Related Subjects: Author Index Reviews Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Book reviews for "Skartvedt,_Dan_L." sorted by average review score:

Amazing Gracie
Published in Hardcover by Workman Publishing Company (01 October, 2000)
Authors: Dan Dye, Meg Cundiff, Mark Beckloff, and Three Dog Bakery
Amazon base price: $4.98
List price: $18.95 (that's 74% off!)
Used price: $5.48
Collectible price: $6.87
Buy one from zShops for: $3.95
Average review score:

Story of how one dog can change the world
'Amazing Gracie' is the heartwarming story of how one neglected, deaf Great Dane named Gracie changed the lives of everyone who loved her. It is a book for everyone who loves dogs, as well as for anyone who has known 'a nutty dog person.' It is also the story of how Gracie inspired those who loved her to change and grow, and eventually to start Three Dog Bakery. I have recently adopted a deaf sheltie, and personally found many of the deaf dog anecdotes in the book funny and true to form. However, what I REALLY love about the book is that we learn that Gracie wasn't just a special deaf dog, but a wonderful dog, PERIOD. The book tells us very subtly that deaf dogs are just dogs that can't hear... otherwise they lead perfectly normal doggie lives. Hopefully, more people will see how wonderfully sweet our deaf dogs are, and won't think to put them to sleep just because they can't hear. They are great dogs, it's a shame more people don't/can't experience that love. Dan Dye's love for his pups, and his sharing that love with all of us, have made us all better humans, and dogs. Gracie's legacy lives on in all of us.

An Excellent Book for Dog Lovers Everywhere!
I just finished this wonderful book and plan on buying more copies for Christmas as gifts. This is the story of Gracie, an albino, deaf great dane puppy who inspires Dan, her owner, to start the chain of bakeries: Three Dog Bakery. It was a funny book, although the last pages will definately get to you if you've ever been through an older dogs final days.

I truly laughed out loud through much of the book... Gracie's love life reminded me of my own! Her life, although she was deaf, was full of love and devotion, but she definately had a mischeivous streak which all dog owners will relate to. This was simply a wonderful read that provided much more story than I was even hoping for. Amazing Gracie proves that dogs can inspire and teach us as well as make excellent companions!

If you love dogs,this is a great book
I just finished an amazing story about A white,albano dog named Gracie. Even though Gracie is deaf she still is an amazing animal. After being saved by a lonely guy named dan, she inspires him to start a bakery named Three Dog Bakery.

I laughed a lot throughout this book! It was very ffunny but at the end of this book, it can be very sad especialy if you have been with a dying dog in his or her last days. I really enjoyedreading this book this book because I am a dog lover, and this book was realy touching. So if you really want a great book, I recommend Amazing Gracie.


Horse Called Wonder (Campbell, Joanna. Thoroughbred, No. 1.)
Published in Paperback by Harper Mass Market Paperbacks (1992)
Authors: Joanna Campbell and Dan Weiss
Amazon base price: $3.50
Used price: $0.53
Collectible price: $4.75
Average review score:

Thanks to this book, I discovered the thrill of racing!
When my parents first bought this book for me, I wasn't as horse-crazy as I am now and wasn't sure I was going to read it. Then, out of curiosity, I read the first paragraph. Interested, I went on to read the first chapter. Wow, I thought, Ashleigh Griffen is just like me! I decided I'd better read it. I was hooked all the way through the book, thanks to the superb writing, the suspense and how you get to love Wonder as though she were your own horse. I went on to read Number 4, Wonder's Victory.

Not long after, a commercial for the Kentucky Derby was shown on TV. That's one of the races in the Thoroughbred Series, Wonder wins it, I thought, and decided to watch the race. I'll never forget that spectacular finish, where Grindstone was chased to the wire by Cavonnier. I discovered the thrill of horse racing that day and have been a loyal fan of the sport of kings ever since. Had it not been for that book, I wouldn't have had the slightest interest in a horse race. I discovered my dream through the Thoroughbred Books. Thank you, Joanna Campbell!

