Life's prevailing propensity for trial and tribulation set stages to examine real life drama. In doing so, there are compelling and compassionate means in which people have persevered to make meaningful differences through the agony of adversity. The aforementioned is a testament to Montel Williams' attempt along with Daniel Paisner to shed insight to a montage wrought with gut wrenching dilemmas that warrant your attention. Mr Williams has been witness to, have been involved in, and have been the recipient of the type of angst that not only try mens souls, but forces them to be the catalyst for change. As I read this book, I couldn't help harkening back to previous episodes that depicted the caring spirit of someone who truly wanted to make a difference. 'A Dozen Ways To Sunday' and the twelve stories of hope and courage should have a profound effect on you. The authors uses twelve personable points of contention to illustrate exhibitions of clarity to give readers reasons for allowance to step outside of themselves to acknowledge that...no matter how you hurt, there are others that hurt more. This is done by the 'never say quit' attitudes displayed, and the ways they've stressed non verbally the importance of faith. Their messages in each poignant case shows how important to them the need to encompass viable vestiges of strength, resolve, and vision to heal wounds.
Take for example the case of Sulieman Beyah who battled the maladies of Lupus and a kidney transplant to be able to found a nonprofit to help others that shares his plight. Consider too, the story of a couple who felt that no amount of children was too much for them in adopting ten siblings! Then there's the story of Ian O'Gorman. This is a unique trial of how high hopes for a new tomorrow spurred efforts by him to persevere through the ravages of cancer. He accomplished it by keeping a smile on his face, and possessing a winning outlook in being the backbone of ways to help defray costs for cancer patients the world over. You will meet these people and the others as you read on.
I've asked myself who is this book for? And why dramatize in print problems faced by a handful of suffering people? Beyond any doubt, I was able to ascertain that taken together, these stories of hope, faith, and true grit presented a larger than life perspective told through the eyes of one of the most caring television personalities who endeavored to illustrate how certain truths can be attained by believing. Albeit, 'A Dozen Ways To Sunday' may be looked upon as oxymoronic in light of the title, but underneath these twelve profiles the author(s) does nothing to dispell the notion that there would be many more with issues to spur the need to achieve success. I feel that the intent here, as Montel laments, is for us to "learn from these stirring individuals, and make a difference". He goes on to say that, "I've learned from the hand I've been dealt that time is the barometer for change to be able to give something back, to push forward in the name of perseverance".
You'd want to read this book for the passionate insight beneath the surface of the lives Montel has touched---and who touched him--while giving us these heart felt stories. You'd also want to read this book because a part of us always want to be at the forefront of inner peace by making a way for those that are less fortunate. And if by chance you are moved, then you will do what's expected of you. Buy this book there's a message within!

If you are looking for an inspirational gift for the holidays or any special occasion for family or friends, please consider getting them this book. This book contains 12 amazing, inspiring and motivating stories about 12 incredible people who have taken action on some of the worst things life can hand out to make a positive difference for others. These stories will get you fired up and it gives us all examples of what it means to live life with "no excuses and no limits"! (see chapter 12 on Denny Chipollini--that's his motto for living life and once you read his story, it won't be so easy to blow-off exercising anymore!). Do you often find yourself feeling worn down by the daily grind of life? I know I do, but reading these stories helps me to see how to reconnect with the compassion and hope in my life without having to go through any personal tragedies like so many of these people have gone through. It can really make a difference in peoples' lives--thanks for sharing these stories!

If you want to give your family and friends a gift that can change their lives, please consider giving them this book. It contains 12 stories of 12 amazing and courageous people who will help you put your problems into perspective and, above all, help you see how to live life with "no excuses and no limits" (as Denny Chipollini would say--see chapter 12 for a motivating story! You won't be able to blow off those exercises as easily anymore once you read his story!!!!). We all want to enjoy life to its fullest and be grateful for the gifts we've been given, but sometimes in this hectic world it's hard to connect with how to do it. This book helped me connect with the compassionate and hopeful side of life without a personal tragedy. Thank you for sharing these stories!!

