Interviews Books

this is one of the best writers "how to" books that i have ever seen. he actually tells you how he does it. fantastic. highly recommend.

This book was really good. I am a big Dean Koontz fan, and was wicked excited to see this book. However, this book has it's flaws: one major flaw is that it tells WAY too much stuff about his novels, i.e. secrets that you learn in the climax of the suspense are told throughout the book. What's more, it was made in 1994, it has missed a lot of newer books since then, including Dark Rivers of the Heart, Intensity, TickTock, Sole Survivor, Fear Nothing, Seize the Night, and False Memory. It should be revised every time Koontz comes out with a new book. There is plenty more I need to know about Koontz than is told here, therefore it could stand some improvements. Oh, well. All in all it was good.

Anyone who enjoys Mr Koontz's work should get a real kick out of this book. You come to know the forces that shaped him into the writer we have all come to love. If you're curious about what impact the grep had in his life, this book will tell you the answers (actually, it wont tell you anything...you have to read it...unless you get the book on audio cassette, then it will tell you) Seriously, this is a book I would highly recommend to anyone who would like to read a story of one mans struggle to recieve a paycheck for something he loves (an what a paycheck it must be!!) And he must be a hell-of-a-guy for his wife to do what she did for him. PLEASE BUY THIS BOOK AND ENJOY.

If you are a Dean Koontz reader, you must be curious where he got his unique imagination and peculiar style. This is a funny and creative explanation of his life and work. It is not just a chronological biography, but a creative touch of this and that. FULL OF HUMOR!

For those who are interested in the controversy surrounding the death of Crazy Horse, then this is definitely the book to read. This book contains various interviews with people who knew Crazy Horse or were present around the time of his death. Also it contains newspaper accounts and telegrams between various officers involved, which shines a light on what their true plans for Crazy Horse were.
This is an outstanding book presented in a factual format and I would recommend it to any one interested in reading about the sad and tragic death of one of my personal favorite Lakota braves.

Like The Killing of Chief Crazy Horse this book comprises various interviews with individuals who knew Crazy Horse or were present at his death. However there is no repetition here. Those accounts that are by the same people, have different dates (which, in itself makes for interesting comparisons). This book also includes valuable additions such as telegrams between the various officers involved--giving us the true picture of what their plans for Crazy Horse actually were--and many newspaper accounts, showing just how important an event this was throughout the country.

Anyone who has studied this period knows the controversy that rages over Crazy Horse and his death. Was he the quiet man beloved by his band and betrayed by the agency chiefs out of jealousy? Or was he sullen and withdrawn, plotting a return to the warpath, and stopped just in time? What you find in these pages, as you would expect, is that the answer depends largely on who is doing the telling. E!ven the physical descriptions of this man, of whom no photo exists, vary greatly. Some say he was tall. Most say he was slight. Some call him handsome. One man said he was downright ugly. The only agreement seems to be on his unusually light hair and complexion.

This book is not recommended for someone who is not already familiar with the story of Crazy Horse. However, for those who are, it provides access to some great primary sources, that you will probably want to re-read many times.

I purchased this book since I am researching one of the army officers who witnessed the death of Crazy Horse, Officer-of-the- Guard Lt. Henry Lemly, who left behind an account that appeared in the New York Sun and is reproduced herein. I found that and much more. For anyone who is familiar with Hardorff's similar treatments of the Little Big Horn, CUSTER BATTLE CASUALTIES I and II, HOKAEHY! A GOOD DAY TO DIE, this work follows a familiar approach, compiling numerous Lakota accounts of the circumstances surrouding the famous warrior's death.

Beyond that, it is much, much. Many of the first-person accounts describe other aspects of the life of Crazy Horse--his appearance, deeds in battle, his demeanor, marriage, nicknames, family etc. All of this culminates with the recollections of his fatal wounding, how it happened, who was to blame, and the reaction of both the Lakota and the army. In other words, a treasure trove of biographical information on Crazy Horse that is far more instructional than any existing biography of him. The general reader should be warned that such accounts can be repetitious and certainly aren't as readable as, say, Stephen Ambrose's CRAZY HORSE AND CUSTER. If it is unedited first person recollections you are after though, you will find them here.

Two items of mystery especially surround the great warrior--was he ever photographed? (Hardorff is very skeptical of any such photographic claims), and where was he buried? On this last question, there are various accounts of his body being buried and then moved, etc. to the point that no one knew where he ultimately rested. There is even a photograph of his first burial site that I have never seen published before, showing an army-built wooden structure surrounding the temporary sepulcher of Crazy Horse's remains, erected on a bluff above Camp Sheridan, Nebraksa. The inclusion of such photographs and the many conflicting details of his burials make this a fascinating aspect of this book.

In all, an excellent source of information for anyone interested in Crazy Horse, the Lakota, the Little Big Horn and the frontier military.

The Death Of Crazy Horse: A Tragic Episode In Lakota History is a collection of interviews of Indian and mixed blood contemporaries of his last days between May 15, 1877, when he was sworn in as a noncommissioned officer in the U. S. military and September 5, 1877, when he was killed by a military guard, bayonetted in the back. Recollections and interviews are supplemented by a collection of official documents, including telegrams, military dispatches, newspaper accounts, and other eyewitness reports. Stark, bloody detail emerges quickly, along with complex shadows of views of the man known as Crazy Horse. The aspect of betrayal and fear of this charismatic, modest young Oglala Sioux man is underlined again and again. A dark fascination arises from the accumulated documents.