A Horse Called Wonder *a really good book*
I'm 20 and i'm a jockey in Vancouver and i have been around horses ever since i was a baby, like Ashleigh has.This book is a really good example for all horse lovers. It gives all the confidence one needs and throughout all my 17 years of riding, I have never read about or met anyone like Ashleigh in the story. This book realy can teach a lot and i think Joanna Campbell really knows lots about horses. Anyway, in this book, it talks about Ashleigh. She moved into Townsend Acres and one day, a foal is born sick, weak and unhealthy.Mr. Townsend, thinks that she won't make it too become a good racehorse so decides to send her to the auction. Ashleigh isn't giving up and names the foal Wonder while she spends all her time looking after the foal and feeding her. Charlie Burke, the retired trainer, helps Ashleigh with the care and teaches her more of what she had to know. Then eventually, Clay Townsend, the owner of Townsend Acres, agrees to kepp Wonder!

A Great horse story for young and old horse lovers alike!

This book A HORSE CALLED WONDER was a very moving and emotional book for me as well as for my mother. This wonderful book has always been one of my favorites when I got it for Christmas several years ago. I am still collecting and reading ALL the books in the series. I think that all horse lovers and admirers will truly love this book.

Ashleigh Griffen was devastated at the lost of her parents Thoroughbred breeding farm. After the loosing some of her very favorite horses to a virus, her parents had to sell her precious horse, Stardust. Now, her parents have a better job as breeding managers at the big and prestigious farm, Townsend Acres. When a mare that reminds Ashley of Stardust gives birth at the farm, there are many thoughts of putting her sickly little foal down. Ashley has become attached to this mare and can't stand the thought of loosing her foal too. Ashley makes a commitment to save the new born foal with alot of TLC and hardwork. Then, she proves to everyone at the farm that they should keep her.


The Journey Is the Destination: The Journals of Dan Eldon
Published in Hardcover by Chronicle Books (1997)
Authors: Dan Eldon and Kathy Eldon
Amazon base price: $24.50
List price: $35.00 (that's 30% off!)
Used price: $21.00
Collectible price: $22.00
Buy one from zShops for: $22.90
Average review score:

An inspiration to young people everywhere
Dan Eldon attended St. Martins School, Mill Hill London England as a young boy. In dedication to his memory St.Martins School has awarded an annual prize for the last 2 years to the child who has shown outstanding personal qualities through dedication and hard work during the academic year. My daughter Emily (aged11) was priviledged to have been awarded the Dan Eldon prize this year. His memory lives on through many children in London who have been at St.Martins School and we are honoured to be associated with such a fine young man. His book is a history of a unique young life which although tragically cut short at an early age was not wasted.

This book is a life- and perception-altering experience.
When I stumbled on to Dan Eldon's diaries, I was eighteen and relatively directionless. I had lots of good ideas, but a mixture of laziness and fear was keeping me from acting on my adventuresome and compassionate impulses. The story of Dan's passionate, brief and fearless existance inspired and obliterated me, sending me into a little crying crisis the night I took it in, cover to cover. I couldn't believe, or any longer tolerate, my own complacency. The book's dual storytelling, of seeing Dan's dreamlike, haunting, amusing and intrieguing images, and reading his mother's words about the specifics of those times in his life, was devestatingly effective. He was a boy my age and after my own heart, but in his short life he had seen the world, recorded and contributed to it, and embraced it and its peoples and challenges with daring that I had never seen before. The medium of his journal created a lens through which I could see the world as he had seen it. This glimpse gave me the courage to follow my own heart and this courage took me across Europe this summer, and into a major in sociology. I have read hundreds of books, but no single book has ever influenced or affected me more than "The Journals of Dan Eldon." Ever since, I have shared it, one by one, with my friends who I thought could understand and appreciate it, and every one of them has had the same reaction. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially anyone who has big dreams, but does not believe in his or her own potential. Through the sincerity and artistry of its cryptic and moving images, Dan's soul is shared with every reader, and there is nothing more inspiring than being blessed with an intesely personal glimpse at the soul of a truly human hero. I emphatically and respectfully recommend this book.

Dan Eldon's journal is an amazing adventure.
I had the chance to see Dan Eldon's mother speak at UCLA last year and that just made the book seem all the more real. Amy was there too, and she was as beautiful in person as she was in Dan's photos. I have read several reviews which have criticized The journey is the destination, but what we all need to remember is that this book chronichles someone's life. It's art, not fiction. Either you closed the booking recieving some kind of knowledge or inspiration,or you just saw some neat pictures. Saying that Dan copied Peter Beard's work is stupid as well as ridiculous. Many photographers, and artists keep journals like Dan's. I am a photographer and before I saw Dan or Peter Beard's journals I was making collages out to my photographs. There are numerous photo journals like Dan's and Peter's, what makes them all different and special is that they were constructed by unique individuals.


