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Book reviews for "Thomas,_Peter" sorted by average review score:

The Emmys: The Ultimate, Unofficial Guide to the Battle of Tv's Best Shows and Greatest Stars
Published in Paperback by Perigee (10 July, 2000)
Authors: Thomas O'Neil and Peter Bart
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Interesting, but lacking quite a bit
You can see a list of most every nominee and winner of any TV award ever bestowed, including sports, news, and daytime Emmys. That much is certain. But what you can't find is anything close to a complete index. Apparently, only the "big" winners and nominees are listed in the index. Even if a performer was nominated for a writing award, you'll find only his or her performance nominations indexed.

It's a good bathroom or coffee table book, but if you hope to use this book for research, you'll end up creating your own crossreferences, so what's the use? The only reason to purchase this one is because there isn't an alternative.

THE EMMYS deserves an AWARD
I really enjoy Tom O'Neil's other two books -- "Movie Awards" and "The Grammys" -- and now that I have "The Emmys," too, I'm THRILLED. All three books are full of really really interesting info, lists, trivia, photos, all that -- but JUICY DISH. WOW. Some of the stories he tells are OUTRAGEOUS! Hilarious! The best part: Every one of O'Neil's books is superbly written. They're a joy to read and full of laughs. I cannot recommend these books stronger to you guys. I'm addicted to them. Get all three -- you'll thank me. (...) Get these books and follow along

This Book's a Winner!
It's full of lots of nifty trivia (Mary Tyler Moore and Ed Asner are tied for the most Emmys--7 each), curious facts (poor Jackie Gleason never won an Emmy! Angela Lansbury's the biggest loser among current stars now that Susan Lucci finally got one), thorough listings and gazillion photos. Nice surprise about this book: it's sassily written. The text chapters are full of dish, fascinating history and bitchy humor. O'Neil REALLY tells you what goes on BEHIND the scenes. O'Neil's that guy on TV on the red carpet at all those award shows: Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes, Grammys. Turns out that he's a smart writer in addition to being a pretty good awards guru. (I remember that he predicted Lucci would finally win just before she did.) Loved his book on the Grammys. This one's even better -- or maybe I just think so because I like TV more than music?


Thriving on Chaos: Handbook for a Management Revolution
Published in Hardcover by Knopf (1987)
Authors: Thomas J. Peters and Tom Peters
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Probably great if you haven't read Passion for Excellence
Tom Peters, with Passion for Excellence, has been a great inspiration for me to start all kinds of innovations in customer service (quite some years later I still got positive responses out of the market) and my organization back in the 80s. You could say he was my "guru". So, when Thriving on Chaos was published, I immediately purchased it and start reading it with high expectations. How unfortunate .... as I became quickly very disappointed (I was never able to finish it in total). It was too much of the same as in Passion for Excellence. Just different words to many of the same topics. A professional writer who wants to get more money out of you while not providing you with more knowledge. I stopped buying more books from Tom Peters and was for some time very hesitant buying other management books. Now, many years later, I sometimes go back to the book without all these emotions I had when I bought it. I have to admit there are many inspiring subjects in it, some of them better described than in Passion for Excellence. So my conclusion is that the book can be very helpful for people who need inspiration for change and innovation, even though it is already quite some years old and has nothing in it about todays subjects like the Web. But as I have started with Passion for Excellence, I will probably never be able to rate Thriving on Chaos as high as Passion for Excellence (five stars).

An Oldie but a Goodie
I just read this and two things stand out. First, there are some things that really never change, and as a result, Peters makes a huge impact here.

On the other hand, this was written before the net, much of the new automation inventions and much of the new technology as well. So, you just have to adjust his words to fit today's business environment.

Now, for the book. What he says is common sense to many workers and managers alike, but is looked at in horror by upper management and CEOs. So many CEOs believe that if they don't have total control over everything, then they're "out of control" and thus, running a bad organization.

NOT TRUE. As Peters indicates, if you hire competent people and give them the tools they need to do their work, you'll likely be pleasantly surprised with the quality of work that comes from them. In other words, drive down the decision making and create an autonomous environment for employees and your organizational flexibility increases, your profits will rise and with the right measures, you will succeed.

This is a kind-of-classic that all business leaders should at least have read. However, I think books such as Built To Last and First, Break All The Rules are more up to date and have since developed newer, more relevant theories that apply to all industries.

