5 comments about The Onassis Women.

1. I found this book provided a compassionate and insightful view about the lives of the Onassis family. Kiki, the author, was closely involved in the family's affairs and business matters, so her perception is close enough to dispell some of the gossip and rumors often associated with their tragedies. The descriptions of the Greek lifestyle and traditions are beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book while on vacation in the Greek isles portrayed by the author.



2. Kiki Mousatsos has told a moving account of of lives that seemed to be like fairytales, but sadly ended in nightmares. It is so rare to be able to read chapter after chapter graced with such love, insite and devotion to these mysterious and real people that the author so obviously carries with her to this day. The fact that she knew and loved these people like family and was given permission to write this moving story gives this book a rare quality. Grab some tissues and enjoy your read.



3. Although Kiki admired and grew to love her employers, I think she sugar coated many of her observations. She also made quite a few mistakes, so I wonder how much is true. The anecdotes she narrates are mostly known, she could have made up the whole thing. In all, a good account of a family who despite their wealth -or maybe on account of it- had many failures. But she does present them as human beings, with their good and bad qualities. Easy reading, but not much content.



4. 
   
   The cliche "Money can't buy happiness" and its waggish footnote "but there are plenty of other selections" are both proven true in The Onassis Women by Kiki Feroudi Moutsatsos,
   former secretary to Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis.
   
   As reverential as it is revelatory, this chatty discourse begins in 1966. Thus, one misses much of the mogul's early years, such as his days hawking neckties on Buenos Aires streets.
   
   Nonetheless, the slice of life the author did share with Onassis and his women is juicy enough to sate the hungriest curiosity. Is there anyone extant who doesn't know that
   the aforementioned women included Jackie Kennedy Onassis and tempestuous diva Maria Callas? That these iconic ladies shared him makes the story even more intriguing. At center stage is, of course, Aristotle Onassis, "part god, part mortal" - a modern day Croesus, albeit a mercurial one, small in stature yet larger than life. Oft described as a cunning, predatory wheeler-dealer, he is presented here as an energetic, intelligent man whose craggy face could blacken with anger or soften with compassion.
   
   Equally adept at dictating and doting was his older sister, Artemis, who adored and feared the titan, as did his two half-sisters Merope and Kalliroi. However, it was 90-pound, fashionably dressed, vodka sipping Artemis who played a major role in this contemporary Greek tragedy. Although married to an eminent surgeon, she saw herself as an Onassis first, hosting celebrity studded dinners in her 100-year old villa, and becoming confidante/advisor to her brother's famous American bride.
   
   Tina Livanos, Onassis's first wife, whom he married when she was 17, receives scant attention. Blond, tall and beautiful, she gave him two children, Alexander and Christina. Of his marriage to Tina, Onassis said it was as if he'd had three children rather than two.
   
   A 3-week 1959 cruise on the Christina, Onassis's sumptuous yacht, with Tina, Sir Winston and Lady Churchill, Artemis, Maria Callas and their respective husbands made waves and headlines. Following that voyage Tina sued Onassis for divorce citing adultery, and Maria Callas left her husband declaring she loved Onassis.
   
   Disembarking the ship Maria wore a bracelet engraved TMWL (To Maria With Love). "Tina already owned a bracelet with the initials TTWL, and Jackie would receive her TJWL a few years later."
   
   The nine -year Callas/Onassis liaison was a vesuvian match notable for vitriolic quarrels followed by passionate reconciliations. Artemis disapproved of this pairing, deeming "the Tigress," as she called Maria, "of peasant stock." Apparently, Onassis also considered Maria unmarriageable. Refusing to let her rearrange furniture in her shipboard suite, he said, "Never forget, my darling, you are not the housewife here. You are only a guest."
   
   Despite his sometimes public disparagement, it is said that Maria truly loved Onassis, giving up her career and suffering two abortions to please him. In 1968, when Onassis left Maria for Jackie Kennedy, the bereft diva commented sadly, "I have lived the most beautiful years of my life next to Aristo, and I have lived the worst."
   