The Kid Who Ran for President
Published in Paperback by Scholastic (1996)
Author: Dan Gutman
Amazon base price: $4.50
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $1.07
Buy one from zShops for: $0.18
Average review score:

Awesome book!
Intro:"Hi! My name is Judson Moon. I'm twelve years old and I'm running for President of the YOU-nited States." That's how he introduced himself to about a zillion people in 2000. He must have kissed a zillion babies, said a zillion hellos, shaken a zillion hands...
He got a lot of votes. Enough to make him President of the United States?
Comments: Well, you could peek at the last page of the book and find out. That is, if you're a total weenie with the attention span of a flea.Or you could read this book and get the whole story. Me? I'd read the book, but, hey, it's your choice. It's a free country, right?

The Kid Who Ran For President Book Review
Judson Moon is 12 years old and is running for the office of president. Lane Brainard is also 12 years old and is Judson's campagin manager. Lane tells Judson what to say and do. First, Judson goes to Chelsea Daniels, who is also 12 years old, and asks her if she wants to be the First Lady. Then, Judson goes to June Syers, an elderly lady, and asks her if she wants to be his running mate. Judson and June set up a lemonade stand to raise money for the campagin. Will Chelsea Daniels be the First Lady? Will June Syers accept his offer to be his running mate? Will they raise enough money at the lemonade stand? We liked the book! Will you? Read this book and you'll find out!

I LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK!!
I SAY...EXCELLENT!!! This book is suspenseful and exciting and just....great!!! !It's THE BEST book for boys and girls age 7 thru 17....I read it 2 times in 1 day.........it is the awesomest! It has you on the edge of your seat and makes you squeal with joy and make you want to do it too!!! If you want to get a holiday present for a kid get them this book!!! If you are a kid and you're looking for a great book get this one!!!!! You will love it, and the best part is it's sooo realistic even though the plot sounds unreal!!!!!! The best, I repeat, the best...!!! You will follow the adventures of Judson, Lane, Chelsea, and June as they develop the awesomest campaign...it sounds so real...you can do it too, kids!!!!! But the first step is to buy this book you won't regret it!!!!!!!!!!!! :) (If I could give this book 6 stars I would!! Or 7!!!! Or 8!!! Or 9!!! Or 10!!!! or infinity!!!!!!!)


Semper Fi: Business Leadership the Marine Corps Way
Published in Hardcover by AMACOM (1998)
Authors: Dan Carrison and Rod Walsh
Amazon base price: $17.47
List price: $24.95 (that's 30% off!)
Used price: $10.99
Buy one from zShops for: $16.07
Average review score:

A solid benchmark in leadership
As a former Marine officer and now a corporate cubical dweller I found this book an excellent reminder of my leadership training and experience from my years in the Marine Corps. One needs not to have served for this book to be useful. However, one does need to read the book with some caution. The authors presented a Marine Corps that seemed euphoric in nature. I loved my time in the Marines, but my experience recalls institutionalized pitfalls and humanistic weaknesses as well. "Semper Fi" offers outstanding advice, but is by no means a cure-all or a magic bullet. The principles outlined in the book will only be effective if applied with a lot of hard work. The leadership principles are simple and they were presented in a clear and practical format. The reader must understand effective leaders in the Marine Corps have been and must be vigilant in their efforts. As the authors made clear in the book, leadership by example is essential. I have utilized many of the same leadership principles from manufacturing and process improvement to project management, and the results have clearly made positive changes to the business and to the personnel impacted by these changes. I strongly recommend this book to anyone in or aspiring to a leadership position. I would even go as far to say those currently serving in the Marine Corps or military could benefit from this easy reading book. It sets a benchmark for business's to work towards and for the military to maintain and improve upon.

A great read for any business owner or manager
What business wouldn't want what the Marines have -- a dedicated, focused, organization of warriors commited to achieving company wide goals? The authors explain in great detail how to use the techniques of the Marine Corps to create the same sense of dedication and mission in your own workforce.