A fascinating book with Peters' exuberant, jazzy style!!
This book presents a strategy for meeting the uncertainty of the current competitive markets through creating customer responsiveness, pursuing fast-paced innovation, achieving flexibility by empowering people, learning to work in an environment of change, abandoning conventional wisdom, and the reconceiving of organizational systems. This is a fascinating book that has the distinct and unmistakable quality of Tom Peters' exuberant, jazzy style. Reviewed by Gerry Stern, author of Stern's SourceFinder Master Directory to HR and Management Information and Stern's CyberSpace SourceFinder.


Understanding Digital Subscriber Line Technology
Published in Hardcover by Prentice Hall PTR (1999)
Authors: Thomas Starr, John M. Cioffi, and Peter Silverman
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Good book for advanced readers
This is a good introduction to xDSL technologies IF you already are experienced in digital communications. If you aren't versed in topics such as Decision Feedback Equalization, the treatments here are too terse, and you will need a back up reference. On the other hand, if you have some education in the given topic, (QAM, trellis coding...) this book shows nicely how it fits into the DSL picture.

If you come from outside the telecom industry, this book also gives a nice low level explanation of the telephone network and how DSL technologies overcome its impairments to deliver high data raes.

No SDSL
There is a myriad of information here, but it never discusses SDSL, the flavor that is becoming the choice of businesses. The CD included with the book has 3 file drawers worth of white papers, etc from the IEEE T1 committee. It is worth buying the book just for what is on the CD, but do not expect every flavor of DSL to be discussed.

The standard reference
Starr and Cioffi's book was enormously valuable as we wrote our own book, DSL, a Wiley Tech Brief. It's not easy going, but this is the primary source. Cioffi developed the DMT standard that is nearly universal in the ADSL world, and Starr has led the leading technical committee. Their knowledge makes a difference. The CD enclosed has thousands of pages of original technical documents.


Rocking the Ages: {The Yankelovich Report on Tenerational Marketing}
Published in Audio Cassette by HarperAudio (1997)
Authors: J. Walker Smith, Peter Thomas, Ann S. Clurman, and Yankelovich Partners
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I'm highly suspicious
I'm pretty suspicious of the review from the the reader in Harrisburg, PA. It just sounds too much like promotional speak from the Walker Smith and Clurman Public Relations company.

As for the book, I'm only just thinking of reading it. I'll use my local library to find a copy, however.

Fun for non-marketers
I find myself recommending this book to friends with no interest in marketing. Good, fun info that puts into perspective why you and your parents see things so differently. Highly recommended.

Great way to approach sales
Rocking the Ages is a beautifully writen book. It takes historical events and explaines how they formed the personality of each generation. This book helped me to curve our marketing and advertising techniques to reach our customers with a positive response. It clarifies how the generations view their lives and what they buy, how and why. It has helped me to understand my customers in a more personal manner. It is easy to get trapped into the needs of one own gereration, but this book clarifies the needs and desires of all generations, and how to approach them on a marketing level.


Evidence of Blood
Published in Audio Cassette by G K Hall Audio Books (1996)
Authors: Thomas H. Cook and Peter Whitman
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Slow, plodding tale with uninteresting main character
I was very disappointed with this book. It started off nicely with spooky atmospherics and some gruesome details. But once the plot actually got moving, it became bland and also disjointed. The prose obstructed the telling of the story. It was like molasses. Also, the story meandered, with little suspense. Finally, while it's not indispensable in a mystery, it would be nice to have a few clues, however abstruse, tossed into the plot as it moves along (sarcasm!). And now for a positive: if you want to read a good book, read one of Michael Connely''s, especially Void Moon, The Poet, Trunk Music, The Black Echo and The Wild Coyote.

Unfortunately
Unfortunately I read this book after INSTRUMENTS OF NIGHT (which was published later). The two books are similar in plot and tone, but I liked INSTRUMENTS much better. Thomas Cook is always an interesting read, but this one didn't quite measure up. It was strung out a little more, more pointless details, slower moving and the mystery was not as riveting. It was still better than most books though, and I plan on reading all of this books.

