Signing the Sex Pistols, Janet Jackson, the Rolling Stones, Boy George, and Phil Collins
Fighting back when British Airways took on Virgin Atlantic and successfully suing this pillar of the British business establishment
Swimming two miles to safety during a violent storm off the coast of Mexico
Selling Virgin Records to save Virgin Atlantic
Staging a rescue flight into Baghdad before the start of the Gulf War . . .
And much more. Losing My Virginity is the ultimate tale of personal and business survival from a man who combines the business prowess of Bill Gates and the promotional instincts of P. T. Barnum.
Also available in the UK from Virgin Publishing, and in Canada from General Publishing,
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
I'd rather get the updated edition.......2007-10-18
There is an updated (614 page) version of this title available, but I can see that this first edition is still widely available. No matter where you go, they are trying to sell this at "full" price, taking advantage of Branson's popularity. Meanwhile, if you want more bang for your buck (and who doesn't), why not get the latest edition instead? Branson is in my opinion totally unique in his personality and drive (charisma, I don't know, I think some others have more of that) and I learn a lot from his experiences, so can you!
Excellent.......2007-10-01
I have read this book three times. Branson does business the way we should all aspire to do business. He has built businesses that he is passionate about. He enjoys his life and has been exceptionally successful. I find it to be an inspiring and enjoyable read. Probably why I have returned to it multiple times.
The best book I've read!.......2007-09-24
This is probably the best book I've ever read so far. Its not a business book, so read it as you would "literature" over a weekend... but its filled with great entertaining stories and helps you see how this guy's life has been. And you definitely learn some lessons.
If you are an entrepreneur, you MUST read Losing my Virginity!
Enjoyable read. Buy it!.......2007-09-14
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I'm not big on reading autobiographies, but this one I really enjoyed, couldn't put it down!
Good Book, Easy Read.......2007-08-13
Very enjoyable read. He does not give you any great business insight, but it is an uplifting and encouraging story.
Average customer rating:
- Double Entendre Had Everything To Do With It
- A fascinating read
- Self-Aggrandizing, but Unapologetic and Thoroughly Entertaining.
- What a Woman! What a Star! What an Ego!
- A classic by now
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Goodness Had Nothing to Do With It
Mae West
Manufacturer: Manor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0685652890 |
Customer Reviews:
Double Entendre Had Everything To Do With It.......2007-05-20
Mae West considered writing her autobiography as early as 1957 and several publishing houses had already approached her. A flood in the mid-thirties destroyed documents of her early vaudeville appearances stored in the basement of her Hollywood apartment building, The Ravenswood, and other papers stored at her ranch house were eaten by rats.
Since arriving in Hollywood, her film career had been well-documented, but West had only a faint recollection of what happened and where. She asked Larry lee, who assisted her with the novelization of "Diamond Lil" to research her early stage career. Lee suggested they try writing a few chapters to see how things went. Eventually Stephen Longstreet, an author who ghosted other star biographies came on board to help West pull together her book, and was given credit for his "editorial assistance." West apparently supervised everything and pointed out, "Nobody can write about me except me," a remarkable feat considering she barely completed the third grade.
The driving force in West's decision to pen her memoirs was that someone else might try to write an unauthorized account of her life and there wasn't much she could do about it since much of her life had been spent in the public domain. Initially West protested that she had so much more to do with her life, but friends pointed out she could write a sequel in the future. Some of the the early working titles West had in mind for her memoirs were "Queen of Sex," and "Come Up and See Me Sometime."
Although West's autobiography went through several printings in hardback and soft cover, critic's reaction to her account of her life was mixed. Theatre Arts stated "the heart of gold is outweighed by the purse of gold and the gloating over box-office grosses," while the New York Times reviewer found West's tome "theatre wise, basically clean, sometimes corny, often entertaining yarn."
Perhaps Mae West's self penned novel, "Babe Gordon," published in 1930 and later rechristened, "The Constant Sinner," was closer to the actual events of her life, that she dared not reveal in her later biography. The inside panel of the original cover proclaimed, "Constantly sinning and constant to her sin, Babe Gordon, the heroine of this vigorous story belongs to that rare type of woman who uses her beauty and sexual allure as a soldier uses his weapons - without mercy or scruple. She is irresistible to every type of man, from the bruisers of the prize ring to the sensitive sons of aristocracy. She is canny, worldly wise, quick thinking. All her art , her wisdom, her will is to love; and when her passion for one man cools, she kindles it in another.
In a classic example of life imitating art, Mae West was outraged when Confidential magazine featured an expose on her private life alleging her sexual proclivity for black men. Chalky Wright, "a bronze boxer" whom West had met was "invited up to see her sometime" and ended up living with her for a year. Confidential magazine claimed "West's favorite color combination, as only the men in her life know, is black and white."