I found the section "Attracting the Best" to be especially innovative. The authors suggest that companies follow the Marine example and use your best employees, not a headhunter, to find your new candidates. HR departments should consist of employees who have come up through the ranks and appreciate the company mission. And they recommend that corporations employee Marine like "tours of duty" to allow individuals to serve stints in many different divisions.

The only reason I didn't give the book five stars is that the authors should have explained the difference between Officers, Seargants, Drill Instructors, and NCOs. It probably makes perfect sense if you are a Marine, which I am not. It wouldn't be such a problem if the authors didn't refer to them constantly in analogies to supervisors, middle-managers, and senior managers. But don't let that stop you. Buy the book and learn how to run your company like the Marines have run theirs for over 200 years.

Lead Your Organization to Success the Marine Corps Way
When our national survival is at stake, or when we send America's sons and daughters to stare death in the face in defense of our national interests, inspired leadership is critical to success. Fortunately, the United States military continually develops people who are up to the challenge of leading others to achieve our national security objectives. Foremost in developing military leaders at all organizational levels is the United States Marine Corps.

Rarely do corporations risk the lives of their employees to accomplish their missions; however, in the highly competitive global market place, "enemies" are always looking for ways to eliminate their competition. As with achieving national security objectives, strong and effective leadership can mean the difference between success or failure in the business world.

In Semper Fi, Business Leadership the Marine Corps Way authors Dan Carrison and Rod Walsh, both Marines (no longer on active duty), brilliantly bring the leadership principles that have made Marines and won battles since 1775 to the competitive environment of corporate America. They do this by examining the methodology the Corps applies to develop its leaders and transforming the Marine's concepts to strategies that can be used to lead any organization. The authors guide you through successive levels of responsibility and leadership from recruiting to senior management.

Semper Fi is required reading for all those who desire to be a better leader. Carrison and Walsh inspire you to achieve your leadership potential as they provide you a road-map to success in the business world. After reading their book, you will have greater respect and admiration for the Marine Corps and will be better prepared to tackle the challenges of corporate life. You will refer to this book over and over again as you lead your organization to new heights of achievement and climb the ladder of corporate success.


The Self-Publishing Manual
Published in Paperback by Para Publishing (1995)
Author: Dan Poynter
Amazon base price: $19.95
Used price: $4.00
Average review score:

The A-Z guide for publishing your own book
Dan's thorough book and fax on demand system gave me the step by step information I needed to successfully write and publish my first two gift books for baldheaded men: "Bald Men Always Come Out on Top" and "Bald Men Never Have a Bad Hair Day."

If you are wondering about whether to self-publish or go with a major publishing company, please read "Why You Should Consider Self-Publishing" in chapter one. It paints a very realistic picture of your publishing options so that you will feel good about your choice to do it yourself or go with the big boys. If you secure a literary agent for your book and receive a substantial bonus from a well-known publishing company (both of which are the exception to the rule for first time authors), then you might do well going with a major publisher. Otherwise, my experience tells me to go the self-publishing route.

I suggest reading Dan's book once from cover to cover to get an overview of the business. Then go back, highlight the material and write down any questions you have. What isn't answered in the book is answered by his fax on demand system, web site or from Dan personally via an email or phone consultation. If you prefer a workshop approach his inexpensive training seminar is excellent.

Dan not only leads the industry,but is two steps ahead of it
Don't even consider self-publishing without first reading The Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter. His book will save you time and prevent you from making costly mistakes. Dan not only leads the industry, but is two steps ahead of it. I have been producing and marketing books since 1985 and Dan Poynter's advice gave me the foundation from which I built my business. He has been and continues to be very generous with sharing the secrets to his success. This 12th edition of The Self-Publishing Manual keeps you current and walks you through each step. Do you have questions about printing on demand? Not sure how to approach e-books? Dan has the answers. He continues to tell us where to look, who to contact, and how to maintain the image we strive for as small press publishers. This edition is filled with a gold mine of information - each page offers nuggets of publishing advice. This is the best investment you'll ever make as you enter or continue your world of self-publishing.

