True Hollywood Lies

Average customer rating:

Loved it! Great Hollywood Farce.

Great start, but lost momentum at the end

Makes a great gift

Impossible to put down!

A Great, Glamourous Debut Novel

True Hollywood Lies
Josie Brown
Manufacturer: Avon Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0060815876
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Customer Reviews:

Loved it! Great Hollywood Farce........2006-04-25

Loved it, loved it, loved it.

I picked up TRUE HOLLYWOOD LIES because I overheard a person who works at my local bookstore raving about it. She said that everyone she's ever recommended it to also loved it. I thought that, at the very least, it would be a fun read. And having once lived in LaLa Land, I might find some fun in reliving all the things I liked and disliked about it...

I'm happy to report that the bookseller was right. I could easily relate to the way the heroine, Hannah, had this love/hate relationship with Hollywood (having one myself). Also, she's got the personalities down pat. I could actually imagine that some of those lines as said. The author's bio says that she has interviewed stars and knows the patter, as well as what comes out of the mouths of their handlers.

Also, all the hot spots mentioned in the book are those that the stars really do hit. So for me, it was a great read, almost like visiting again....

As for the plot, Hannah is wonderfully vulnerable, not at all a clueless shoes-and-shopping type, but smart and savvy and filled with some honest pain (it's explained in the book). You can see how she is easily in love with both the men in her life, who are different types but both lovable in their own way. In fact, is surpirsed me to read one of the reviews below which indicate that the ending was "predictable", but I have to say that I disagree. The plot had me wondering until almost the last few pages what choice Hannah would make. I guess that other reviewer is smarter than the average bear (or reader, in this case).

Then again, as with most fun books about women, you know that the heroine will do okay...but I felt that "True Hollywood Lies" was the kind of book you don't ever want to end, which is probably why the other reviewer felt that way.

Great start, but lost momentum at the end.......2006-03-21

Hannah is the daughter of a Hollywood icon, but the only stars she is interested in gazing at are the ones in the sky - as astronomy is her passion. When her father Leo dies of a heart attack while romancing his latest 19 year old starlet, Hannah's world is turned upside down when the will goes into probate and she is forced to get a real job as a production assistant for an arrogant British actor.

She appears to be immune from Louis' charms, but does not count on falling for his best friend Mick (their initial meeting is hilatious). The two share quiet walks, romantic star-filled nights, and plenty of passion. But needy Louis is not one to be topped and soon he is scheming to end Mick & Hannah's relationship so that she can be devoted to him. When they start an affair on location, it is Hannah who has to dump Louis' supermodel girlfriend.

When the will is finally settled and she is able to walk away from her PA job, Louis is happy - she can concentrate on him full time. But she returns to her astronomy research and suddenly finds herself missing the one man who she really felt she had a future with - Mick. When Louis forces Hannah's hand to choose her star gazing or him, are either of them prepared for their respective choices?

Brown's debut nove; is a funny inside look at Hollywood, with plenty of gossip, name dropping and juicy tidbits to keep the story moving, Sadly, the end is too abrupt and left this reader feeling shortchanged.

Makes a great gift.......2005-12-16

I truly enjoyed the book. As a matter o fact we bought extra copies to give out as Christmas gifts. I look forward to reading more of this authors books.

Impossible to put down!.......2005-11-16

Once I picked up True Hollywood Lies, I couldn't put it down. I stayed up until 3am reading and it was worth every bleary eyed minute at work the next day! The characters jump out at you and sometimes you just want to scream at them to stop them from making all the ridiculous mistakes that people make in the name of love (lust).

A Great, Glamourous Debut Novel.......2005-11-01

If anyone has ever had a bad few days, it's Hannah Fairchild. Not only has her famous movie-star father kicked the bucket and left his trust fund to his latest conniving wife, but her boyfriend has dumped her for another woman. Hannah's only option at this point is to take a job as a personal assistant to Louis Trollope, who also happens to be one of the most eligible and sought-after actors.