Dynamite flashbacks
Awesome. Cook breaks the rules with his dynamite flashbacks showing the relationship of childhood friends, Ray and Jackson. I haven't seen this done with such skill in a long time, and the ending was truly a surprise. As Jackson reconstructs the circumstances surrounding his friend's death, Cook draws in the reader effortlessly. If you like Thomas Cook's style and treatment of flashbacks, you will love Laurie Moore's new novel, THE LADY GODIVA MURDER. Mariel Watson


The Pursuit of Wow!
Published in Paperback by Vintage Books (15 January, 1994)
Authors: Tom Peters and Thomas J. Peters
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the amble after the ordinary
This is the abridged version of the review

If 'apple pie' and a business version of 'words to live by from mother', is up your alley, then Tom Peters The Pursuit of WOW!, is the soft cover management book for you!!! Peter's book is an amalgamation of 'everything you were ever taught' and that has slipped your mind, on how to do good business. Primarily aimed at management and entrepreneurs there is a little something for everyone, broken into 210 sections, which are sorted into 13 categories, Peters for the most part, has an informal narrative style that utilises case studies, interviews, personal experience, examples and photographs that are consumer friendly. The end result is that WOW! can be opened at any page or read from beginning to end (although I wouldn't recommend it all in one sitting).

Entrepreneurs' Dream
Another chapter, another group, this time Peters brings together a group of 11 entrepreneurs for "a free-for-all discussion on the perils and joys of starting your own business". The distinct feeling of 'one- up-man-ship' starts to leave a nauseous roiling in the gut, and even Peters himself states "pick your metaphor". Little to no structure is present, while ideas from passion and creativity to staleness and demotion are wildly bounced around.

Attaining Perpetual Adolescence
Peters uses chapter 12 to espouse the value of the 'big concepts' that make a difference (in his humble opinion) to the success of an entrepreneur/manager. Iconoclastic, Inquisitive, Audacious, Crazy, Passionate, Advanced immaturity and Self-improvement, to mention just a few. The problem is, without application, they are just words and words that are hard to spell at that. One gets the distinct impression that he has put the most popular jargon and buzzwords of the moment into a hat and written a sentence on the resulting selection. Hype? Definitely. Practical application? Dicey at best.


In summation, one can't help but be left with the feeling that Peters was beginning to run out of things to write, the format of the chapters became shorter as the book progressed, furthermore the input from him lessened and had less 'wow' the more you read. The knowledge that Peters imparts for most is known, but through laziness, busyness or lack of practicality is not used. Overall the book was generally entertaining, with a sprinkle of enlightenment, and worth a read (if you can get it from the library). Ultimately, the pursuit of 'WOW!' was more like an 'amble after ordinary'.

Timeless ideas for the entreprenuer of today and tomorrow
Tom Peters BASHES the nail on the head TIME after TIME with this indispensible book. The Pursuit of WOW! is written using an easy-to-understand, innovative format to provide highly valuable and extremely powerful advice on creating success in business! Feel your brain expand and fill with great ideas for growing and strengthening YOUR business with each and every page! Mr. Peters uses his delightfully dry wit to pilage and plunder the archaic, die-hard gospel of business gone by. This is a new translation of the business bible. READ THIS BOOK!

210 Imperatives for Hacking Through the New Business Jungle!
Tom Peters does it again with another gut wrenching hatchet job on dullard business practices. Sharpen-up your Harry Lorayne or Bob Trudeau memory systems because this time Mr. Peters gives you 210 concrete reccomendations how you can build over-excellence or "WOW!" into your company (Or the next PTA bake sale). Brimming with everything from one-liners to multi-page essays, this book screams "MUST!" if you intend to drive your organization up to the next level (or perhaps drive your own life). Leave your steel tip shoes at the door 'cause after devouring this volume you'll want to give a good swift kick in the ass to anyone who says "It can't be done."


Fatal Embrace (St. Martin's True Crime Library.)
Published in Mass Market Paperback by St Martins Mass Market Paper (1999)
Authors: Cris Barrish and Peter Meyer
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Excellent reporting. Engrossing read.
Of the 3 books currently available concerning the Capano-Fahey case, this looked to be the best. It did not disappoint. The book was written by a reporter who covered the case from beginning to end, Cris Barrish. His grasp of the details of the case and descriptions of the way the case impacted the community make the book truly enthralling. The writing style is excellent, never too wordy. My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is that the author(s) were a little too vehement in their dislike for Capano and were not as objective as they could have been. However, that doesn't mean I don't highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in finding out what happened to Anne Marie Fahey. The reviewer who said the book was boring is plain wrong. It's as much a "couldn't put it down" book as I've read in the true crime genre.