Daniel Paisner has hit another home run. The absurdity that has entered into the sports memorabilia market is clearly exposed here. He accuarately illuminates just how hard it is for the average fan to collect that "special piece." Unfortunately, sports memorabilia collecting can no longer be just for the love of the game. The book was a great read and highly recommended!

You'll be amazed how quickly 200 pages turn with this well-written, fast-paced dialogue of Mark McGuire's 70th baseball and the hoopla that endured for a lucky scientist in St. Louis. Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, this story is likely to keep your attention. Thanks to Barron's newspaper for the recommendation!

an adventure of a young scientist into the world of big money and big people with "good" guys and villans...with cameos from mcgwire, sosa and donald trump....this was a home run catch with a home run ending

I know I can't do this book justice, but with only one other review, I'll take my best shot.

I have read several celebrity autobiographies, but this one is by far the best. What a life! His father was half Irish and half Mexican. His mother was illegitimate and half Mexican and half Indian. He was conceived while "both" of his parents were fighting with Pancho Villa. He lived in a dirt-floor shed. His father became a migrant farm worker in the U.S. and later got a job at a studio. Quinn's father's arm was nearly torn off by a panther that Quinn had befriended. These are only some of the highlights in just the first 39 pages.

Quinn was originally planning on becoming an architect, but Frank Lloyd Wright sets into motion a serendipitous chain of circumstances, which leads to Quinn becoming an actor instead of an architect.

This book is much more than the story of Quinn, or even the film industry. Through out his life, Quinn seemed to come into contact, or into bed, with everyone that was anyone: anywhere. While still an unknown-unknown, he was in the frequent company and advice of such people as John Barrymore, Error Flynn, W. C. Fields, John Steinbeck, William Saroyan, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and William Faulkner. During this time, he married Cecil B. De Mille's adopted daughter, which resulted in a 20-year-conflict between Quinn and De Mille. Having De Mille as a father-in-law actually harmed Quinn's career.

Quinn tells of a clandestine meeting with Howard Hughes at 2:30 AM on Mulholland Drive and Hughes arrives with 3 cars. Quinn discusses his 3-year-old son drowning in W. C. Fields' swimming pool. Time and space cause me to only try to wet your appetite.

After reading this book, it's hard to tell if Quinn was playing Zorba, or if Zorba was playing Quinn. By the way, even the dance Quinn does at the end of this movie is a very interesting story.

As with all great books, it unfortunately didn't last long enough.

I really enjoyed this book by Anthony Quinn. At first, I was put off by the way his thoughts jumped around, but in retrospect, I realize that this was just his way of getting his point across, and I became mesmerized by his thoughts and the disparity of his early years. Mr. Quinn did not flower his book with how great he was, or even sound like a celebrity, in the description of his life. In his early years he was very poor, and really let the reader feel his thoughts on his poverty, and how he fought to stay alive. It is a great example of coming from a life of nothing, with seldom having food to eat, to become a great actor, artist, lover, and family man.

Although he would never receive accolades as a husband, he truly loved his family. He mentioned several times, his grief at the death of his son and the loss of father.

He made many friends along the way, and treasured every one. Not caring whether they were paupers or kings.

In 1983, we had the pleasure of seeing and meeting Mr. Quinn on Broadway, in Zorba the Greek. We had invested in several of his paintings and sculptures, and was invited to a party for him at the Helmsley Palace in New York City. We were really impressed with his ability to encompass a room with his presence, while giving every person a piece of his persona.

This book is excellent reading, which keeps the reader waiting for his next thought. The world will truly miss this great man.

Churchill's ministerial brilliance overshadowed his literary achievements to such an extent that many don't realize that he was a writer. Da Vinci's talents as an inventor, painter, and sculptor fully eclipsed his terrific accomplishments as a musician and lyrist. Likewise, Scott is widely portrayed as being little more than a chortling meterologist, one known mainly for trumpeting the birthdays of elderly viewers in between his forecasts. This tome gives the lie to this perception, revealing Scott as a thoughtful writer, as well as an unabashed patriot. For sweet America herself in all of her vastness is Scott's own 'hood - and he's that homeboy on the corner, layin' down rhymes, hookin' down forties, pullin' out his jammy, and aiming it at the sky.

