5 comments about The Pursuit of Happyness.

1. If Chris Gardner had any morals I'm sure they wouldn't have come out in this book as he goes to great lengths to tell you every sexual exploit he's made in his lost, disgusting, immoral life. I couldn't finish it. Talk about all his sexual escapades! ...and his inability to keep his d**k in his pants, and worse still, his inability to keep a wife because of it! He's a moral black hole taking thousands of susceptible people with him into the depths of crude, rude, disgusting, immoral, sex addiction-type behavior. There's nothing HAPPY about this book!
   
   I just threw mine away. If it would have fit in the toilet I would have flushed it. I'm sure it would have gotten stuck in the u-bend causing me even more misery to add to the misery I felt reading this life-sucking black hole of a book.



2. If you're interested in reading the book because you saw and loved the movie, you should be forewarned that you will find the effect of the movie somewhat diluted here, and also that the movie's version of events matches in very few particulars the actual events of his life as recorded in his autobiography.
   
   That said, the book provides much more background about Chris Gardner's life, and it is a fascinating and ultimately triumphant story--and, in the latter part of the story, his commitment to his son does shine through.
   
   His idol-worshipping meeting with Nelson Mandela at the end is a bit much, but otherwise Gardner's story is told with admirable sincerity and intelligence. And best of all, he's completely unapologetic about pursuing material wealth and prosperity, and saying that these are part of his pursuit of happiness. People who've been dirt poor are typically more honest about things like that than the self-righteous idiots who've been comfortable all their lives and never really had to work and then tell us sanctimoniously that "money can't buy happiness"--true, it can't, but it sure helps.
   
   And Chris Gardner's story is well worth the money.



3. I have read a few reviews that where readers preferred the Disneyfied movie to the strong and honest look at a real human life that Chris Gardner exposits in his book. That's a bit sad. I find his honesty refreshing and courageous in a world where many look askance on the rougher edges of our humanness while ignoring the courage it takes to reveal warts.
   
   This book inspired me and is about to change my life. It is the portrait of a man who never succumbed to self pity in spite of many odds stacked against him. He did not give in to bitterness either. He blamed no one for his plight, simply pushed forward and found solutions to each crisis he faced. He has set an example for the many people of all races recovering from abusive childhoods.
   
   It is not so easy to get the demons of low self worth and self pity out of your head when they have been placed there by parental figures and communities either convinced of their own moral superiority or simply exercising their own brand of ignorance over a childhood span of 18 years. It is a struggle, daily, until it is rebuilt and often times depends solely on the kindness of strangers who may or may not be from the polished set.
   
   The fact that he prevailed from sheer dogged determination and a refusal to accept the labels others applied to him is a wondrous and beautiful thing and should spark hope into the hearts of those who know his story all too well from personal experience.
   
   If you prefer the pristine bubble of a Disneyified existence, stick to the movie. If you are not afraid of the grit of human life and are not easily offended, read the book. It is far superior and much more satisfying.



4. This book was very motivational and taught me a great lesson in humility, perserverace, and hope. I would recommend to everyone!



5. I have to read this book for class, but it's sooo good I don't even mind it. Great story

5 comments about Live What You Love: Notes from an Unusual Life.

1. First, a few confessions. I did not read this book, I only skimmed parts of it while in a bookstore. Also, I am naturally cynical, though I want to believe in people (an idealist at heart hidden beneath a cynic's clothing). Normally, I would never consider writing a review for something I never read-- a big pet peeve of mine. However, skimming this book and reading the reviews of the other book by the Blanchard's, "A Trip to the Beach : Living on Island Time in the Caribbean", compelled me to balance out the five star reviews. What I did read of this book seemed very shallow, self-congratulatory, and generally obnoxious and annoying. My feelings were lent further validity when I saw the negative reviews of "A Trip to the Beach : Living on Island Time in the Caribbean" (overall, it does have a four and a half-star rating, though the several negative reviews had a lot of merit). Those reviews pointed out that the Blanchard's were rich before they moved to the Caribbean and they had owned eight businesses previously (one of which was a restaurant in Anguilla before they opened "Blanchard's"). Yet the Blanchards portray themselves as free spirits who on a whim and against logic took a risk to follow their dreams. They write a misleading book ("A Trip...") and then follow it up this disingenous crap. In addition, the Blanchards have a condescending tone towards the natives on the island, and seem to be more concerned about themselves and their business than other people. So basically, they fall into the all-too-prevalent stereotype of rich, old, white people who don't realize how lucky they are (financially, anyway) and who do not appreciate or respect others. Publishing several books about their "heroic" and "inspiring" tales is even more callous and fake. They should run for political office in Anguilla.
   