   Although Christina and Alexander disliked Jackie and violently opposed their father's remarriage, Onassis sealed his vows with a $1.25 million heart-shaped ruby ring, only one of many lavish gifts for Jackie. He delighted in hiding a diamond bracelet in her dinner napkin or wrapping her breakfast roll in a strand of priceless pearls.
   
   Yet, they had not been married a month before Onassis visited Maria in her Paris apartment. Whether or not the new Mrs. Onassis was aware that he had resumed his former affair is not known. One of the magnate's greatest coups may have been keeping the two women apart for over six years.
   
   It is in reference to the Kennedy/Onassis marriage that the author puts many persistent rumors to rest. Citing the eye-witness accounts of servants, Ms. Moutsatsos insists that the pair enjoyed each other sexually as well as intellectually, and were truly devoted.
   
   A life marked by luxuries that few of us can imagine was shattered by Alexander's untimely death. More than a father's pride and joy, Alexander was Onassis's raison d'etre. Heedless of his deteriorating health, the man whose hero was Odysseus turned into a pathetic shadow, scarcely existing until his death in 1975.
   
   This was a loss so debilitating to the fragile Christina "that she attempted suicide within minutes of her father's death."
   
   Of all the Onassis women, Christina's story is surely the most heartbreaking. Born into a life of ostentatious privilege, she ran second to Alexander in their father's eyes. Longing for friends yet unable to win them, she bought company with trips on her Learjet and extravagant house parties on Skorpios, the family's private island.
   
   Desperately afraid of being alone, she paid an Argentinean polo player $30,000 a month to be at her beck and call. He was her favorite paid companion, "Even though he was always accompanied by his young girlfriend, Clare." Violent mood swings tested those around her; an uncontrollable appetite for chocolate and Coca-Cola pushed her weight to over 200 pounds.
   
   Happiness in her fourth marriage was found with the birth of her daughter, Athina, whom she worshipped. When her husband, Thierry Roussel, asked for a divorce to marry his longtime mistress and the mother of two of his children, Christina offered him $10 million to impregnate her again. He refused.
   
   Christina died at the age of 38. Official cause? Pulmonary edema.
   
   The remaining Onassis woman, Athina, is now of age. In the year 2003 she inherited a $3 billion shipping fortune, the legatee of a grandfather she never knew and a mother she may not remember.



5. I rate this book as pretty good. The author, Moutsatsos thinks that the Onassises can do no wrong. Aristotle Onassis was a hot headed, power hungry, controlling, egocentric, unfaithful philanderer, as detailed in the book. Moutsatsos chooses to ignore all of this and portray him as this wonderful person.
   
   The book seems choppy to me. It was like the author had a checklist of past recollections that she wanted to mention in her book and she just lists them out paragraph by paragraph with their details. The writing just doesn't flow well.
   
   It is obvious that most of the information in the book comes from Aristotle's sister, whom the author was very close to, not 100% eye witness account.

5 comments about The Road to Success is Paved with Failure : How Hundreds of Famous People Triumphed Over Inauspicious Beginnings, Crushing Rejection, Humiliating Defeats and Other Speed Bumps Along Life's Highway.

1. How can the average rating of 21 people be near 5?

   This book is a silly collection of trashy one-liners; each one-liner takes up an entire page. Dumb rumors nobody cares about like "Marilyn Monroe worked in a take-out restaurant before becoming famous".

   I was expecting a series of STORIES or REPORTS that would actually teach me something.

   Save your money and do not buy this disappointing collection of tabloid cut-and-paste.




2. This is a GREAT book. When I read about the humble beginnings of high achievers, I get motivated to be great too! For example Walt Disney's first cartoon film failed miserably and he even went bankrupt! The point of this book is keep trying, don't stop. `Cause the road to success IS paved with failure!

   Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated




3. How interesting and disappointing that the majority of "failures" described in this entertaining little book, are simply detailing an honest day's work. I personally don't think that gainful employment is a "failure" no matter what one's hopes and aspirations in life may be. We should all be so lucky.



4. I have several dozen books on various aspects of success and failure and this book is the most mediocre of them all. Each page has about 100 words at best and there is no detail to any of the stories of the effort and perseverance required to actually succeed. So some slightly famous someone you have heard about had a bad day once. Big deal, there is no lesson to that. The real lesson is in reading about the depth and breadth it really takes to succeed - real commitment, not just a simple piece of good or bad luck.
   