This book is dark and funny and contains more hip pop culture references than Dennis Miller at the top of his game. I found Paisner's other novel, Obit, in the library a few years back - and I've been waiting for a follow-up ever since. The writer gets inside of each character's head in a very compelling way, quickly bringing the reader into the narrative. The characters are at once deep and easy to understand, a strange mix that somehow works. There are sequences throughout the book that delve into the various players' streams of consciousness that are simply brilliant. This is among the best contemporary fiction I have read in quite some time - and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

This is one of the best biographies I have ever read. Casual and right to the point. Interestingly he talked very casually about when he ... at law school and about how much .... Didn't mind talking about himself in not always positive ways. Without using many words, Pataki was able to give the reader a clear impression of his political career and what a longshot he was considered when he started running in 1994 and how he managed to win without the support of Rudy Giuliani. Pataki is one of the greatest politicians in America and wrote one of the greater autobiographies.

ed koch, america's best known mayor in modern times, continues his sucess as a fascinating author. this book offers insights into how he moved from mayor of new york city, into jobs keeping him equally motivated and renowned. if character is everything, then ed koch has everything. a page turner of the first order, it pulls you in from the first page. anyone who has dreamed of coming to new york, been to new york, flown over new york, or heard of ed koch will find the book fascinating. we should all be as relevant and involved as ed koch.

To use the favorite word by which Ed Koch describes his life experiences -- this book is "enjoyable." It is autobiographical/philosophical, revealing, funny; I couldn't put it down. If you like Ed Koch (which I do -- I'm envious of his self-absorption), you can hear him on every page, ultimately as the educator that he is. It is a must-read, particularly for Post-War Baby Boomers, to see a view of age 75 that most of us didn't see/don't see in our parents. The book is truly inspirational in a very realistic way. "Ed Koch, I hope you live forever, and if you can't, I hope God takes you all at once as is your desire and not in pieces like 'salami.'"

When I first saw this book it was on the bargain/clearance rack at the local bookstore. Having seen Montel's wonderful TV show, I decided that I'd buy the book and take it home for immediate reading. I made a big mistake. Instead of finding glimmering little gems of wisdom and insight throughout the pages of the book, I found nothing but a lot of self-congratulatory references to Montel's supposed superior public speaking abilities and his assumptions that he has all of the answers for society's various ills. When I was through reading this book I experienced a feeling that I have never had before -- I wanted to slowly roast his book in my barbecue grill! No other author has ever managed to raise such a truly unpleasant feeling inside of me like this guy has. Before I read the book, I respected and even admired Montel, but after I read it I began to dislike him immensely. Maybe this would have been a better book if Montel had the common courtesy to check his ego at the door and focused on something other than how great he thinks that he is.

I purchased this book several years ago and found it to be very down to earth. I appreciate the fact that while Montel shared his not always so bright life with the public he was able to share lessons learned that could bless someone else who may have been going down the same path. I commend him as a man to be able to receive correction but to also admit fault and openly correct his behavior to make his future better. I also enjoyed the example of him standing up for his show and doing what he thought was a proper format not matter what the cost or what the network execs thought. Being an example for our youth is important and Montel showed that he could influence our children on their level and not preach at them. This book gives us all a reality check in things we can do to improve ourselves, our relationships, our children and our society. Continued success!

In Montel William's book, he brings much light onto the never-ending battle people have with frustration and "hard times." I was given this book as a gift from my mom. She said she heard from people at work that it was very eye-opening and motivational. I would be lying if I said I didn't agree. From the opening chapter, until the very end, you'll get a feeling of warmth and bursts of motivation as you read about the trials and tribulations of Montel as you begin to relate to your own life experiences. His recollection of a motivational lecture at a high school where he calls on a young boy to discuss issues of morals (chapter 2?) will put an ear-to-ear smile on your face. While this book is not a "billion-dollar" winner, it sure is worth a read. I find myself thinking about this book in particular when I come across situations in my life that require personal integrity and determination. I am now 18 and I still think about the words and wisdom that Montel had to offer. Do yourself a favor and give it a chance, it might be as influential on you as it was me.