   If none of this matters to you and all you want is regurgitated, BS fluff to inspire you to do something that the the authors didn't do, buy and read this book. Otherwise, abstain.



2. I was disappointed. The Blanchards sound like very nice, fun, hard-working people who embrace change and roll with the punches. They see opportunities and they seize those opportunities. I admire that and would probably like them in person.
   
   The book, however, annoyed me. Aside from its Trump-like self-congratulatory tone and phoney sounding dialogue, there was a bigger issue that I could not get past.
   
   The book talks about how the Blanchards live out their dreams after coming back from the brink of financial ruin, following the long-term hospitalization of their very prematurely born son. They do this by "following their hearts." I don't dispute the importance of that, but maybe the fact that the hospital decided to pick up the tab for the Blanchards had just a LITTLE something to do with it.
   
   I was so happy for the Blanchards when I read about the hospital's kindness to them. I could not wait to read about how the Blanchards would be inspired by that act and someday do something kind for someone else... how they would incorporate that kindness into their lives and business ventures. What goes around, comes around, right? Maybe they'd donate a percentage of book profits toward medical research? Or do restaurant promotions to support families with sick children? I was disappointed that there is never any mention of them doing anything to help anyone but themselves.
   
   Then, there's the "financial struggles." At times, they are legitimate. But then, when they miss Vermont and want to get back somehow, it sounds as though the Blanchards scrimp and save to buy a piece of property in hopes of "someday" building a small house they could retreat to for 2-3 months a year. A few pages later, they're building the house and struggling to make it happen on a tight budget. I'm not sure their definition of "budget" is the same as most people's, considering it's a majestically situated 6400 square foot home and art studio.
   
   For all I know, the Blanchards may be two of the most generous, philanthropic people around but that never comes across in the book. Perhaps it was the book's "preachy" tone that made the absence of any mention of selflessness so conspicuous. My impression of this book is that it is nothing more than a marketing tool to promote their other books, restaurant, and possibly upcoming resort. They seem to view themselves as free-spirits, but what comes across in the book is that they are really good salespeople.



3. This book was amazing. I had bought 10 copies to provide to my guests at our destination wedding to Anguilla and everyone loved the books. I personally read it on the plane ride down there and found it to be quite inspirational. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to begin enjoying life to the fullest



4. "Life is to be lived and to be loved", writes Blanchard, which befittingly defines the doctrine of Bob and Melinda's lives, as well as the invaluable message conveyed in "Live What You Love". In an uniquely inspirational companion book to their first triumph, "A Trip to The Beach", Bob and Melinda Blanchard reflect on their extraordinary and anomalous lives full of successes and failures.
   
   The book shares some of their salutary words of wisdom learned from a remarkable life to help you begin to live a life you love. Organized into a series of random intriguing personal short stories, you are provided with tonic quotes and an end to each chapter with a checklist for you to begin striving towards your own aspirations. This book is to be held and carried indefinitely, not rushed through like a novel. It's designed to be read over and over again, consoling a reader like a Tony Robbins or Joel Osteen book.
   
   We've all heard the admonition of, "follow your dreams", but what does it really mean? Where do we begin? I have a steady job and am receiving AARP applications in the mail, is it too late? For anyone who might still hold an unconventional long cherished dream that doesn`t snugly fit into the sequence of an "average American lifestyle", Bob and Melinda do more than tell us how, they show us. To read "A Trip to The Beach" and "Live What You Love" consecutively will have you reflecting on where you are currently and wondering why you haven't begun to fertilize a lifelong dream kept in your backseat.
   
   As Blanchard sums it up, "Our Life is a series of positive acts with purpose." Having lived a life less ordinary; opening eight businesses, residing in two countries, building everything from restaurants to sailboats, to going from six digit debtors to wealthy entrepreneurs has bestowed the Blanchards with a crate full of knowledge on how to live a life for what you are truly passionate for. Despite any atypicalities or the absence of predetermined roadmaps for success, the Blanchards overcame much apprehension in shadowy times to become impelling life motivators.



5. This was a great book to read during a vacation when the renewal of the spirit welcomes suggestions for renewing a sense of purpose in working life.
   What a refreshing view of work !In a time when many people feel their work has taken over their lives, this short book describes how one couple made their jobs fit their lives.

5 comments about Alice Waters and Chez Panisse: The Romantic, Impractical, Often Eccentric, Ultimately Brilliant Making of a Food Revolution.

1. This is living proof that if we would only eat what is fresh and in season, we would experience flavor and taste, and "better for you" foods, as the food is FRESHER---this remarkable chef has treated food with respect-no contrivance here. Read and eat!