A captivating story, extremely well researched and written!!
Mr. Barrish has captured an intriguing story with an insight that only someone who has followed this tragedy from it`s beginning could possibly have written. The story itself is fascinating with its subplots of family turmoil, sexual adventures,drug abuse, political connections, and eventually murder. Mr. Barrish`s coverage of the trial and his ability to add new and insightful details of Capano`s personal life made this book a must read . The author has added much to an already riveting story. His closeness to the story can be felt. He has been able to add to this story by his obvious closeness to this murder story. Mr. Barrish was able to take you into the minds and hearts of the people who were touched by Ann Marie Fahey. He let you know the intimate details of local police officials,the prosecutors,witnesess,and seems to have been able to talk with almost evryone except the defendant himself about this crime.I can recommend this book highly to readers because of its captivating subject and the quality of Mr. Barrish`s writing. This a definite made for TV piece of work. Thumbs up for a quality investigation and reporting on a most intiguing sexual/murder/courtroom drama.

I couldn't put it down -- engrossing; packed with suspense
Having followed Cris Barrish's reporting of this case for three years, I bought "Fatal Embrace '' expecting a comprehensive retelling of this crime. But Barrish and Peter Meyer added new dimensions to the story, from their mysterious opening about a cooler being found in the ocean through the pain of the Faheys to the arduous investigation that resulted in Tom Capano's arrest and conviction. The writers gave me a bird's eye view of Anne Marie and Tom's crazy relationship, one that the other books on this topic didn't come close to matching. I'd highly recommend this to anybody who is interested in this case or wants to read a thrilling crime book.


Deadlock: The Inside Story oF America's Closest Election
Published in Hardcover by PublicAffairs (06 March, 2001)
Authors: Ellen Nakashima, David Von Drehle, Washington Post, Joel Achenbach, Mike Allen, Dan Balz, Jo Becker, David Broder, Ceci Connolly, and Claudia Deane
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An interesting early history of the 2000 election.
This book, by the editors of the Washington Post, does a good job of describing the events which led to the deadlocked 2000 Presidential election. In addition to detailing the paths which led to the deadlock, the book discusses all the post-election issues in a very readable format. Surprisingly, the books editors seem only slightly tilted towards Gore (especially considering it is the Washington Post, which is noted for its liberal bias), so no matter who you voted for, there is much to be found here for anyone with an interest in contemporary politics.

More Detail Would Have Been Nice
Two things struck me while reading this book, the first is that I doubt there is a book out there that is truly balanced and not somewhat biased. The second thing was that Gore really got the shaft, not so much by the recount wars, but by the election official that came up with the Butterfly Ballot. In the history of the USA this decision ranks up there with new Coke and the XFL, what a mistake. As far as the reporting in the book it was not bad for a review of all the articles they had in the paper, but it did not really dig into the particular issues very deeply. I wanted more detail and behind the scenes with both the candidates. I also wanted more details on the court cases; I felt like the sky-high overview of the issues of the cases did not do such an important issue justice.

In reading the book I think a little bit of a democratic bias comes out, just a little, but enough to notice. I also thought it interesting that they had far more details of the Gore group then the Bush camp, it follows the perception that the Post is somewhat liberal in its views. The book is an overview that came out almost 10 minutes after Gore hung up the phone on the second concession call so there are a few more details out now that they did not get in the book. Overall it is a good effort and a readable book, but not the end all be all on the subject.

Must-Read for Political Junkies and History Buffs Alike
This book recounts the nation's closest election with fascinating detail. The authors' genuine style of storyweaving lends the impression that the fly on the wall must have had a Washington Post tape-recorder implanted in it's wing. Deadlock was not at all like re-reading the same old newspaper articles again; this book casts a fresh look at the dramatic strategy game that took place in Florida. I enjoyed it as a self-professed political junkie and my husband found it equally readable as a historical account of remarkable events.


The Professional Service Firm50
Published in Digital by Knopf ()
Authors: Tom Peters and Thomas J. Peters
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You Are The Only Constraint Keeping Yourself From WOW!
I've completed the first three books in the "reengineering work" 50List Series--and think Tom Peters did an outstanding job. For those who read a great deal and believe in these principles to begin with--you may only rate it a "4-Star"--but is still great book--just did not get the "aha's" that someone who has not read as much may receive. His points are right on, and I totally agree with his point that "Knowledge Capital" is key for the PSF--but is especially important to each individual. I love the point he makes that in a PSF--"the people are the only asset"--not only to the company--but, you the employee. You have total control over your own knowledge capital, and if your capital is strong enough--you can select the employer with which to share your knowledge. Dennis Waitley in "Empires of the Mind", comes to the conclusion, that in the future, it will be the employee selecting the employer in which he/she will share part of his working life. This a great read.

