So here is the perfect sample for one stone two birds on this subject. Basically it is book of PVM source code in C with commentary, very detail, very hands-on education.
The book is less than 400pp, souce code takes about 100pp, commentary takes about 100pp, another 200pp for background and theory.
If you have very strong coding experience and want to know some parallel programming, this book definitely is designed for you. Btw, source code is available on web.
It seems that this book is being marketed towards teenagers (I guess that's where they got the title) but I found it inspirational. I'll hang on to it and give it to my son in another 10 years or so when he's a teen.
List price: $24.95 (that's 30% off!)
The book does a very good job of covering his humble beginnings and his clever business sense. However, it gives you only a sense of the enormous risk he took in the Pop music world. This is the area where the book disappointed me. OK, he spent 2 Million developing BB, but he could afford it? No problem? Really? I'm certain he had some doubts and discomfort, which he doesn't get in to in any detail. Plus, he must be a brilliant math guy, but you wouldn't know it by the book. Details, I wanted more details.
Also, regarding the TV show "Makin the Band". He doesn't mention the situation where his own TransCon managers offered the band, OTown, a deal that didn't include him. He only says he had some problems with one of the band members and they are now "friends." I think he fluffs over some important problems that we all could learn from. Who better to learn from than him, but he didn't discuss it much... Still, I'm glad he wrote it. It's better than nothing.
If you follow these Ten Rules, will you become a billionaire like Lou Pearlman? Not very likely, but with that said, this book is full of interesting insights and stories, and is a fast and entertaining read.
Yes, the book serves as a good guide to potential entrepreneurs and Mr. Pearlman graciously shares his past mistakes and helpful tips to assist those climbing the lower rungs in any business. It was delightful to read about his earliest business dealings and the deep love, confidence and support of his parents who never doubted him or his abilities - at any age. They knew the true secrets of success: nurturing and sharing. He listened and learned. Like good news, he traveled fast on the wings they gave him.
An astute businessman who doesn't like to be misunderstood, he uses the book as spin control by providing his account of being on the defensive side of the legal battlefield. He describes legal land mines and how best to navigate around them that would serve any individual or business who is in a bind. He doesn't use this medium to criticize his accusers which should serve as a lesson to anyone involved in business. He knows that bridges are best left unburned.
At the risk of being considered self-serving, this book is informative and entertaining and it illustrates what a good businessman Mr. Pearlman is. He keeps his finger on the pulse of current trends and he creates innovative ways to make a buck, including from this book! His seemingly genuine "You help me - I'll help you"-type philosophy is very refreshing in today's business world. Those who fault him for those beliefs must not understand what life is really about.
Not content to rest on his laurels, (and if you don't know what they are he'll tell you! - he's either a braggadocio or an educator depending on your views) he keeps moving. In his world, there are no obstacles, only opportunities. The sky's the limit and he's having fun and flying high! Most enlightening was reading about his belief that his employees are an integral part of his success and he wouldn't be much without their help and loyalty. The fact that he intuitively identifies their potential and strengths for mutual gain and he considers them family will never fail him in the long run. Read it and reap!
List price: $18.95 (that's 75% off!)