   If you have a friend who just doesn't like to read at all, this would be a suitable gift. I'm not saying that to be a book snob...we have all been in "their" houses, where the heck are the books? If you have a friend or relative who is trying to achieve something great in his or her life, but they are just not the type to read, then this book would be an acceptable choice. My younger brother - whom - I admire a great deal, is trying to succeed at a very difficult career path and I will be getting this book for him for his Christmas present. However, if you want anything more than the most superficial read, choose a different book.



5. This book is a great pick-me-up when one feels as if the goals set are just out of reach. The icons we all know and recognize are included - failures and success on each page. Who knew Frank Sinatra was expelled from high school for rowdy behavior?!
   
   This is a great gift book, and I would recommend it for people starting any new adventure: college, a new job, or for the fun of the read.

2 comments about Dr. Pharte--the E is silent: Confessions of a Hopeless Prankster.

1. I almost fell out of my bed laughing so hard! That's why I had to write a review. The book was recommended by a friend who insisted I read it for a fast, great, upbeat read. I got the book in an independant bookstore in Aspen. What a character Dr. Pharte is! Pass it along!



2. I'm stayed up until 2:00am reading this book, because I couldn't put it down. Each anecdote was funnier than the one before. You catch yourself laughing about the author's hilarious antics throughout the entire day. I can't believe how funny his life is. It should be a lesson to all of us on how not to take life so seriously. This guy sure knows how to enjoy it!!!! I can't wait until Leno gets wind of Dr. Pharte! I would have given the book 10 stars if Amazon would have let me!

1 comments about Mafia Moll: The Judith Exner Story, The Life of the Mistress of John F. Kennedy.

1. This book is excellent! You get two books in one!! Judith Exner wrote a book entitled, "My Story" in 1977. This book contained detailed events and facts regarding an affair she had with JFK prior to and while he was president while also having a relationship with mafia don Sam Giancana. "My Story" was extremely difficult for me to find. I finally purchased a used copy, but it was in really bad shape. Mr. Sloan included Judith Exner's "My Story" within his book! This book contains references to events mentioned in various books and movies(Rat Pack)about the Kennedys, Sam Giancana, Judith Exner, various celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, government officials and other mafia figures of this era. I was so relieved to come across this book by Mr. Sloan. He incorporates new evidence that is linked to Judith Exner's "My Story" and other books written regarding the JFK and Judith Exner affair. This book has wonderful pictures, newspaper articles, and detailed accounts of the events leading up to JFK's death. I strongly suggest this book to everyone who is interested in reading about JFK, his affairs and/or various conspiracy theories regarding his death.

5 comments about Princess Diana, the Lamb to the Slaughter.

1. Joy Jones Daymon's book, "Princess Diana - The Lamb to the Slaughter" is more than another fan book. I found this book to be an important look at Diana's role in history and much more. Daymon raises some very important questions regarding Diana's life, and death. The book asks if we will ever know how the Royal family of Britain used her, and whether or not her death was truly an accident. The 142-page book is packed with information about British royal history, protocol, and information about the current British royal family. Daymon's book helps the reader to understand what it is like to be a member of the royal family. The book even contains a section on the British dietary concerns of the War Years. This book is a wonderful source of information for anyone interested in British royal history, and customs. "Princess Diana - The Lamb to the Slaughter" is so entertaining I had a lot of trouble putting it down. Daymon seamlessly weaves history, psychology, and Diana trivia into an intelligent, concise, and very readable book.



2. The title caught my attention! Was this blood shed as a sacrifice? Was the Princess like a helpless lamb that required the constant protection of the shepherd? Did she trust too much and get eaten by the wolves, or did the shepherd actually lead her to the slaughter. What a unique approach the author has chosen.

   Ms.Daymon gives us the background information we need with insight and a deep understanding of the Royal Family, but it's not a history lesson. She uses solid logic in putting together a conspiricy theory, but it's not alarmist (Chicken Little -"the sky is falling") or far fetched.