As a result of Mae West's appearance in Myra Breckinridge in 1970, interest in her was at an all-time high, and MacFadden-Bartell published an updated edition of her biography in paperback.
West asked George Eiferman, a former 1948 Mr. America, and 1962 Mr. Universe title holder, to write an eight page appendix entitled "My Story," explaining the events that led to Chuck Krauser aka Paul Novak knocking out Mickey Hargitay. West sagely secured affidavits from the other bodybuilders in the act supporting her statement that she had never shown romantic interest in Hargitay. When asked why it would possibly matter years after the fact, West pointed out, "That's where you're not thinkin' clear. It's when he gets desperate that he'll try to peddle a story, '"I was the One Man Mae West Wanted but Couldn't Get."
West's prophesy was realized when Gordon Mitchell, one of the muscleman in her Vegas act was quoted in the July 2001 issue of Premier : "Mickey won't tell you this but I will. Mae was crazy about him! He was the first guy who ever rejected her." Other chapters in West's updated memoirs dealt with the filming of Myra Breckinridge and outlined plans for future projects.
For the serious student of Mae West lore, "Goodness Had Nothing To Do With It" is an excellant starting off point to discover why Mae West can be considered the most fascinating woman of the Twentieth Century.
A fascinating read.......2006-05-01
Mae West (1893-1980) was well known in her day as a leading sex symbol. But, she was more than a pretty face and a set of wild curves. Ms. West had a mind of her own, and a great deal of talent - she was an actress, a playwright and a screenwriter. Her on-screen personae featured a great deal of double entendre, and she considered discussing human sexuality to be a basic human right. In 1959, she published her autobiography, which was designed to tell her story, from her angle, and this is it!
Overall, I found this to be a fascinating read. Mae West was a fascinating woman, and led life the way she wanted to. Now, whenever any writes an autobiography, it is so that they can put their own spin on things, presenting themselves as they want to be presented. Well, that's the fun of an autobiography, and I must say that Goodness Had Nothing To Do With It is a lot of fun.
Plus, I must say that I loved her particular take on Broadway and Hollywood. So, if you are interested in that golden Ms. West (diamond would be closer to the truth), then this is the book for you. Also, if you are interested in early 20th century Broadway or early Hollywood, then this is also a book that you should read. I give it two thumbs up!
Self-Aggrandizing, but Unapologetic and Thoroughly Entertaining........2005-10-21
"Goodness Had Nothing to Do With It" takes its title from a line in Mae West's first film, 1932's "Night After Night". By 1959, when the first edition of this autobiography was published, Mae West had conquered stage, screen, and Las Vegas and not lost a bit of sassy style in her 66 years. "Goodness Had Nothing to Do With It" is an unabashedly self-aggrandizing tour of Mae West's professional life and loves, but it's nothing if not entertaining. The story begins with a self-possessed -if not self-obsessed- child from Brooklyn who made her stage debut at age 7 -barely, since she refused to go on stage until the spotlight was on her. Mae turned professional at age 8, debuted on Broadway at 18, caused a sensation soon thereafter with her wriggle, began to write her own plays in the 1920s, was jailed for "corrupting the morals of youth" soon after, followed with films in the 1930s, a return to the stage in the 1940s, and Las Vegas night clubs in the 1950s.
"Goodness Had Nothing to Do With It" focuses more on the conception of West's plays and movies than on other aspects of her life. This might be explained by West's passion for her career above all else, but she never did like to discuss her personal life. West believed that personal confessions amounted to overexposure and undermined her value as an entertainer. That may have been true when she was a huge star, but a candid autobiography could do her nothing but good in 1959. Mae West spent a lifetime creating and reinforcing a persona, though, so that's what she does here. She speaks fondly of the men in her life, but without many intimate details. Ironically, Mae West eschewed vulgarity, always preferring insinuation. But that sometimes left me wondering if she was a libertine or a tease. And surely her ego and inflexible nature frustrated a few of her lovers, whom West would have us believe all worshipped her unfailingly. I'm not sure how literally to take "Goodness Had Nothing to Do With It", but Mae West always did put on a great show, and this book is no exception. Her fans won't want to miss it.
What a Woman! What a Star! What an Ego!.......2003-08-23
Originally written in the 1950s and later updated in the early 1970s, GOODNESS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT is the autobiography of the celebrated Mae West, one of the 20th century's greatest stars of stage and screen. It is an entertaining read, and in her writings West perfectly captures that unique tone and way with words that made her world famous.