2. I enjoyed reading this because of the subject's devotion to fresh, local, sustainable food, but was disappointed in the writing. The book is mainly a compilation of quotes from Alice Waters and her friends and people she's worked with - there's no synthesis provided by the author, no insight. It seems on the surface to be giving an honest portrait of the woman and her restaurant, but I just felt that there was a lot left unrevealed and unanalyzed. Instead of giving a clear-eyed assessment, this book fit into the mold of every project Alice has embarked on: She handpicked her biographer and gave him full access to sources so that it feels like a community effort, but she also made sure the book only carried the tone she desired - the tone she envisioned it should have - and was too impatient to provide or allow any introspection.



3. ...book about a woman and her restaurant - constantly on the verge of going broke in the early days but went on to become the most influential and inspirational person in the American restaurant business. A must for all foodies (although Alice doesn't like the word!)



4. I just finished the book and although I was engaged in the story the first half of the book, the 2nd half really dragged. Maybe if you have had the great pleasure to dine at Alice's restaurant, perhaps the story would have kept your attention better than mine. It's interesting to learn about the evolution of fine dining in this country and the recent movement for slow food. Alice Waters is a hero for her work way beyond the walls of her restaurant. However, the writing was inconsistent.



5. The author explores an important chapter in American culinary history and examines a unique contributor to that history. Once I fought my way through the book, I learned a few things:
   1.)the food world has always been full of adventurous and idiosyncratic people and Ms. Waters is no exception.
   2.)while her contribution and commitment to evolving the national palate is significant, it is wildly overstated. I am reminded of Jacques Pepin's reaction in his autobiography of their first meeting and listening to her overly serious discourse on her food: what's the big deal?
   3.)her single minded drive is typical of all zealots- they are surrounded by acolytes and squish like bugs many of those who they have used, typically by having others do the dirty work. Her exploitation of her ex husband for breeding was notably offensive.
   
   Despite all, Mr. McNamee would have rated 4 stars were it not for execrable writing, filled with inexplicable whining and adulation. Many anecdotes were intended to be revelatory but were mostly perplexing. Sentences were often poorly crafted, with grammar that escaped the editor's eye. Sorry, but a few more drafts would have resulted in a much better book.

5 comments about King of the Club: Richard Grasso and the Survival of the New York Stock Exchange.

1. A few years ago, when I first heard of Mr. Grasso's salary I recoiled in shock. The presentation of the "facts" by the press led me like the pied piper to this inevitable reaction. Simply stated, I believe I reacted in the way that the news media wanted me to; in a sense I was programmed by the coverage to react the way I did. In retrospect, there may have been some balanced reporting out there at the time; I did not read everything or even a great deal about the case. It seemed so open and shut.
   
   I purchased this book, not so much because it was about the NYSE and Mr. Grasso, but because I admire the author. Now, I admire the author even more and I have, at last, been exposed to a balanced account of the "Grasso story." Although I doubt that Mr. Gasparino intended it, I have come to the conclusion that Mr. Grasso's pay was what his peers thought it should be. Mr. Grasso's detractors say that he stacked the compensation committee and the board with his allies.
   
   All of us who work for institutions have their pay determined by others. Furthermore, some of us, including me, have cultivated those who determine their pay and have received above average salary advancement on a consistent basis, often because of this cultivation. Besides schmoozing those who set our pay, most of us try to excel at our jobs and thus repay the organization for our compensation. In Mr. Grasso's case there is so much objective evidence that he executed extraordinarily as an employee of the NYSE, at all position levels, that I find it difficult to rationalize the attacks made on him.
   
   Bad "optics" is used to explain the awkwardness of Mr. Grasso's salary package at the time of its revelation to the public at large. Having been the victim of negative "optics" about my own salary level, I understand what this meant for Mr. Grasso. In his case, as in mine, people thought they could gain personally by making attacks on the level of compensation. There is no point complaining about the unfairness of this process, e.g. standards being applied selectively by a person to justify an attack on another person. Where "politics" intervenes, and it often does, fairness flees.
   
   Mr. Gasparino's book reveals much about the "politics" of the stock marketplace and how the objectives of various players conflict with one another in this highly competitive world. The oft heard complaint that Mr. Grasso was the chief regulator of the NYSE members and therefore should not have received such a high salary, becuase regulators are never paid very much, smells bad or, at best is simply naive. It is true that ONE of Mr. Grasso's MANY responsibilities was that of a regulator but his primary function was to promote the welfare of the NYSE and its member organizations. This he did superbly and, for what it's worth, I have the impression that he was not such a bad regulator given all of the conflicts of interest that are inherent in any system of what is euphemistically called "self regulation."
   
