In this second biography of Larry Fine(The first book to recall Mr.Fine's life was:"A Stroke Of Luck!".Larry's memiors.Which are sadly out of print.)"Stooge In The Middle"looks at the life and career of one member of "The Three Stooges"from the viewpoint of Larry's brother former druggist:Dr.Morris Feinberg.The book looks at his childhood in Philadelphia,Pa.to the accident in his father's jewelry store that introduced him to violin playing lessions(an early form of physical thearpy).Which became his introduction to show business.First as a Charlie Chaplin imitator at local amusement Parks , as a member of a Duplicate version of Gus Edwards' vaudeville kiddie act:"Fun In Hi Skool!"and as a member of several comedy teams:EG:"Fine And Dandy"and "The Haney Sisters & Fine!".Before he married one of the Haney Sisters(Mabel Haney) and he was accepted a job as a performer and MC at The Rainbow Gardens Nightclub in Chicago,Ill in 1925.Where Larry first met:Ted Healy,Moe And Shemp Howard and he was invitied to join "Ted Healy And His Gang!"(The original name of Mr.Healy's act).The book goes onto to look at the boys'difficult relationship with Mr.Healy(Whose drinking,obnoxious pranks and his pay inequity forced the team to part company with Healy.Following some turbulent years working in vaudeville,burlesque,nightclubs,Broadway musicals and some work in the movies).The book relates how Larry almost signed the trio to a contract with Universal Pictures for some feature length comedies.But Moe's deal with Columbia Pictures was signed first.Making Larry's Pact with Universal invalid and The boys began their 24 years with The Studio that featured Hollywood's Stature Of Liberty like symbol.And their other projects that kept the team in the public eye after the unfair dismissal from Columbia Pictures and Larry's years of retirement,following the stroke that forced him to leave the group.For those..who want to read a pleasant and engaging biography of a truly funny and nice man.That has no hint of scathology in it? This is the one book to have.Kevin S.Butler.

Moe Howard often said that Larry was probably the best actor out of all the Stooges. Few can deny Larry was the unsung Stooge who never got much of the spotlight from Moe, Curly, et al. This book, written by Larry's younger brother, traces the natural born entertainer's life from birth until his tragic death. I wouldn't call this hard hitting, as the author was not a professinal writer but a loving brother, thus many of Larry's financial problems due to gambling are glossed over. But I can forgive that. In an era of trashy, tell all celebrity books, this is a breath of fresh air. It's a quick read and loaded with photographs spanning the entire Stooges' career. This is a must have for any Stooge fan.

I have been watching the stooges since the late 50's, and have always liked Larry. I enjoyed watching his reactions to different situations. This book is enjoyable and pretty informative to boot. Larrys little brother Morris gives an insiders view of Larry, from early childhood to his untimely death in 74. If you are a stooges fan, then definately get this book, you will not be sorry you did. It is a welcome addition to my stooges library. Quick reading and lots of pictures, plenty of information . A must read for all stooges fans.

I picked this up as sort of a "mercy read" because a friend recommended it, and found myself happily bouncing around through articles in the book. Richards is a good writer. He tells stories very well, and the stories are written in a fast, easy to read style of someone telling you their latest shopping horror story . He casts himself in the role of the average guy trying to get an even break from some companies that are trying to trick him out of something, or that have just forgotten that "consumers" are actually people who have real needs.

In the book he asks the questions that I wish I had asked when stuck in a checkout line, or on the phone with yet another telemarketer selling something I don't want. The result is a combination of "don't let this happen to you" and Erma Bombeck. He puts information at the end of each article about how what you can do if something like that has ever happened to you (and it probably has).

I found myself laughing, then thinking "Boy, I wish I had said that when...", than saying to myself "I didn't know that."

It's a really easy read, it's funny and has good information.

The Helpdesk guy sez: "Check it out!"

John Hood "the Helpdesk Guy"; Information Technology Department; American Society for Quality- Headquarters

When one first approaches this book, one can't help but be drawn in by Ginsberg's knowing smile. His life experiences, loves, and tragedies can all be summed up within this book. However, the many monumental poems in this book("Things I Will Not Do", etc.) are spaced apart with lymerics, catchy tunes, and mostly toilet humor. When both reading about Ginsberg, and reviewing his earlier work, a person feels a sense of awe and wonder. A person begins to look upon the world with new eyes. However, I felt a little let down after reading this one. I just felt most of the poems to be far too juvenile, and this really detracts from the over all concept, and sentimentality of the book. I'd really consider this a "half-n'-half" book. Half was good, and half was not. If anyone is looking into this book for a first look into Ginsberg, I strongly advise you read his earlier stuff first.

Ginsberg happens to be the father of the beat generation, a generation that many dismiss. Ginsberg comes to understand death in the pages of political tongue lashing's and calling them out like a showdown at the "OK". Buy this book and understand a dying man's dream of innocent fame.
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I recommend this title to anyone who enjoys good poetry. There is something extremely "real" about Ginsberg, always has been, and he shows that realness in these last few poems before he died. "Things I Will Not Do," which was the last poem he wrote before dying, brings a tear to my eye almost every time I think about it. We could all hope to approach our ends with the kind of dignity that Ginsberg seems to have.

I purchased the tape and found it to be most disappointing. I would not recommend this book (nor the tape) to anyone. Sorry, but that is how I feel. Scott.

All to often problem solving becomes a team exercise where each member "shares their ignorance (of the essence of the problem)" while searching for a solution. Having a systematic approach to define, research, select alternatives, implement, control, and encourage feedback is a better way to reach a successful solution. This little book provides a fun guide suitable for the novice in problem solving techniques. I found the book to be entertaining yet helpful, especially for my strategic planning clients.

Great way of making pooh's likfe look like ours. It shows us how simple life can be, and how much and how little things matter. Great book, easy to understand.

If this book were stripped down so that it only told George's story, it would be excellent. But it contains far too much fiction and flowers to be considered biography. I got thoroughly tired of the terms "prodigal singer" and "snake-oil" and I didn't see why the author found it necessary to insert his personal opinions of all the characters. The narrative portions were written like dialogue without quotes. It came across as a weak attempt to sound folksy, with the true result of sounding unprofessional.

The book had interesting content, but it could be fiction. The author only refered to sources that claimed that they had seen this or that they had heard that Mr. Jones had done that. All of the incidents were "hear say".If you read this book and read I lived to tell it All, you can see the incidents are not the same. Mr. Allen wrote an interesting book and if Biographys interest you, you should read it, but it needs to be compared with the autobiography. Actually if you would combine both books, one heck of a screen play could be developed from the contents.

i liked this book better than the one written by tom carter. they are about the same,this one has more un-flattering stories in it. stories that never made it in the authorized (tom carter) version. its the most incredible biography i've ever read. a must read. don't plan on setting it down!!!