Known for going through beautiful women like water, Louis immediately tries to make a play for Hannah. Hannah knows better though and forces him to remain at a distance. Meanwhile, she hooks up with Mick Bradshaw, screenwriter and who also happens to be Louis's best friend. But Louis isn't happy unless he gets what he wants, and he wants Hannah...

Hannah has to juggle her job (which is never-ending), her love life, and her life in general- including her passion for Astronomy). But where does one end and one begin? All the while she tries to find time for her passion for star-gazing (the kind in the sky, not the Hollywood variety!).

Filled with backstabbing, fun and glamous, True Hollywood Lies is quite the glamour chick lit read. I enjoyed it until the end. Hannah was a great main character- down to earth, strong and intelligent. Author Josie Brown keeps the romantic side plots both sizzling and uncertain- one really never knows who will end up with whom until it happens. The actual story line is also filled with twists and turns.

I cannot say that this book is extremely realistic- after all, what woman has a couple of famous gorgeous men pining for them? - but it's a delightful and suspenseful read.

Overall I definitely recommend this book for a glamourous, sun-soaked yet somehow down-to-earth good read.

Here Lies Colorado: Fascinating Figures in Colorado History

Average customer rating:

Colorado History Characters
an amazed and pleased reader
Here Lies a great peek into Colorado history

Here Lies Colorado: Fascinating Figures in Colorado History
Richard Wood
Manufacturer: Farcountry Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1560373342

Product Description

Author Richard Wood profiles sixty of Colorado's late greats, both famous and notorious in this unique collection of brief yet compelling biographies. Included are singer John Denver, controversial writer Hunter S. Thompson, US Supreme Court Justice Byron White, queen of the Denver brothels, Jennie Rogers, and many more! A great read!

Customer Reviews:

Colorado History Characters.......2006-11-03

Well written short biography's of some notable Colorado historical figures and some recent ones. Entertaining and informative.

an amazed and pleased reader.......2005-12-02

I wasn't thirlled when I was given this book as a present - but as soon as I read the first lively biography, I became a fan of this well-written, sprightly collection of biographies of the colorful, eccentric characters who people Colorado's history. This book adds a well-researched human touch to the history of the west, and anyone who loves that history will be captivated by it.

Here Lies a great peek into Colorado history.......2005-12-01

I thoroughly enjoyed Here Lies Colorado. It gave entertaining insight into some really colorful characters and the times in which they lived. The author writes well about his subjects who are wide-ranging. I'd read about a few people and then say to myself, "Okay, just one more"....again and again and again! Needless to say, I finished the book too quickly.

Celebrity Lies: Strs, Fibs, Fabrications, Myths and Little White Lies

Average customer rating:

Celebrity Lies: Strs, Fibs, Fabrications, Myths and Little White Lies
Boze Hadleigh
Manufacturer: Barricade Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Direction & Production | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1569802459

Book Description

This book will cause rumbles in the world of entertainment. From the headliners of classic television (Lucille Ball, Ed Sullivan, and Bob Hope) to film icons (Cary Grant, Joan Crawford, and John Wayne) to celebrities of today (Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, and Will Smith)-no star is immune to Hadleigh's biting humor and irascible wit.

Book Description

An engrossing guide to the final resting places of Britain and Ireland's most famous, infamous, and legendary figures. ``Michael Kerrigan's engaging romp through the tombstones of Britain and Ireland is the inescapable conclusion to a modern preoccupation.'' The Scotsman Who Lies Where is the final chapter in the lives of Britain and Ireland's most famous citizens. It is also an intriguing companion to the world of the dead in all its quirkiness, character, variety, humor, and pathos. With tales from London, Edinburgh, and Dublin to the sacred sites of Glastonbury and Bardsey Island, and with visits to such famous graveyards as Highgate and the Necropolis of Glasgow, Michael Kerrigan reports on the deaths, last wishes, and burials of a vast array of notable figures down the ages. Michael Kerrigan's previous book is The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen. 424 pp 5 x 8 b/w photos throughout

Would I Lie to You: A Medley of Famous Fibs, Farces, Deceptions, Distortions and Bare-Faced Lies

Average customer rating:

Pure garbage! A pack of lies!
an honest infraction of prosity

Would I Lie to You: A Medley of Famous Fibs, Farces, Deceptions, Distortions and Bare-Faced Lies
Leigh W. Rutledge
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Ethics & Morality | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0452279313

Book Description

"I was not lying. I said things that later seemed to be untrue." Richard Nixon "I think I lie pretty well." O.J. Simpson, 1969 "School? Well, Iuh, I was going to school till I met somebody. Yeah! Uhtwo big monsters. And--and they tied me in a big sack!" Pinocchio's first lie Pinocchio might be the world's most famous liar, but everyone from your long distance operator to the milkman has participated in mankind's greatest foible. Would I Lie to You? is a hilarious compendium of history's biggest, funniest and most newsworthy lies, as told by the most outrageous liars in the world. Rutledge details the background behind the untruths, and lets the liars do all the talking. Honest. Would I Lie to You? includes the mundane:
"I was just picking up the phone to call you!" "We paid that bill two months ago."
"I haven't had cosmetic surgery"
and the monumental::
"Approximately 80% of our air pollution stems from hydrocarbons released by vegetation." President Ronald Reagan, 1981
"Of all the treasures a State can possess, the human lives of its citizens are for us the most precious." Joseph Stalin

Leigh Rutledge has an excellent track record with humorous booksLeft Hander's Guide and Excuses, Excuses have had terrific sellthroughs.
Makes a perfect gift book.

Customer Reviews:

Pure garbage! A pack of lies!.......1998-07-24

Once again, author Rutledge, spews his twisted views in rewriting history. Although a world-class liar himself, Rutledge should redirect his talent to where it is most suitable--the kitty litter box! Just kidding. The book was delightful as expected and should be on everyone's short list of what to buy now.

an honest infraction of prosity.......1998-02-25

Prefabrications previously heard on "You Bet Your Life" Author going to B&N in Cambodia first; compares to Lie Down in Darkness", lite side

Book Description

Invincible Warrior tells the fascinating story of the life of Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), whose quest for the true meaning of warriorship lead to the creation of the martial art called Aikido, "The Art of Peace." Ueshiba—whose name means "abundant peace"—is considered by many to be one of the greatest martial artists who ever lived. His documented ability to disarm any attacker, throw a dozen men simultaneously, and down and pin opponents without touching them has accorded his life legendary status. Invincible Warrior presents the real story behind Morihei's achievement, illuminating the man and his message. Stevens describes the people, events, and ideas that influenced Ueshiba's lifelong spiritual quest, which culminated in the development of unique teachings of Aikido. Illustrated with two hundred photographs of Morihei in action and filled with revealing anecdotes about his life and times, Invincible Warrior also offers valuable discussion of the Founder's conception of Aikido as a path of harmony and love, unifying body and mind, self and others, humans and the universe.

Customer Reviews:

Ugh.......2006-08-27

This book should be put in the fantasy section of any bookstore.
I get terribly tired of the tales of Ueyeshiba's supernatural exploits. And sadly this book is replete with such nonsense. Seriously they should put this next to exploits of Drizzt Do'Urden or The Hulk.
A more interesting book would have chronicled the development of O'Sensei's early ideas on martial arts with his later crazy views. They are quite different, and moreover it is a progression you can see in the old photographs of him at work. Specifically, you see the journey he took from more or less practical aiki-jutsu to the flowery, ineffectual sillyness he wasted the latter years of his life on.

Excellent overview biography, a lively read!.......2006-07-13

I bought this book as I was looking for a reasonably complete (though not necessarily exhaustive) biography of the founder of Aikido, preferably with a good number of photographs as well as text. This book fulfilled those requirements, and exceeded my expectations. The story is fascinating and compelling, and it is told in a very enjoyable and readable way.

The author is an American who has lived and taught in Japan for many years. He has developed a deep understanding of Japanese culture which allows him to present this material well to an English-speaking reader.