   Perhaps, I should say that I know none of the players in this story. In fact, I have never been inside the NYSE building and have never had any connection with the financial industry other than as small stock holder. After reading the book, I am kind of glad that I've had no connection. Furthermore, as much as I now admire Mr. Grasso because of this book, I would not want to ever have reported to him. His relentless obsession with the NYSE and his successful job execution make him a "larger than life" figure in the history of the exchange and the exchange, if it has not already done so, should prominently display his portrait with accolades or even a statue with an appropriate positive inscription on its base. His obsession would also have made him an unbearable boss for me, at least that is what my decades of direct experience of bosses leads me to believe.
   
   Mr. Gasparino's book certainly opened my eyes. I believe that anyone whose mind is not already closed on the subject could learn something new about the "life and times of Mr. Grasso at the NYSE," by reading this book. Regardless, for the outsider, this book reveals a great deal about the NYSE and its inner workings. Congratulations Mr. Gasparino on a fine and balanced piece of financial reporting!



2. Gasparino proves himself to be one of the most tuned in reporters of Wall Street in this fascinating gossipy book about the rise and self inflicted fall of Dick Grasso as the head of the New York Stock Exchange. Gasparino obviously has done a lot of digging; replete with inside stories, quotes from most of the participants, and leaks, they all paint a vivid landscape of the machinations of the Street and the politics of New York City. What is remarkable is the long term brilliance of some and the myopia of others as the institution of the Exchange is changed by Grasso's fall. The Aesopian tale of the scorpion and the frog comes to mind in the interplay of Spitzer and Grasso. Once allies, they boarded the raft together until the existing pay package scandal was exacerbated by John Reed and his investigation. One can all but imagine Grasso asking, "why me?" To which the now disgraced scorpion responds "it is in my nature." How true that all seems in the aftermath of Spitzer's fall into the mire of call girl scandal.



3. Interesting and informative read about one of the bigger scandals on Wall street in recent years, that of Richard Grasso's huge retirement package. Executive pay is something most of us can easily get riled up about, and the book seems to do a good job giving us both sides of the story so we avoid seeing it as a black and white issue. In the end the issue may not be the pay itself, but the chain of events and lack of oversight that lead up to it. What interested me more than the executive pay issue itself was getting some insight into the power-plays and politics involved on Wall Street, which even today must be playing itself out with the collapse of Bear Stearns and the Spitzer scandal making the most recent headlines.
   
   The book also sheds some light on the internal workings at the NYSE, although I think it could've gone into much more depth about issues dealing with shady behavior by NYSE specialists, and other ways the system seems to be screwing the small investors.There are mentions of front-running, inter-positioning, manipulation, big fines paid by the specialists, quotes such as specialists having a "license to steal".. but in the end, I'm left wondering what became of all this. How much money did they "steal" from the 401K's? Did I somehow get screwed when I bought/sold a NYSE stock? One thread in the book also dealt with the particularly persistent CEO of AIG trying to get the specialist to give more support to the stock. Perhaps this is the advantage a company receives by being listed on the NYSE, but as a normal investor, the idea of the specialist giving artificial support to a stock based on the CEO's wishes is a scary one if not outright illegal.
   
   All-in-all an enjoyable read for anyone interested in learning more about what really happens on Wall Street.



4. I'm not sure who was the first person to make that statement, but after reading Gasparino's book it certainly rings true. I've always been a Grasso fan after seeing him shrug off being called "the little bald-headed crook" on the Imus program. Imus of course makes his living insulting (usually) important people, some of whom don't take it kindly... Grasso (and the NYSE) were also big contributors to the Imus Ranch for Kids with Cancer -- a great cause.
   
   On the other hand, I never could understand how the specialists (whose existence Grasso defended against powerful critics like Fidelity and Goldman Sachs) could actually add value to what is basically an auction. Ebay, for example, seems to work fine by automatically managing its marketplace, and as a private investor I can't tell the difference between an NYSE transaction or a NASDAQ one except on the NASDAQ I can view "level 2 quotes" (an explanation of which is outside the scope of this review).
   
   But Grasso deserves credit for building (and, after 9/11 rebuilding) the NYSE. And you can certainly make a case for some kind of human interface after seeing what happened during the '87 crash.
   
   Charlie Gasparino has an informal but precise writing style. It's as if you're having a beer with him after a hard day trading, and he lightens things up relating tales like Maria Bartiromo (from the floor of the exchange on live CNBC TV) being nearly run over (and then cussed-out) by an NYSE trader in hurry. After questioning 17 of the "animals", the culprit was identified, fined, and had a black mark on his "permanent record". Of course having a glamorous anchor mingling with "real" traders on live TV was at least one area where the hated NASDAQ could never compete...
   
   Now that the NYSE is nearly all electronic like the NASDAQ, and most of the specialists and traders are out of a job, a long chapter in the US stock market history is at a close. A bigger threat to both may be the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation, which is causing overseas corporations to question the value of listing on ANY US exchange.
   