This books gives us a first person account of what happened the day the North Tower came to ground. Richard Picciotto is a high ranking fireman in the NYFD and he becomes trapped in the stairwell while rescuing civilians. He is a man used to being in charge and having to wait to be rescued caused him much
turmoil. Even though he was trapped and helpless he was still giving orders to his rescuers on how to find him and save him. Once he is rescued, he goes back to his job. He doesn't thank his rescuers for finding him nor do we hear about the civilians that were trapped in the rubble. This book left me wanting more, not
necessary the graphic details which the book does portray in a vivid manner but more feeling. He told his tale in a dry clinical manner. At times I found myself calling him selfish and just wanting to be a hero. I have read Firehouse which gave you the life behind the men and am currently reading Report from Ground
Zero. The latter book has already given Sept 11 an outlet for showing all sides of that day, which this book failed.

FDNY Battalion Chief Richard Picciotto's account of his survival and ultimate escape from the collaspe of the WTC North Tower on September 11 is one of the best stories to come out of that agonizing day. He was the highest-ranking firefighter to survive this collapse, and he and his comrades were trapped under the rubble of the North Tower for over four hours.

I couldn't put this book down. Chief Picciotto tells his story with complete candor, and early on you realize how very lucky he and the other men and civilian woman were on that fateful day. It was one of the few miracles to come out of 9/11.

It is the bravery of Chief Picciotto and the other rescue personnel, along with the civilian, that grabs the reader and never lets you go until they are all safely out of the remains of the North Tower.

Do yourself a favor - buy two copies of the book - and give it to a friend. This story stays with you long after you close the final page

Richard Picciotto's story is so horrific that I found it in places almost unbearable and almost put the book down. However, I decided if this man could live through this awful day and write about it, I could finish his story. This is the account of Chief Picciotto and other New York Firefigters' heroic rescue of many people in the north tower of the World Trade Center, then the tower falling around them, their being trapped for 3 or 4 hours in a tiny space, not knowing if they would ever get out, and thank God, their ultimate escape to safety.

The book is very well done and is full of painstaking details. For example, we learn that the sky was totally clear that awful day; otherwise the misguided monsters would not have been able to fly into the tower. As Picciotto and other firefighters are clearing the tower, he comes across on a twenty-seventh floor "a well-dressed broker-type hunched over at his desk, typing crazily on his keyboard. . . at first I thought I was seeing things." (Can you believe this?) There is also the account of the rescue of a group of disabled people who had somehow gathered on the same floor. When Chief Piccioto first sees them, he doesn't realize that they are disabled. "And as they moved toward me, I thought I was seeing things. There were people in wheelchairs, people on crutches, people moving with the aid of walkers and canes, people hardly moving at all. There were people old enough to have been my grandparents--and they moved with the kind of hurry you usually find in tortoises." When the tower falls and Chief Piccioto stops moving, he is in a small space in total darkness. "I thought I was dead. Really, I actually wondered if this was what it felt like to be dead. Think about it: It was pitch dark. There was no sound, no movement, no nothing." For me this is one of the most touching passages in the entire book.

So we have yet another account of one decent man of many responding with valor and courage in an impossible situation. This is as good as anything I've read about the awful events of September 11.

I am not sure what point Miss Jones was trying to get across in this book. I found the brush-with-death and family issues to be somewhat inspiring, but most of the other parts in the book came off as arrogant. She seemed to be using this book to tell the world how great she thinks she is. In the book, Star says that she now knows where the line is drawn between confidence and arrogance. I'm not so sure she does. The book seems to be sloppily put together, in a sort of random-thought fashion. However, if you are a fan of "The View", it can be a somewhat entertaining and fast read.

Star Jones may come off as arrogant and overly self-confident, but that's why I love her. She's not afraid to say what she thinks. I'd rather read a book by someone interesting than one by someone who always puts themselves down.

"You Have to Stand for Something or You'll Fall for Anything" By Star Jones is the most inspiring book I have read in a long time. Star speaks as hard and meaningful as she does everyday on the hit show "The View". Every chapter has a message behind it that will make you think about your life in a way you did not before. The book ranges from many different topics that deal with our society on a day to day bases. It is one of those books that you start and you just can not put it down.