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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.