   After reading the book, I'm still a big Grasso fan and think if the titans running Goldman, Bear, etc. were worth their (much bigger) paychecks then the "little guy" certainly deserved his...



5. An interesting work that provides an inside picture of not only the NYSE, Wall Street but also some of the powerful people involved in high finance and corporate America. This book is particularly for you if you are looking for a detailed biography of Grasso. I was looking forward to reading about the pay controversies involving the 140 million retirement cash payout with a contested 48 million additional sum and the battle with Elliott Spitzer over, what was construed, as an excessive payment for a non-profit company. The interest in pay and Spitzer's involvement doesn't really take off until roughly 180 plus pages. However, the first half of the book covers well Grasso's rise from humble means and start with the NYSE, his involvement with the floor traders, his rise, his ability to recruit companies to the NYSE and his ability to promote the NYSE with the ringing of the bell each day with celebrity and his getting the NYSE up and running after 9-11. And there is some glitz about Grasso's high power associations, dinner at Rio's and his celebrity. The fall starts with the emergence of his pay package that grows with one of his strongest supporters on the compensation board with significant salary increases that are often deferred into a NYSE retirement account. Although hard to fathom, even after reading the book, it seems that many on the compensation board, although recognizing the value of Grasso, seem to lose focus on what he is getting paid until Grasso decides to cash out 140 million all at once. Changes on the NYSE board that impact Grasso included current Treasurer Secretary Henry Paulson, with Goldman Sachs at the time, who, according to the author, undermines Grasso's position with the NYSE exchange board through back channels with the intention of modernizing the NYSE from floor traders to a computerized system. In addition, the failure of a former political associate of Spitzer's who acts as chair of the compensation review committee had great difficulty to comprehending Grasso's pay package that leads to conflicts that catch many members of the board surprised. Many of the NYSE board are well known names that range from Mel Karmazin, a Grasso supporter, to former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, who allegedly supported Grasso initially but turned against him. The book really takes an interesting turn when Grasso's pay goes public and his rare failure in public relations goes into over drive when he also tries to get a pal on the NYSE board after the individual had just been publicly run through by Spitzer. Also heating up the book is the coverage of the interim NYSE chairman's John Reed's loose cannon statements that irk the recently departed Grasso into fighting back full bore (amazing how supposedly smart people can say the wrong things publicly.) My only misgivings is that I wish there was more detail about the Spitzer v. Grasso fight over Grasso's pay that is only addressed in the final stages of the book and very lightly. However, by the end of the book, the NYSE moves from floor trading to a more modern computerized method of doing business during the chairman tenure of John Thain, formerly of Goldman & Sachs and an associate of Paulson's.

5 comments about Godfather of the Kremlin: The Decline of Russia in the Age of Gangster Capitalism.

1. Paul Klebnikov is a modern Russian hero. He was assasinated because he tried to show the world how corrupt Russia had become at the hands of the oligarchs. "The Decline of Russia in the Age of Gangster Capitalism" is well written and organized. It follows not only the "rise" of Berezovsky but also illustrates how the majority of the Duma (Russian Congress) was in fact acting on behalf of the gangsters or were in fact gangsters themselves holding seats in the house.
   It is a reavealing look into the saddest chapter of Russian history. A must read for anyone interested in politics or modern history. It is a shame and loss to us all that Paul was killed. Who knows what other truths he could have recovered had he lived. It is also a shame that in our modern age of information, only a few speak the truth - and if they speak to loudly they are silenced, as was Paul. May he rest in peace.
   If you enjoyed this book, Paul also did an interview called "Theft of the century: Privatization and the looting of Russia." If you google it, you will find it on the net.



2. Everybody should read this book - it helps to put the entire Litvinenko killing in perspective ; the dead Russian spy worked for Berezovsky - given Berezovsky long criminal history it would not be surprising at all that he was directly involved in murdering his own employee as part of his long ongoing campaign to overthrow the democratically elected president Putin and thereby illegally regain control of all of Russia's natural resources including in particular Russia's oil and gas wealth.



3. This book tells a powerful story that most Americans are, sadly, unfamiliar with. Mr. Klebnikov outlines in impressive detail the history of Russia during the very turbulent times of the 1990s. The development of gangster capitalism under the Yeltsin regime in an environment of political corruption was a tragic episode in Russian history and an example of an opportunity squandered. This book outlines the rise of the mafia in Russia in the post-glasnost time period and the links they had to the Chechens and to the political leaders of the time.
   
   While I sometimes became a bit lost in all the details and Russian names with which I was unfamiliar, the story came through well as Mr. Klebnikov built, step-by-step, a solid and well-documented case. This story is an important one for Americans who wish to better understand what happened during this time period and how it affected, and still affects, Russia. From political assassinations to presidential elections - the book tells a compelling and sadly disturbing story.
   