But whether she intended it to be so or not, the most interesting thing about the autobiography is its revelation of the incredible ego that drove her. To hear her tell it, West was born with absolute self-awareness, knew what she wanted from the cradle, and was well on her way to getting it before she could walk. Be it saving the life of a drowning child, doing a lion-taming act, or living out the life of sex goddess to end all sex goddesses, Mae West did it first--and if not first, at least better. And if either of those are a matter of opinion, there is clearly only one opinion that counts with West: hers.
Sometimes she is factually inaccurate, as in her assesment of the box office success of MY LITTLE CHICKADEE (it was not a big hit at the time.) Sometimes she simply ignores an unpleasant fact or two, as when she declares that her film work ended because no one could offer her a good script (in truth, her screen career ended because public taste had changed and her films simply weren't living up to box office expectations any more.) But the truly astonishing thing about her various claims is how often they really are correct: yes, she really did save Paramount from bankruptcy; yes, she really was the highest-paid star in 1930s Hollywood; yes, her stage work was every bit as legendary as she says it was.
If West's autobiography often comes off as boastful, it has reason to be so; even so, the tone of unending self-praise does have a way of wearing a bit thin after a while, and now and then a little humility would not have been amiss. And if you're expecting a litany of lovers and bedroom details, you will no doubt be disappointed in the book. West gives few details and names no names.
Even so, it is a fascinating--or should I say fascinatin'--read. It was a indeed a brilliant career, a remarkable life, a memorable personality. If you're a fan, this is a must have.
--GFT (Amazon.com Reviewer)--
A classic by now.......2001-09-04
Though sugar coated and boastful, it covers a great deal with photos only she could/would provide. A must for any serious Mae West collector, especially if you can get it with it's original cover.
Average customer rating:
- One of my favorite books!
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- Loved it!
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- I have never read a better first page in a book!
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It Had to Be You
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Phillips, Susan Elizabeth
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ASIN: 0380776839
Release Date: 2002-03-05 |
Book Description
The Windy City isn't quite ready for Phoebe Somerville -- the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who has just inherited the Chicago Stars football team. And Phoebe is definitely not prepared for the Stars' head coach Dan Celebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. Celebow is everything Phoebe abhors. And the sexy new boss is everything Dan despises -- a meddling bimbo who doesn't know a pigskin from a pitcher's mound.
So why is he drawn to the shameless sexpot like a heat-seeking missile? And why does the coach's good ol' boy charm leave cosmopolitan Phoebe feeling awkward, tongue-tied....and ready to fight?
The sexy, heartwarming, and hilarious "prequel" to Susan Elizabeth Phillip's This Heart of Mine -- her sensational bestsellng blockbuster -- It Had To Be You is an enchanting story of two stubborn people who believe in playing for keeps.
Download Description
The Windy City isn't quite ready for Phoebe Somerville -- the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who has just inherited the Chicago Stars football team. And Phoebe is definitely not prepared for the Stars' head coach Dan Celebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. Celebow is everything Phoebe abhors. And the sexy new boss is everything Dan despises -- a meddling bimbo who doesn't know a pigskin from a pitcher's mound.
So why is he drawn to the shameless sexpot like a heat-seeking missile? And why does the coach's good ol' boy charm leave cosmopolitan Phoebe feeling awkward, tongue-tied....and ready to fight?
The sexy, heartwarming, and hilarious "prequel" to Susan Elizabeth Phillip's This Heart of Mine -- her sensational bestsellng blockbuster -- It Had To Be You is an enchanting story of two stubborn people who believe in playing for keeps.
Customer Reviews:
One of my favorite books!.......2007-09-08
Dan was an especially real character, and very attractive. There was good sexual tension between Phoebe and him. For instance, I liked the scene when Dan mistakes Phoebe for his ex-wife and attempts to play out one of his wife's fantasies, even though he's a little disgusted by the fact he's doing this.
I didn't mind that Phoebe was a little bimbo-ish. She's not really. It's just the way she was brought up to think she should behave.
I believed in this romance and believed the characters should be together and would have a happy life together after I closed the book. I've re-read it several times over the years. I think it's great.
What happened?.......2007-08-15
I ordered this book because of all the great reviews. It took me a while to get into it, but once I did, I really started to like it. And then the end came....I couldn't have been more dissapointed. The end of this book had so much going on, and so much of it was completely ridiculous, that I just couldn't wrap my head around it. I don't want to ruin it for everyone, so I won't give you specifics. I can only tell you that once the last game begun, I was completely put off by how quickly and ridiculously the story played out. Susan Elizabeth Phillips has it in her to be a good writer, I just don't think this was her best work.
Loved it!.......2007-08-07
Susan Elizabeth Phillips does it again! I read this book a few years ago, but purchased it now so I can reread as often as I'd like. If you're not one of her fans, you will be after reading this book. Awesome story line, characters, believability, and humor.
wow!!!.......2007-05-21
i read this book. then went out and found every other one she has ever written. it is wonderful!!!!