Linda F. Radke Author of Linda Radke's Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show

Self-publishing's Master Manual
With Dan Poynter's 13th edition about to come out, it behooves every writer interested in self-publishing and the marketing techniques associated with that increasingly popular method of publishing to purchase this invaluable guide and/or its latest edition. Using "Poynter's pointers," I self-published my book, The Perils of Imprudent Writing-How to Watch What You Write and Stay Out of Court, now in its second edition, and have sold over 3000 copies to date. I first read The Self-Publishing Manual cover to cover (I now have three editions and will buy the next; his numerous references are updated annually), then outlined it to create a chronological strategy in my successful self-publishing effort. Poynter leaves no stone unturned in providing information to writers. Also, his company, ParaPublishing, is always available to provide additional information and assistance.


Without you : the tragic story of Badfinger
Published in Unknown Binding by Frances Glover Books ()
Author: Dan Matovina
Amazon base price: $
Average review score:

Classic 70's band Shines on inspite of their misfortunes
This exhaustively researched book gives a full picture of the band during their peak. The word tragic shows up in descriptions of Badfinger quite a bit,but it doesn't begin to do justice to this terrific band's sad story. This second edition of the book cleans up a handful of minor errors and misstakes that appeared in the text of the original version. It also includes an additional chapter on the recent court case that involved the original members (and the estates of two decease members). There are also a number of photographs that didn't appear in the original edition and a complete discography that includes the latest reissues of the band's material.

Nevertheless, the inside look at the manipulators and sharks in the music business is a very good cautionary tale for modern musicians. Ultimately, this is a tale all too common in the music business. Although all four members of Badfinger were talented songwriters and singers, Matovina focuses accurately portrays Pete Ham as the driving force behind the band. The unique chemistry of the four members was still an important factor in this fine band and Matovina doesn't sell the other members short. If there is a villian in this story it was the short sightedness of the band and the person they chose to manage them in the United States. If the band had a flaw it was its inability to look past the bs of the business and their trusting nature.

Matovina does a terrific job of drawing a full picture of all the members of the band. He manages to provide the best insight into Pete Ham (the most talented singer/songwriter in the band). Ham is a complex figure who, when under emotional distress, habitually puts out cigarettes on his hands. Ham commuicates his emotions through his songs, and is a good friend to everybody but, unfortunately, no one is able to get close to Ham and help him with the enormous burden of trying to keep Badfinger together.

Matovina also manages to capture the other members of the band with the same detail. The chapters on the band's post-Ham years are both as tragic and compelling as those written about the first incarnation of Badfinger. Evans and Molland's struggle to revive the band and the indifference they faced is particularly interesting given the band's previous success.

Eventually the pressures caught up with everyone in Badfinger. It's impact was sharp and explosive for two members of the band resulting in their suicide. In many respects the aftermath of the implosion of this great band resembles a messy divorce; all the participants had their own agenda and couldn't get past their own personal issues.

The inclusion of the 71 minute CD provides a series of snapshots of the band from beginning to the very bitter end. Most of these tracks haven't been available before (with the exception of poor sounding bootlegs). We get to hear one of Pete Ham's first demos for the band along with their first offical studio recording made under the supervision of the Kinks' Ray Davies. We also get to hear a number of Iveys' demos that were never performed by the band after their name change. These demos range in quality from interesting (Take Good Care of My Baby) to terrific (She Came Out of the Cold and a live version of Maybe Tomorrow sans the overbearing string arrangement on the original).

Included on this disc are 5 interviews with Ham and original member Tom Evans. It provides further insight that compliments the book. We get to hear (in their own words) both the highs and lows that drove the band to produce some of their most enduring work. The CD ends with one of Ham's last demo recordings (the powerful Ringside which Matovina produced for the posthumous Pete Ham solo album 7 Park Avenue) and an unreleased pair of Tom Evans demos from his brief post-Badfinger career.

Matovina provides more than one smoking gun in the book demonstrating that the forces that tore this band apart wasn't jealousy as much as the vultures in the music industry. Without You is both a powerful reminder of the evil in the music industry and the talented individuals that are victimized by these vultures.

Immense talent gone horribly wrong.
The story of a rock band with the means and talent to gain superstardom. What happens when shady management and internal squabbling destroy perhaps one of the most talented groups of all time? This book covers it all in captivating detail, from the innocent beginnings to the sad and tragic end. This book is a must read for anybody thinking of a career in the music businsess or anyone interested in the inner workings of a Rock and Roll band.