   As the reader gets engrossed in the life of the Princess, it's as though the author has been granted an omnicient visit into the soul of "the lamb". Where did this insight come from? It becomes very obvious that Ms. Daymon has developed a strong empathic spirit that is able to capture deep feeling and a powerful sense of loyalty and trust. She really understands the strength of love and the devastation of rejection.

   In the end, it all makes sense. It comes together. It's historically a logical conclusion. One closes this book and simply goes hmmmmmmmmmmmmm!




3. I purchased this book based on its reviews. However, after reading it, I was disappointed in the accuracy, historically and psychologically.Ms Damon's attempt to write a cohesive and intelligient book on Princess Diana's life, before and after her marriage, did not support a solidly researched book. Her speculations of Diana's psychological issues were amateurish and not well researched. Historically, Ms. Damon tells us nothing that we did not know previous to this publication. In chapter 7, Ms Damon makes a reference to King Richard III smothering his nephews to death in order to claim the crown of England and stabilize the House of York. She tries to tie in this proposterous Shakespearian diatribe into the unstable House of Windsor, with the implication that the Windsors had Diana murdered to save their crown. Historically, both are speculative and unproven. The only thing in common between King Richard III and Diana Princess of Wales is their own personal trauma and heartache with betrayal, dishonesty, and treason thrown their way in an unfair manner. Surely they would have been comrads had they lived in the same lifetime. This book does not contain fair and balanced information on Diana and her relationships with Prince Charles and the rest of the royal family. She merely throws alot of suspicious mumblings to the wall and hopes it sticks.I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a solid and concise source on Princess Diana.



4. Since we lost our Queen of Hearts, the books about her by those who claimed to "know" her have proliferated like a bad rash. Rather than going away, they have just gotten worse. Over time, I have become disgusted with these people who are obviously working out some agenda/grudge against someone they either hardly knew, were jealous of, or decided they didn't like--and who is not, to our great loss, here to defend herself. This makes these books not only unfair, but heinous.
   All too common as well, are the "conspiracy books," which claim to expose the "truth" about her death. Since I am as disheartened by these as by the others, I do not buy or read them. It is hard to find credibility there when, every time someone famous dies, the "conspiracy" fanatics come crawling out of the woodwork to tell us all the truth. (If you know so much, then why is she still dead?)
   As a result, I have become so careful that I hardly buy books about the Princess I cherish, unless the title makes it obvious that the book is a loving and respectful tribute, not a bashing, a dissection, or, worst of all, a Charles-and-Camilla suck-up tome.
   (For example, any book by the notorious Charles-sucker, Penny Junor, is off my list.)
   The reason I bought this one is because the title is composed of Diana's own words about herself the night before her wedding, so I thought the chances of it being a bashing were slim.
   (In the Introduction, the author admits she is a fan who followed Diana's life and then became obsessed with her death and her own unaanswered questions--so my instincts were correct there.)
   From the opening paragraph, Joy Jones Damon held my attention, as she drew a scenario of conspiracy and murder, then traced precedents from England's history to say, "This has happened before."
   (She is careful to say that in no way does she accuse Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, or Charles of being part of any plan to murder the Princess of Wales.)
   As unwilling as I was, and am, to believe that Diana was murdered, I finished the book wondering if indeed it were not so.
   (People kept saying Diana was paranoid; well, maybe she was, but maybe with reason. She was many things, but she was never stupid--as Prince Charles and that woman he gave a title, but who will never be Queen of England, or even a lady, found to their cost.)
   There are no sensation-grabbing headlines here, just nagging questions that won't go away quietly.
   Why would smart, safety-concious Diana go without her seat belt? Why was Henri Paul allowed to drive the most famous couple in the world to their destination if he was obviously impaired?
   And, whatever you think of Paul Burrell, why did Diana predict the exact manner of her death--and say in a note in her own handwriting, that Charles was going to have her killed to marry "the other woman?"
   The only "truth" is, it doesn't matter if she was murdered, or who did it, except to see justice done for Princes William and Harry's sake. What matters is that she is gone. And whatever truths she took with her, whatever happened in that car was terrifying beyond description. For that, we may cry many more tears--but we will never know.



5. In my humble opinion, this is a poorly written, poorly researched mess. I am sorry I wasted my money.

5 comments about Trump: Surviving at the Top.