As to charges that this book promotes mythology about Morihei Ueshiba: I'm really not in a position to say for myself, not having had a chance to compare this book with other authors' work on the topic. Until I do, I will reserve judgment. In any case, I found Stevens' book to be a very worthwhile read.

Interesting, but dubious.......2006-05-01

There's quite a bit of controversy on this book in the Aikido world, and I thought it might be important to interject some of what I've heard in my several years of training. First, this book was an entertaining bit of history, but I've heard it complained that Stevens "freely mixes actual history with rumor," and this certainly seems to be the case. This book seems to be symptomatic of the fantastical views of O Sensei in the Aikido world.

More generally, I recall George Ledyard-sensei weighing in on this topic - he mentioned that often, whenever stories of incredible exploits in this book are brought before Saotome-sensei, Saotome-sensei's stock reply is "For fifteen years I lived and trained with O Sensei, and never once did I see him do this 'magic-waza!' (magic technique)" Ledyard-sensei explained that Saotome-sensei is frequently irritated to hear Ueshiba-sensei's lifetime of work written off as being superhuman.

Nonetheless, the book makes for an interesting read, and though much of it is based on legend, it still gives a more complete picture of O-Sensie's life than I've found anywhere else.

Excellent Background Info.......2005-05-11

I've been studying Aikido for about a year now and always heard bits and pieces about O'sensei's life. I'm enjoying this book as it really is nice to fill in the story of his life. Granted, time has a way of exaggerating exploits but, knowing where he lived, and who he trained with and the background information is great. I can understand the movtivation of O'sensei and the reasons for his development of Aikido after reading the book.

As for the debate on the effectiveness of Aikido by Mark Twain. All I can say is it seems you have a closed mind and have already told yourself what you will learn and what you won't. So how can you learn to make Aikido effective when your limiting yourself like that? Aikido is one of the hardest martial arts to learn and effectiveness depends on the dojo and sensei as much as the student's willingness to learn. I agree some dojo's teach dance, so go elsewhere and find the real Aikido. I find my Aikido to be effective. You apparently did not. So be it. If you need and path to defend yourself fast I agree, Aikido probably isn't the best choice. Muay Thai, or Krav Maga would be my choices. Because a path is difficult, does not mean it should be avoided.

Hagiographic in tone.......2004-09-19

This book reads like a hagiography of Ueshiba - pardon, me I mean O Sensei. I mean, even though I never met him and don't speak Japanese I should be calling him O Sensei, right? Isn't that how you show that you're with it in the Aikido world? Look my friendly friends, Ueshiba may very well have been an exceptional man. But it is not professional or mature to write a book which is a syrupy-toned laundry list of Ueshiba's larger than life exploits. YOu know, like "The officers in the army were in the habit of raining blows down on the soldiers heads. But when Ueshiba came around, many an officer fractured his hands on Ueshiba's head!" Gee, that's swell. Imagine reading a biography of Wittgenstein that was like this. You know, he comes around and dazzles everyone, yet again. The End. Also, it is important to bear in mind that Aikido is a strangely flawed system of martial arts instruction. The students are led to do elaborate, highly choreographed, dance-like techniques against a very cooperative opponent. Aikido training certainly does not obey Occham's razor, i.e., the KISS principle, as in Keep It Simple, Stupid. Yes, yes, I know, I'm a lunkheaded philistine who doesn't unnerstand the beauty of the art, AND its deadly effectiveness. Well, I have no wish to argue with anyone. All I would say is that the student must think for himself. And ask himself in all honesty how likely it is that an attacker would wait around through all these fancy moves. Basic principle: when the defense is more elaborate than the attack, you're in trouble.

Average customer rating:

A manuscript worth reading

Samurai: The Invincible Warriors
Frank Brinkley
Manufacturer: J Philip O'Hara
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0897500431

Customer Reviews:

A manuscript worth reading.......2000-04-12

Samurai the invincible warriors is Captain F. Brinkley's personal manuscript on life in age of the samurai. The book examines every aspect of the warriors life. This book provides many answers to questaions about the samurai and his life. There are very few pictures in the book but Brinkley paints vivid images through the text of the manuscript. The manuscript is not complete but what has been is well worth the read.