I have never read a better first page in a book!.......2007-05-21
And then the book just got better. Ms Phillips is the best dialogue writer in the world, bar none. The stories, the sex scenes, the crazy mix-ups, the wild hairs, everything always just blends together to create something utterly fabulous with everything she writes. I just hope I have as much spunk as these ladies do! They say and do what you would hope you would in the situation :)
I love the over-lapping books--please keep writing them! You are just a divine writer and I'll buy anything you write!
Average customer rating:
- Great "new mom" book - honesty, humor
- Your Outspoken Friend
- I laughed until I cried
- A breath of fresh air
- THank You, Thank You, THank YOu
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Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay: And Other Things I Had to Learn as a New Mom
Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
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ASIN: 1416915060 |
Book Description
The moment the second line on the pee stick turns pink, women discover they've entered a world of parenting experts.
Friends, family, colleagues, the UPS delivery guy -- suddenly everybody is a trove of advice, much of it contradictory and confusing. With dire warnings of what will happen if baby is fed on demand and even direr warnings of what will happen if he isn't, not to mention hordes of militant "lactivists," cosleeping advocates, and books on what to worry about next, modern parenthood can seem like a minefield.
In busy Mom-friendly short essays, Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay delivers the empathetic straight dirt on parenting, tackling everything from Mommy & Me classes ("Your baby doesn't need to be making friends at three months old -- you do! But not with people you'll meet at Mommy & Me") to attachment parenting ("If you're holding your baby 24/7, that's not a baby, that's a tumor"). Stefanie Wilder-Taylor combines practical tips with sidesplitting humor and refreshing honesty, assuring women that they can be good mothers and responsibly make their own choices. A witty and welcome antidote to trendy parenting texts and scarifying case studies, Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay provides genuine support, encouragement, and indispensable common-sense advice.
Customer Reviews:
Great "new mom" book - honesty, humor.......2007-10-05
Any "New Mom" book that is written with humor and honesty is OK is my book! Ms Wilder's book is refreshing, honest, and funny on many topics "new mom" related. She discusses many issues a "new mom" will encounter. She starts with the issue of "instant bonding" - what a relief to know that I was not only one to take a few weeks to fall in love. From there she discusses other biggie "new mom" topics - the realities of breastfeeding, bottle feeding, baby-blues, feeding solid foods, babysitters, venturing out with your newborn, other new mothers, handling friends without children, sex after baby, A-type mommies, and different parenting styles, and much more. This is a book you can read at one sitting or one topic at a time. The author's honest, witty style is engaging and entertaining, and I suspect will give many "New Moms" a peaceful night's sleep.
Your Outspoken Friend .......2007-08-09
Her writing is so real & raw you feel as if you're sitting right next to her making fun of the "normal" mommies across the room. Although she is a little brazen on some of the sentimental moments some moms experience with having a baby, she does have a knack for making you laugh & enjoy the whole experience.
I laughed until I cried.......2007-07-30
At 7 months pregnant, (I'm now working on boy #2), everything that Stefanie writes about is very familiar. I've had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard that I was concerned I might have to change pants. My husband has laughed just as hard.
This book isn't for everyone. If you're a hopeless romantic, this might not be the book you want. But, if you're a strong, modern woman with a sense of humor...don't pass this one up. (If you like Vicki Iovine's "Girlfriend's Guides" you'll love this one.)
I'll be passing it on to my favorite girlfriends.
A breath of fresh air.......2007-07-09
Yes it is possible to be a new parent and retain a sense of humor! This book is very funny and if, like me, you have spent months pre-and post-baby combing through dozens of parenting books, it really does feel like a breath of fresh air. Stephanie's approach is real and honest and her bottom line is, you do whatever works for you. You can't fit your baby into a prescribed role according to some parenting technique. Some things work some of the time, nothing works all of the time, you just do the best you can to make it through the day!
THank You, Thank You, THank YOu.......2007-06-13
I needed this book!!! Buy it, it is the best decision on a book, My husband would look at me like I was crazy everytime I laughed outloud at the book. I would try to explain it, but he just couldn't understand!
Books:
- Baseball's Great Experiment: Jackie Robinson and His Legacy
- Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
- Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant
- Breaking Through
- Breaking Through
- Capitalism and Slavery
- Chinese American Voices: From the Gold Rush to the Present
- Colored People: A Memoir
- Coming of Age in Mississippi
- Crime Novels: American Noir of the 1950s: The Killer Inside Me / The Talented Mr. Ripley / Pick-up / Down There / The Real Cool Killers (Library of America)
Books Index
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