1. OK, so he is egotistical. That doesn't change the fact that his life makes for really interesting reading - in fact, he is an amazing man, whether you like him or not. This book is about "surviving at the top" and he should know! He wouldn't have gotten to where he is, if he did'nt know how to survive.
   I love any books on Trump - they are always interesting and easy to read, because he just tells it like it is.



2. Who knows more about Trump than Trump himself? This is a good book if you want to know more about Trump. At times he is sincere; like when he tells of the various disadvantaged people he has helped. At times he sounds really fake; he mentions how he admires the courage of gamblers. That is alot of boloney. At times he is boastful; the Trump Princess is the best yacht ever built. But hate him or love him, he says it like it is. He seems very vindictive as evident with his numerous attacks on some very famous people throughout the book. But for those who are his friends, he has nothing but praise for them. He doesn't play politics, but what he does do is make deals and makes a whole bunch of them in this book. One of the recurring themes of the book is to wait for the right price even if it means giving it up and not to let emotions dictate the price. In many instances, the deal comes back to him and at an even better price than ever.



3. Who knows more about Trump than Trump himself? This is a good book if you want to know more about Trump. At times he is sincere; like when he tells of the various disadvantaged people he has helped. At times he sounds really fake; he mentions how he admires the courage of gamblers. That is alot of boloney. At times he is boastful; the Trump Princess is the best yacht ever built. But hate him or love him, he says it like it is. He seems very vindictive as evident with his numerous attacks on some very famous people throughout the book. But for those who are his friends, he has nothing but praise for them. He doesn't play politics, but what he does do is make deals and makes a whole bunch of them in this book. One of the recurring themes of the book is to wait for the right price even if it means giving it up and not to let emotions dictate the price. In many instances, the deal comes back to him and at an even better price than ever.



4. Any book Trump pens is a good investment, and in this his second offering, he tells stories, names names, and provides worthwhile insight. But compared to The Art of the Deal and his third book, The Art of the Comeback, he seems to have done this one lying down. There is significantly less material, fewer hot scoops, and less of the bottom-line rhetoric Trump has made his style.



5. For those seeking a noteworthy sequel to the Art of the Deal (a book I rated very high), you will be sorely disappointed. This book contains none of the charm or the excitement behind the building of Donald's empire. Instead, in Surviving at the Top, we are merely given a plain account of Trump's dealings since the time of his first book. The information is written in a manner that is not any more articulate than one might find on Wikipedia.
   
   I give this book two stars instead of one because it does contain some information that would not be available had Donald not decided to put it in print; thus those with a deep interest in Trump will find some value. I personally just could not get past the fact that Donald put together this book as a quick narrative of events to cash in on his last book success rather than provide a quality piece of work on the level of the Art of the Deal.

1 comments about Fall Guy: 30 Years As the Duke's Double..

1. This is a great read. So much insight on a number of things. The stuntman profession, John Wayne, John Ford, Hollywood, Westerns. If you have any interest in any or all of these topics you will really enjoy this book. No wonder they called it the golden age.

1 comments about John Wayne - An American Icon (Biography).

1. A poor attempt to write a public domain record of the life and history of John Wayne. I bought this book thinking it was a new collaboration or information about John Wayne that we hadn't seen before. But what was published was a 50 page work of garbage copies from some good and bad sources. Some of the references/footnotes are from inaccurate sources, some are even taken from the error filled IMDB site. To top it off they state they are using a public domain photo of Duke and the photo is horribly copies and printed on the front cover. The whole book looks as if it was written by a 1st Grader. it's not worth the paper it is printed on. John Wayne is my hero but this book is an insult to his name.

3 comments about Sam Houston: Life and Times of Liberator of Texas an Authentic American Hero.

1. Who is the Houston, the city, and Houston, the popular street in Manhattan named after, anyway?

   This fascinating and highly readerable biography retells the legend of Sam Houston, the controversial governor of Tennessee and Texas, the first president of the Republic of Texas, and a protege of Andrew Jackson. Williams' recreates the political and historical atmosphere of Manifest Destiny era in a critical, yet sympathetic biography that should become a standard work for 19th century history buffs. Williams portrays Houston as a charmistic man and alcoholic, a distrustful populist, and an authentic American hero who tried to keep Texas in the Union.