Average customer rating:

SAMURAI: THE INVINCIBLE WARRIORS.
Capt. F. Brinkley.
Manufacturer: Burbank CA: 1978 3rd prtg. 96p; illus.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KIK6KG

An accurate military life of our invincible illustrious warrior, the most noble Field Marshal, Arthur, duke of Wellington: Comprehending a compendious ... Spain, Portugal, Belgium, France, &c

Average customer rating:

An accurate military life of our invincible illustrious warrior, the most noble Field Marshal, Arthur, duke of Wellington: Comprehending a compendious ... Spain, Portugal, Belgium, France, &c
S. C Walton
Manufacturer: Dean and Munday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00088W7MI

An invincible warrior (Know your jawan series, no. 2)

Average customer rating:

An invincible warrior (Know your jawan series, no. 2)
B. M Khokhar
Manufacturer: Available from Universal Book Depot
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Average customer rating:

Samuri the Invincible Warriors
Captain F. Brinkley
Manufacturer: Ohara Publications, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000X6KEO8

Book Description

When IBM wants to introduce a new product to the market, they show a video to their sales force demonstrating it in action. When WordStock wanted more bookstores to install their inventory system, they sent a video to their display at the American Booksellers Association meeting. Who stars in these videos? There is a whole world of employment for actors that many don't know about, or to whom it's still a mystery: the world of Industrials. Bill Steele has worked in hundreds of corporate videos; he knows how they work, and he knows how to get work in them. Among the features of this informative, engaging, and valuable book:

Making the "Business" transition
Video Production essentials for actors
Industrial headshots and resumes
Looking for work in industrials.

Acting globally to defend public sector.(industrial): An article from: Australian Nursing Journal

Average customer rating:

Acting globally to defend public sector.(industrial): An article from: Australian Nursing Journal
Nick Blake
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Australian Nursing Journal, published by Thomson Gale on December 1, 2006. The length of the article is 473 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Acting globally to defend public sector.(industrial)
Author: Nick Blake
Publication: Australian Nursing Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 14 Issue: 6 Page: 19(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Lights! Camera! Quality! At Johnson Controls' annual Team Rally, acting skills are nearly as important as the ability to explain Six Sigma.(Supply Side)(Johnson ... article from: Automotive Design & Production

Average customer rating:

Lights! Camera! Quality! At Johnson Controls' annual Team Rally, acting skills are nearly as important as the ability to explain Six Sigma.(Supply Side)(Johnson ... article from: Automotive Design & Production
Christopher A. Sawyer
Manufacturer: Gardner Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Industry | Automotive | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Automotive Design & Production, published by Gardner Publications, Inc. on March 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1244 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Lights! Camera! Quality! At Johnson Controls' annual Team Rally, acting skills are nearly as important as the ability to explain Six Sigma.(Supply Side)(Johnson Controls Manufacturing System)
Author: Christopher A. Sawyer
Publication: Automotive Design & Production (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2004
Publisher: Gardner Publications, Inc.
Volume: 116 Issue: 3 Page: 56(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Includes: Always on My Mind * Bobbie Sue * Daddy Sang Bass * A Long and Lasting Love * The Rose * See If I Care * Slow Hand * Wanted * We've Got Tonight * Where've You Been * Wildfire * The Wind Beneath My Wings and many more.

Average customer rating:

A real classic!

The Mistakes You Make at Bridge (Master Bridge Series)
Terence Reese , and Roger Trezel
Manufacturer: Orion Publishing Group, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Bridge | Card Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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Off-road Declarer Play: Unusual Ways to Play a Bridge Hand

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365 Winning Bridge Tips

ASIN: 0304368113

Book Description

Aimed at the majority of bridge players, and one of the classic books on the subject, The Mistakes You Make at Bridge will deepen your understanding of the game and help you learn where not to follow conventions slavishly in bidding, defense, and dummy play.