These talented musicians show what can happen by placing their faith in others rather than learning the business end of the music business. Badfinger released four hugely successful singles (Come and Get It, No Matter What, Day After Day and Baby Blue). Songwriters Pete Ham and Tom Evans' Without You was a number one hit for Harry Nilsson and a huge hit for Mariah Carey. Despite this, bad management decisions and non-existent promotion from their record companies brought the group little income and eventually led to the suicides of Ham and Evans.

The group's music lives as a testament to Badfinger's talent, and this book brings forth the dark pitfalls of the recording industry. Very possibly the best biography ever written on a musical act and an informative look at the hazards of the industry.

Ken Phillips

A book that continues to Shine On
I first heard of Badfinger back in November of 1997 due to my brother. That is when I had the pleasure to first listen to No Dice and Straight Up. Soon after this I read this excellent Book about them called the Without You: The Tragic Story of Badfinger by DAN MATOVINA. And let me say this IT IS THE BEST BIOGRAPHY OF A BAND THAT I HAVE EVER READ. Dan tells the entire story with them on the Stage, to behind the scenes, and many other things including events in there personal lifes. With this Dan backs these up with personal interviews done by him or reaccounts by the actual band members and family. Also something that is different about this book than any others is that Dan makes you get so close to the characters and makes you feel and experience what the had to live through. (Especially Pete Ham) After reading what happens to Pete and Tom you realize that you felt like you knew them and were close friends. And that in its self makes a book great, living with and experience the ups and downs with the people or characters. Anyways I WOULD LIKE TO THANK DAN for making this book possible along with 7th Park Avenue and Golders Green (CD's of Pete Ham) and the reissues of Badfingers Classic albums. :-) I just simply can't thank him enough for everything.


The Count of Monte Cristo
Published in Paperback by First Classics (1990)
Authors: Alexandre Dumas, Dan Spiegle, and Steven Grant
Amazon base price: $11.05
Average review score:

It Still Has A Great Impact
This book, The Count of Monte Cristo, is an engrossing tale of loyalty, revenge, and obsession that can still teach lessons today. Edmond Dantes seems set for life: the young man is now the captain of a ship, his best friends are his father and his boss, Morrel, and he is set to be married to a beautiful girl named Mercedes. But two men, Danglars and Fernand, are jealous of him for different reasons (Danglars for his job, Fernand for his fiancee). This jealousy comes in the form of a conspiracy so that both will be benefited: a letter is written saying that Dantes is a Napoleonic agent (he is not). He is further crossed by the ambitious magistrate de Villefort, who destroys the only piece of evidence because it implicates his father and sends him to prison, using the Napoleonic phobia of the time. While there, he meets the brilliant yet enigmatic Abbe Faria, who teaches him several languages and they collaborate on how to escape. The Abbe has an attack, he tells Dantes to leave without him, so he does. But before the Abbe dies, he tells Dantes about the magnificent treasure of Monte Cristo, and then the adventure begins as Dantes gets the treasure and lives extravagantly for a while, then he comes to pay vengeance to his enemies and rewards to his friends. This book is quite long, but I could not imagine it being shorter: it is the perfect size for the story. This is one of the best books of all time for a reason, and I would highly recommend it to anybody interested in adventure.

Mmmm . . . Edmond Dantes
The Count of Monte Cristo is the best book I've read in quite a long while. I wasn't expecting it to be. Frankly, I tend to have low expectations for 19th-century European novels in regard to sheer readability. Like vegetables and trips to the dentist, they tend to be more good for you than simply good. Add in the fact that the unabridged version is over 1000 pages, and I felt sure that the Count would be a somewhat difficult companion.

Nothing could be farther from the truth! Edmond Dantes' adventures kept me fully engrossed from beginning to end. I was disappointed to turn the final page, left longing for more.

If you've seen a movie version of Count of Monte Cristo, expect surprises. I had seen both the Richard Chamberlain and Jim Caviezel versions before reading the book (mmmm . . . Jim Caviezel), but neither were entirely true to the storyline or the mood of the original.