   Williams' Houston is also an easy target for revisionist historians looking for expansionist villains. An occassional supporter of the Know Nothing party, Houston defended slavery and advocated a war with Mexico to unite all Americans in 1860. It was a futile effort to both prevent the Civil War and become president of the United States. Williams suggests that Houston's temper and penchant for secrecy blocked his highest political ambitions.

   Williamns' vibrant biography illuminates the enduring appeal (and danger) of an authentic military hero and populist politician. Full of memorable quotes and extensive resource notes, this compelling biography is the kind of first rate history that tantalizes readers with absorbing "what ifs" and the lost possibilities of a distant time and place.

   I learned a great deal reading this book and highly recommend it. Books like this demonstrate how many great stories remain untold or forgotten in our history - even when cities and streets are named after yesterday's idols.




2. I'm not sure if the first reviewer read the same book that I did. As a doctoral student in history, I have read many history books and must defend Williams's book as SUPERBLY written and carefully researched; Williams obviously wrote this book for a larger audience. Such an excellent combination of readability and academic rigor is the envy of every serious historian.

   I highly recommend this biography for the causal reader and the serious scholar, which certainly ranks among the best bios of Sam Houston to date.




3. I'm not sure if the first reviewer read the same book that I did. As a doctoral student in history, I have read many history books and must say this was a SUPERBLY written and researched account. Williams's prose is highly accessible to the average reader, while meeting the rigors of serious academic work. An excellent book for the casual reader and scholar alike.

5 comments about Paris Hilton: The Naked Truth.

1. This book was a sore disappointment. Not only is the text printed on cheap paperback paper (think Mills & Boon) but so are most of the pictures (in grainy black and white). I don't know why they skimped on the colours when half the fun of watching Paris and her little clique is all the candy colours. As for the writing itself, it soon becomes painfully clear that the writer never met his subject or anyone close to her. Instead he's taken a bunch of articles (mainly from ibid) and written a preachy/moralising/dull text full of quotes from unknown professors/psychiatrists. And since he doesn't know anything, a lot of chapters aren't even about Paris, but fillers. For example he devotes whole chapters describing New York schools/ japanese stars/ heirs/heiresses with tragic lives etc. But only manages to write 1 page about Nicole Richie. So if you're interested in Paris and her friends don't bother buying this book. US weekly/national enquirer makes for a better read.



2. I had gotten this book from my library and it was in between good and horrible. I give it five stars because I thought it depicted Paris greatly, yet pounced on her sister Nicky the same way, when to me, Nicky has proven a lot more than Paris and in more appropriate ways. Paris just doesn't understand the world we live in and I think that's the problem. She's been raised oblivious to the real world and the fact that people actually have jobs and work for a living. And that some people actually are poor and can't even afford homes. I just think she needs a wake up call. Perhaps she should go to Africa and see how people are suffering and dying. Or the tsunami zone, which I bet she and her family wasn't donating a penny of their money towards. Maybe if she does something worthwhile I'll think of her differently, but that hasn't come about yet. So, to sum of this book, that's hot. And if you want to find a place that makes fun of her, check out Heiress Paris on Msn Groups, it rocks.



3. I thought this was an interesting book.
   
   People who like Paris Hilton obvisouly have low self esteem and look to her to validate themselves.
   
   this book shows how she is but a pretty face with nothing else.



4. IT WAS OK. I DID NOT LEARN ANYTHNG NEW AND I HAVE SEEN MOST OF THE PHOTOS ALREADY IN MAGAZINES.



5. Doesn't the author have better things to write than this drivel? I don't even have to read it to know what a waste of time it is. I love books, and I'll read almost anything.
   But this is so not worth my brain cells.
   Why can't she stick to something she knows?
   Like nothing?
   To quote oh so infamous Dennis Leary: "...and she can't screw to save her life!"
   
   Please, people of the world. Brain cells are important. When they die, they can't grow back. Spare yourself, and your brain cells. They're the best frienda you have. Comic books are better than this! If you don't like to read anything else, then pick up an Archie comic! For the love of God, Archie is better than Paris Hilton!