Highly Recommended!
Tom Peters takes this book's role in the "Reinventing Work Series" seriously. He urges corporate departments, such as human resources and accounting, to reinvent themselves as professional service firms, thinking of their work as projects and of their companies as clients. He believes this will result in a more energized workforce and higher-quality work. His approach is marked by his now signature "gee whiz" writing style, which is punctuated by large typefaces, exclamation points and remarks like "Amen!" and "WOW!" We [...] recommend this book for its innovative points and no "b.s." attitude, but Peters-bashers will groan at the repetition of ideas and cheerleading expressions. This is a useful, inspiring pep talk, and if it is not exactly In Search of Excellence - which seemed to be written for adults who didn't need quite so much hip-hip hoopla - that was then and this is now.

Vintage Tom Peters "Wow"!
This book has several potential uses. Although I have worked in professional service firms almost my entire life, I found this book to be a useful reminder of what makes a professional service firm great. Although Tom Peters did not intend this purpose, I think it may be the best use of the book. The second use is the intended one: Turn your internal business department into a professional service firm look-alike. The book will work well for those who have driving ambition to be the best. For those who do not share Peters' passion, this book may seem over the top. Peters is a very qualitative thinker, so it would be easy to misapply his ideas in a way that created a tough work environment that created little benefit. For example, The Dance of Change warns against trying to create new language and culture in an organizational sector because everyone else may think you are weird and ignore you. Peters could create that kind of tension for a group if you followed his advice too literally (he suggests that you use questions like "How can we wow you?" when working with colleagues in the firm). On the other hand, Peters is at his best when he is a little off-the-wall because he makes you think. There are plenty of references to outstanding books, and he is really trying to create a picture of perfection. That is helpful, because most business books simply share dated information about past best practices. As someone who helps executives design simple, effective approaches to perfection, I applaud the effort. Peters would do well to accommodate other perspectives. Being totally committed to work and perfection through maximum effort often does not appeal to people as a permanent life style. What should the other people do? If you are an ambitious MBA who wants a mentor, you could do a lot worse than adopt this book as your guide. If you want balance in your life, you had better read Life Strategies as well. Keep up the good work, Tom Peters!


The Tom Peters Seminar
Published in Paperback by Vintage Books (15 January, 1994)
Authors: Thomas J. Peters and Tom Peters
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"Where's the Beef?!!"
Nothing here that is implementable. This tape contains one message: CHANGE EVERYTHING. The entire book and tape revolve around this single message. Mr. Peters provides no implementable plan or suggestions on how to adapt this message to you, your department, or company. In fact, you have to ask yourself, "Is it truly necessary to change everything?" Most of us would have to say "No." In fact, this is more often than not a recipe for f-a-i-l-u-r-e. Instead, A RETURN TO BASICS is what is needed in 90-95.0% of the cases. However, my biggest complaint isn't that I believe Mr. Peters is wrong, it is that his recent books and tapes are filled with superfluous and outragious statements that fail to advance the listener's or reader's understanding of the concept. When I buy a management book or tape, I want information and concepts that I can quickly take to my company and implement to our mutual benefit. Unfortunately, Mr. Peters' recent works appear to be nothing more than pep-talks and cheerleading sessions. You have to ask yourself: "Where's the beef?"

Tom Tom Club
With a Copyright of 1994, its a little dated, but the basic message remains clear. Innovate or become extinct. Tom's enthusiam is apparent with each chapter.

If you can overlook the examples of corporations that are no longer around, and listen to the concepts, ( refer of course to the audio version) its a great program.

For true members of Tom's movement, this book remains a variation on a theme. A must have for the "Work Matters crowd" a cheap substitute for his live programs. Or a great refresher course for someone that has been to one.

The entrepeneural spirit of Tom Peters is here
Beyond review, I read this book first in 94 and just re-read it again in july 97, It is still wonderfull and give a lot of insight to business. I wish I can see him LIVE in THE SEMINAR someday, most of Tom books are good and worth reading. Read it.


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