   Since I have several Russian friends, I felt I owed it to myself to become more familiar with recent Russian history. And this book did not let me down. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in understanding Russia better and I suspect it will in time become a classic for the detailed description it provides of this time period in Russian history.
   
   Highly recommended!



4. I personally witnessed the outcomes of the corrupted rule of the culprits portrayed by late Paul Klebnikov.
   Many Russians believe that the truths revealed in this book were the cause of author's murder.



5. This is a great book by a good author with a fantastic approach to the subject at hand.Even with all the warnings about some of the things being to good to be true ( or bad for that matter) the reality has surface just by watching the news about Russia.I like the fact that the author was able to track all the corrupt corporations in countries like Great Britain,Switzerland and USA.The author mentions names,dates and places with accuracy.Also i enjoyed his explanations and the political and economic ramifications that the corruption in Russia has brought.It is very sad to see how Boris Yeltsin drove Russia to the ground while pretending to be a good president.The Book shows how Yeltsin is as guilty as anyone in Russia of its problems.He was just a mummified puppet with a stupid smile.Anyone with interest in recient history of Russia should read this book.

5 comments about BUILDING A COMPANY: ROY O. DISNEY AND THE CREATION OF AN ENTERTAINMENT EMPIRE.

1. Bob Thomas presents a fascinating history of the Disney entertainment empire, with a special focus on Roy Disney's role in the company's growth. While Walt Disney was the creative genius (although he never drew a single picture of Mickey Mouse), Roy Disney provided the solid financial foundation, got the loans and made the deals that made Disney profitable. Thomas mixes the Disney brothers' personal history with an overview of the Disney Company's creative and financial expansion, as they balanced creativity with practical business fundamentals. This personal and corporate saga illustrates the value of a company's commitment to both a central driving purpose and core values. We [...] recommend this lively, engaging, entertaining read. Just one note: The Book's publisher, like so many other entities in the entertainment world, is a Disney subsidiary.



2. Finally someone who wrote about equally important, 2nd pilar of The Walt Disney Company. Its cofounder is greatly described in this book. It has many comparisons with his more famous brother Walt, but Roy's business affairs genious was equally important for the company, as Walt's creative genious. This book is a must read!!



3. What an interesting read! I had never heard of 'Roy O Disney', and perhaps that's the way he wanted it. Great insight into the man behind the man at one of the most well-known and well-loved companies in the world.

   This book will help you understand the difference between visionary leadership and organizational leadership. One without the other is all but irrelevant! Plus some interesting theories on money and risk-taking. Current self-absorbed (and overpaid) CEO's should read this book and take notes. Any comments Mr. Eisner?




4. I had the good fortune to have Walt Disney World as my first employer while Roy O. Disney was alive. He actually came to one of my job locations while I was working. Alas I was working in the back and missed meeting him.
   
   Prior to the theme park's opening fulltime employees were schooled at "Walt Disney World University" twenty to thirty hours a week. There were massive layers of learning. One lesson taught loud and clear was thousands of artists have come and gone unknown. The reason you know about Walt Disney is he had a brother who was a business genius named Roy. Roy made Walt Disney `happen'.
   
   Before Chapter One is a page with a few colorful paragraphs. This fun quote is a part of that page giving readers a flavor to this book.
   
   "When Walt and I were on the farm in Marceline, we had to sleep in the same bed. Now Walt was just a little guy, and he was always wetting the bed. And he's been peeing on me ever since."
   
   Roy sometimes added with the lighthearted observation: "I can say I'm the only man in the world who has been peed on by a genius."
   
   I enjoyed this book so much I had my high school age son read it. I am a fan of biographies and business. This is one of the top ten books I have read year to date. Today, December 20th is also the date Roy Disney entered eternity. This book gave me a clearer understanding of the Disney Organization that touched my life. I am so grateful it was written giving me a picture of Roy's sacrifices for building the Disney legacy of family fun to our world. His epitaph rings so true:
   
   Roy Disney
   A great and humble man who left this world a better place



5. I'm a big Disney fan. Having read "the animated man" all about Walt's life, I wanted to learn more about his right hand man. While Walt came up with great ideas, Roy (his older brother) ran the company and found the money to keep Walt going. This is a very interesting look at the man who occupied the second chair of one America's most influential companies. Great book.

5 comments about Diane: A Signature Life.

1. Diane gives us a facinating glimpse into her world of the fast lane of the 70s and the glamous life which she led. But a glimpse is all we really get and Diane spares us many details which she must have felt would offend the people still important in her life. Further, while she ostensibly takes responsibility for how her businesses went horribly wrong, we somehow get the feeling that everyone else was to blame. Hey, the next time you license your products to Sears, please take a step inside. You will see that it's not Saks! In sum, a fun read but it not a revealing biography or any kind of a business book.