Customer Reviews:

A real classic!.......2007-08-07

I don't own the book and haven't read it, but I can't help but notice and comment on the book description: "Aimed at the majority of bridge players, and one of the classic books on the subject..." Note the book was first published in May of 2006. Classics are always pretty good books and have real staying power, so I guess it's easier to just publish them that way in the first place.

Average customer rating:

Down-to-earth

Anyone with a Family Business must read this!!!

Must read for familys who work together

More Truth Than Many of Us Want to Admit

okay, although I understand that it's the best of it's type

Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business: Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins That Destroy Family Businesses
Quentin J Fleming
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Company Profiles | Biography & History | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Entrepreneurship | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Perpetuating The Family Business : 50 Lessons Learned from Long Lasting, Successful Families in Business

Strategic Planning for the Family Business: Parallel Planning to Unite the Family and Business

Family Business Succession: The Final Test of Greatness, Second Edition

Developing Family Business Policies: Your Guide to the Future (Family business leadership series)

Generation to Generation: Life Cycles of the Family Business

ASIN: 0684856042

Book Description

Family businesses epitomize the best of the American Dream: you work hard, you're your own boss, you leave a lasting legacy to your children -- or do you? Statistics show that only 30% of family businesses survive to the second generation, and a paltry 10% survive to the third generation. Family businesses are in trouble, and their survival is crucial to us all. Their success ensures our country's success -- and their failure can drastically affect our economic health.

In Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business, family business expert Quentin Fleming has identified the Seven Deadly Sins that are invariably responsible for a family business's demise. Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business presents practical and accessible advice geared toward the average family business owner or employee and is an invaluable tool for helping family businesses not only survive but thrive.

Customer Reviews:

Down-to-earth.......2007-03-26

I wish I'd had this book years ago! My husband's family business was recently in bankruptcy and was bought out by another company. They committed practically all of these "deadly sins". The information is practical, appliable, and very real life advice. Heed his warnings!

Anyone with a Family Business must read this!!!.......2007-01-27

I spent ten successful years working for my fathers very successful business. He told me I would take over the business "someday", he had a heart attack and retired but could not give up control. This is VERY common as I learned from this book. I spent the last 3-4 years waiting for him to deal with the future of his business. This book and some others I read finally convinced me to move on with my life. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately freed me to begin my life on my terms. If any owners of a family business are reading this, please read this book and talk with your heirs. Eventually you will die and someone will have to keep your business alive, if they have the desire and interest it may as well be one of your children... This was the best of the family business books I read (I made it through 6). Good luck!!!

Must read for familys who work together.......2006-01-25

This book, in a very neutral way, captures where families can go wrong, in the family business. Must read for all generations, both in and out of the business. Even if things are going great right now, read this book!

More Truth Than Many of Us Want to Admit.......2004-05-16

As a family business counselor and consumate reader, I continually look for new materials that can help clients--family members and non-family managers--better understand the family business enterprises in which they are employed...or enmeshed.

The title of this book turned me off. I know of no family business that can avoid the "socalled 7 deadly sins." Family baggage is part of family business.

Nonetheless, I recommend the book. My usual use of the book is education of non-family managers who work for family business. My favorite reading references for professional managers are by John L. Ward: Keeping the Family Business Healthy, and his revised, expanded update, Strategic Planning for the Family Business.

Family members may be willing to read the book, although I have limited experience with that. I would refer them to books like Working With The Ones You Love by Dennis Jaffe.

okay, although I understand that it's the best of it's type.......2003-05-13

Depending upon the health of your family (and family business) most of this book does not really apply. The author also openly states that. However, he does say that it only takes one of the "7 sins" to take down a family business and it does allow for some forewarning of things that should be avoided.

He does cover a lot of ground, including immigrant businesses, a good section on succession of the business, and touches on both small and large family businesses.

I found quite a bit of it to also be his sales pitch, implying that every family business should hire, in the foreground or background, a consultant, a lawyer, an accountant, and possibly a therapist =D

Overall, it's an okay book covering topics which hopefully most people are aware of and warning you about things you may not be. If you are facing problems, this book may help you either diagnose it yourself or he suggests things to look for in an outsider to help you diagnose it.

Good luck!

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