Edmond himself is a thoroughly satisfying and seductive hero. (The reader must take with a grain of salt the numerous references to his drug habit; at the time, opium was unfortunatly de rigeur for a Romantic hero.) The secondary characters are equally engrossing, from the admirable Maximilian Morrel to the villainous Danglars; and the ingenious machinations by which Edmond contrives to reward the deserving and doom the guilty make the chapters fly by.

I would encourage everyone to be sure and get the unabridged version of this masterpiece. It is by no means slow or ponderous, and the thought of what must be left on the cutting room floor to reduce this book to half its size makes me wince.

You must read The Count of Monte Cristo
If you enjoy literature, then you must read The Count of Monte Cristo. In this book, a young sailor named Edmond Dantès is arrested on false charges of treason. He spends the next fourteen years in prison trying to figure out how to exact complete revenge on his enemies. Once he gets out of prison he begins his quest for vengeance. The author, Alexandre Dumas, portrays this struggle for vengeance by mixing action and serenity together. By using both, Dumas makes the character seem like a real person. Throughout the entire book I felt like I knew Edmond Dantès feelings. Dumas' writing style made Edmond Dantès come alive. Instead of being on the outside watching in, I felt like I was in the middle of all the action. By making the reader feel like a part of the book, Dumas gets the reader involved in the plot; this makes the reader not want to stop reading. The Count of Monte Cristo continually makes you think about the characters and the plot. As the reader, I observed a great battle of intellect between the main characters, and this strife makes the book enjoyable to read. You constantly wonder who will get the upper hand. This book, with its many levels, will make a reader lose him or her self in the book. I read the abridged edition, which sometimes made me feel like I had missed an important detail or event. Other than this small drawback, I enjoyed the book thoroughly. I recommend The Count of Monte Cristo to anyone who enjoys reading books with an entertaining story and believable plot.


Personality Radio
Published in Paperback by O'LINERS / L.A. Air Force (13 March, 2000)
Author: Dan O'Day
Amazon base price: $29.95
Average review score:

Personality Radio by Dan O'Day
For anyone in Radio this book is a MUST HAVE! Doesn't matter if you're just getting started, or a seasoned veteran of the biz, Dan O'Day brings insights in to real world radio, in an easy and fun read. The true stories of weird radio happenings will make you laugh, and the studies of radio philosophy will make you better on the air. I use this book as a training aid for new jocks, and it makes them better, almost, overnight. Plus it's a good reference for those of us that have been in the trenches for years. Read this book and you will never approach a daily show the same way, again. This is the Radio Bible.

Personality Radio - Dan O'Day Rocks!
I first bought this book in 1997 when I was just starting in the radio industry. It was recommended to me by a number of older announcers and I decided to give it a try. Well, can I just say, I would probably not be where I am today without the invaluable information found within the pages of this manual. Because that's what this book is. It basically tells you step by step, the things you need to do in order to be a successful radio personality. I have had older announcers who have borrowed my copy, say to me "Wow, I wish I had this book when I was starting out." Most even admit to learning new things from this extraordinary book. Not only do you get a manual to your soon to be successful career, but you get interviews with other superstar industry personalites such as Dick Orkin, Jonothan Brandtmier, abd Rick Dees. If you think I am over-rating this review then you are wrong. I owe alot to this one book. It is invaluable and I still read it to this day. If you are in the radio business, and want to take the next step into making yourself a stand out personality, then buy this book! Now!

THE book to own in Radio
With 19.5 years experience behind me I've seen and read a lot material supposedly designed to help radio announcers take the step to being a "Personality". This book remains #1 on my list of reccomendations. What many radio people, young and old, never understand is that there is both art and science to creating an on-air personality. Dan walks you through the concepts, interviews some of the legendary personalities, and gives you the tools to create your own, unique style on-air.... If you're willing to open your mind, and work hard Dan will give you the tools to blow the competition out of the water, into the weeds and off the planet. If you only buy one radio book in your career, make it THIS book.


The Godfather
Published in Audio Cassette by Brilliance Audio (01 October, 2001)
Authors: Mario Puzo, Dan Price, Richard Lavin, and Chuck Winter
Amazon base price: $20.97
List price: $29.95 (that's 30% off!)
Used price: $19.97
Buy one from zShops for: $18.25

Related Subjects: Author Index Reviews Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Reviews are from readers at Amazon.com. To add a review, follow the Amazon buy link above.