2. Diane lets us inside her very glamourous life. she takes us from the 60's to the 90's. her life is full of fashion, family, friends and love. i really enjoyed this book and have a new admiration for diane.



3. This has to be one of the most insipid tales yet told. It's promoted as "she didn't have to work - but she did". She did? When? Where? Look - don't promote an idea and then tell the story that completely contrasts it. This person has yet to understand what "work" is. This book is a story of a rich person who uses connections to get richer. Wow! - what a story!
   Now if it was about a person who worked from nothing - and built a brand like the rest of us schleps would have to, then I'd say she did something - "she worked"! But not the case here, even though she portrays it that way. Unconvincing and boring.



4. This book is very interesting. YOu get to learn about the fashion industry and what to expect. Since I myself am interested in entering the fashion world as a career this book helped me understand that at times buisness may be stressful but always worthwhile. Diane von Furstenberg is a women that went through many hardships but was dedicated to her work, and someday i hope to do my work as succesfully as she did.
   -amanda, Grayslake



5. Yes, she came from a privileged background, and had many doors opened for her as a result, but definitely deserves all credit for what she made of those opportunities. She plays down the business side of herself, preferring to highlight the creative aspects of her personality, but underneath it all, she does seem to possess a sharp business sense and an intuition for how to best position and market her products. Also, the ability to constantly reinvent herself, and seek out new ideas comes through in the book. Her success story is inspiring.
   
   On the negative side, there was too much name-dropping. Some parts were annoyingly elitist - I think she must have said at least half a dozen times in the book (or at least it seems that way) that her ex-husband was a prince whose bloodline descends from the roman empire (or some other empire, don't remember). Connections to royalty are mentioned in awestruck tones, which is grating on the nerve. There is also a lot of touting of her own achievements - admittedly the pride is well deserved, but some subtlety in talking about it would have been classier.

5 comments about Twist of Faith: The Story of Anne Beiler, Founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels.

1. This was a great book and it was exactly what I expected.
   Everyone should read this book. I could not put it down.I loved it.



2. Anne Beiler's inspiring story of her life made it a very worthwhile book to read despite the layout of the book with mixing the past and present. The story about the tragic loss of her daughter cuts to the heart of any Mom. What I loved most was the tenacity to keep moving forward despite the many difficulties and challenges that she faced.
   
   As a Christian, I love the fact that she is not shy about expressing her faith in God and crediting Him for helping her through all the ups and downs in her personal and professional life. This isn't just about how the best pretzels on earth came about (although that part is fascinating) but it's about family, faith and finding fortune by persevering.
   
   After reading this book, what I realized most of all is that it's the journey that counts (not fame or fortune) and that's where you'll find your greatest blessings. Often they are right under your nose.



3. Book arrived in time and in excellent condition. I really enjoyed reading it, too. Not all that well-written it is still a fascinating - and amazin - true story of one woman's struggle to succeed.



4. I loved TWIST OF FAITH written by Anne Beiler. It was a great story of courage and faith. I would recommend it to everyone.



5. My wife loves Auntie Anne's Pretzels so I bought the book because I've been going there for the last few years. I knew they were from PA since we lived there when the company started. Great product by the way.
   
   But when you read this improbable and incredible journey of Anne and her family you know she built this company on a wing and a prayer with no background in business, being Amish and not graduating high school. It is not really a business book, other than to learn the value of faith in business.
   
   I was brought to tears many times reading it. She shares her painful business and personal journey, a journey of abuse by her Pastor and being the outcast of the family for telling. Big time read and I thank her for having the guts to share her journey of imperfection with the rest of us too afraid to do so.
   
   Great read.

No comments about Business As Unusual: My Entrepreneurial Journey, Profits With Principles.

5 comments about Display of Power: How FUBU Changed a World of Fashion, Branding and Lifestyle.

1. Have you ever gotten a book and you wanted to like it no matter what? Even during areas you weren't particularly fond of, you just kept on pushing along? Well, that's what I tried to do with this book. Before I read it, I was the biggest cheerleader of FUBU you ever wanted to see: I had outfits, boots, and I've bought more than a few FUBU gifts for Christmas gifts. But after reading this book, chances are I will never buy this product again. I'm so utterly disappointed right now.
   
   Cons: The creator seemed so deadset on pushing as many stereotypes in one book as he possibly could. If there's one thing that annoys me, it's when someone goes waaaay out of their way to prove that they are from the streets. People who are REALLY of and from the streets don't feel the need to brag about it so much; it's apparent as soon as they walk into a room and their mannerisms. But this guy just kept on talking about how "street" he was and kept trying to provide examples that say "Look! I'm street! Look at me!" I didn't find his anecdote about stealing childrens' flashlights and clothes funny, especially since he was a counselor. I didn't think it was cute when he denied being a drug dealer but admitted to selling weed. It annoyed me that his mother had to take on three jobs just because he chose to fail a test out of pure laziness. It blew my mind that he gave the Jewish guys who wanted to give him a chance the runaround just because they kept their options open, even though he would've been bankrupt in four months had he not accepted their offer. I thought it was absolutely dumb of him to accept such a massive amount of orders when he knew he didn't have the body power to get these clothes to the customers. Who in the world burns clothes, and continuously runs from the police and fire trucks? And why would you burn clothes long enough to get a tan? Some of the stuff in this book was just absolutely outlandish, and I couldn't get the sneer off my lips. But I still read on, in hopes of admiring these four brothas who promoted clothes "for us, by us." (By the way, the writer never did clarify what B.U.F.U. meant, which is important in a nonfiction piece.) Then I got to page 120 when one of the founders said that they started making coats with pockets for weed. Seriously though, was that really necessary? After that, I gave up on the book. I couldn't believe out of 120 pages, not once did the writer give a head nod to the other three brothas, besides mentioning that they were on some "street" picture that made them look "hard." I wish I could've read this book from the other three guys' perspective and hope that they wouldn't make such ignorant jokes. I won't even get into how goofy I think it is to talk about how proud he is of being a black-owned company but in 120 pages, I never heard about ONE black employee of their team (Jewish money partners, Latina seamstresses). I'm all about employing anyone who needs a job, but nothing about this book tells me that they were really trying to make clothes for black people; it just seems like it was all about money. There was even a scenario in this book about how smart the writer thought it was for Red Lobster to cheat people out of shrimp to save millions of dollars. And just as I expected, the writer went into several stories of his own as to how to cheat the customers and make money for himself. I hate to say it, but I no longer respect this clothing line. I'll stick to wearing Baby Phat, Apple Bottom, and Rocafella. Hopefully the founders of these lines won't write a book full of jokes that feed stereotypes. It's very disappointing when you read about a clothing line that's trying to cater to an audience and uplift them, but the book tells of cheating them, feeding into stereotypes, and not even being loyal. Wow.



2. I read this book in two sittings, which in it's self should say, this is a good book. I also read the first ladies' "Mr. Stereotype" review and I had to retort.
   This book to me seems to me like an account in Mr. John's life up to a couple years ago. He did not come across and a street thug but more as a struggling black man working on making it in America (he worked at Red Lobster) . I think young lady missed the point, and in turn a lot the knowledge that was passed along in the book like about taking chances, running with new ideas and believing in yourself. The story that was told in this book needs to be heard. There are not to many positive words of encouragement addressed to the hip hop nation, and this is one of them. Young enterpuernuers across the world should tip their hat to this gentleman and persons like the young lady whom wrote the first review, should read the book again.



3. I found this book very entertaining, interesting and inspirational.It follows a Brother from NY (Daymond John), who had a dream, through the many obstacles and roadblocks to his position of "power" as CEO of a company that did indeed change the fashion industry. Most importantly, the "power" is not one of a negative nature but rather positive in that he continued to work with the community as well as other individuals, including competitors, to make a change. He also shares how important his family and community was in this climb to the top, as demonstrated by the choice of the name, i.e. FUBU "for us,by us". Importantly, the impact of FUBU has been on all of society and not just the "hip hop" industry.



4. THIS BOOK WAS TO GHETTO FOR ME. THE AUTHOR SPENDS TOO MUCH TIME IN HIS PAST AND NOT ENOUGH TIME IN EXPLAINING SUCCESS.



5. In life the amazing stories are always the people who had an idea first and worked to make their immediate vision come true.
   They aren't sure about all it takes to make that vision come to life, but they work at something every day, blind to any obstacles.
   
   Years later they look back and truly can't believe how they got from where they started, to where the vision isn't just a reality, it's beyond anything they would have imagined.
   
   Daymond John's story is not only authentic, it has a ton of insight into brand building that you would read in any "Brand Think" book on the shelves.
   
   The fact that it comes from someone running a multimillion dollar/international company makes it a lot more real than Joe Marketing Specialist.
   
   Not to tear them down, because those writers do have their place.
   
   I've read the autobiographies of the Haggen Daz founders, Rose and Reuben Mattus; Howard Shultz's Starbucks adventures; Ray Croc grinding it out at McDonalds; just to name a few, and Daymond John's FUBU story is as impressive as their stories.
   
   I have more respect for him now than I did before opening the book.