What was the cause of the martyrdom? One response comes from the newspaper account in The New York Sun, dated September 14, 1877, titled "The Death of Crazy Horse:" Crazy Horse's father is quoted as saying 'His boy...would never have fought the whites, but they (the military) hunted him and his village in their own country, and they had to defend themselves, all would have perished. He had enough buffalo in that country to last several years, and (he) wanted to stay. He fought only the Crows and Snakes and stole their ponies. But he was not left alone. Every courier that came North to him said,"Come in! Come in! Or the Gray Fox (Crook) will drive you after Sitting Bull!: At last he came. Spotted Tail and Red Cloud, the greatest chiefs of the Brules and the Oglalas, had to stand aside and give him the principal place in council, and on this account they and their young men became jealous. They were the cause of his poor boy lying there. He was killed by too much talk. He had said (p. 243).'

The Death Of Crazy Horse has a documentary quality. Though brief, less than 300 pages, its impact is gut-wrenchingly huge. It will take more than one reading of even these few pages to construct a new truthful understanding of the end of this man's life. Though events described are often brutal, the information is presented in a tone of respect. Additional informational details such as the genealogy of Crazy Horse, in Appendix C, and the description of Crazy Horse from the Campbell letters help enflesh the image of the man. There is a hard, painful beauty about this book. The Death Of Crazy Horse: A Tragic Episode In Lakota History is a must to read for any serious student of Lakota history.

Nancy Lorraine, Reviewer

Jerry Browns' loss of the presidential election seemed? "Believable." I trusted him then, and very much wanted him in office. Maybe he should have said less about what was real concern, "i think it frightend off voters, unable to cope."

The U.S. was just not ready for anything right or just. I watched J.Brown on book tv last night and thought of nothing but regret, "or shame" that his campaign did not win. However i am very much glad that he is now going to prove something about city government and probably leave a historical example for the future. "If we can ever trust another politician, i hope it would be Jerry Brown! He addresses all our most critical concerns, and this "american life" in which we take so much for granted will not be possible for much longer i think, unless we listen to people like Brown. This materialism is going absolutely NO-WHERE and we'd better straighten up. The unfortunate opinion i have is that he's right entirely, but that America will not learn without being delt a very disaterous lesson. "Jerry Brown" has sense, listen to what he says! Or are you too greedy? -C.Underwood

The book is vintage Jerry Brown. The various people with whom he holds discussions on a variety of issues builds a consistent humanistic position with regard to the current situation in the United States. These are views that come from "reading between the lines" with regard to what is happening in our country--and in the world. The discussions are truthful, impactful, revealing and very intellectual in nature. The dialogues will open up your mind to events and conditions, even if you disagree with the stated positions. And, the discussions should make everyone more aware of what is happening around them, particularly in the areas of the economy, the environment, politics, social agendas and military research.

This book was excellent in the contents and it is full of interesting thoughts and ideas, expressed by a selected assortment of 18 people that inspired Jerry Brown himself. In the book, he gets to interview each one of them in a sort of dialogue that engages these peoples ideas. Most of the topics deal with social and political criticism, well founded by the way, and it is very insightful into looking beyond the reality of everyday life, what are the larger mechanisms at work, what are our limitations, what are the problems, what are the underlying issues, etc. It tends to uncover many assumptions and should provoke in the reader much thinking on issues that affect us all in today's society, from religion to environmentalism to capitalism.

Jerry Brown is that rare thing - an ethical politician. Read this book to get some insight into the otherwise private nature of an influential figure. Read how Mayor Brown served with Mother Theresa in Calcutta and decided to save a city rather than "monitor" government at the state or national level. Courageous and noble man.

I purchased this book several years ago and have successfully utilized its information to obtain interviews and even job offers. The book provides a step-by-step guide to how to effectively communicate your qualifications in a concise and professional manner. I would recommend this book to others!

I used this book to create my cover letter. Potential employers have praised my cover letter; a recruiter asked me if she could use the same format for her career search.

I have known Randall Hansen for several years and always been impressed with his level of knowledge and caring for the needs of job seekers. He and his wife Katherine have crafted an absolutely fabulous resource that all job seekers, from entry level to the most experienced, should find incredibly useful.

As the Founder and President of job board CollegeRecruiter.com, I make the final decision about which products to recommend to our users. "Dynamic Cover Letters" easily made the cut. It is a wonderful resource!

Steven Rothberg CollegeRecruiter[dot]com

I cannot say enough good things about this book. I have the 1995 edition that I purchased as a destitute college grad. Aside from my education, this book was probably one of the best investments I have made in my career. The book details how to write thoughtful, meaningful, and impactful (if that's a word) cover letters and thank you letters. As others have written, I have received so many complements from potential employers after having used the techniques in this book. I definitely recommend using it if you want to stand out. It has served me well.

I saw the documentary "Embracing Judaism" when it aired on ABC and was very moved. When I saw that there was a companion book by the same writer I just had to get a copy. Truly inspirational! I've since passed the book on to a friend and hope the chain will continue. Well-done!

This is a book of many journeys by different people of different backgrounds, upbringings, and sometimes faiths. The personal stories of how each person arrived at where they are in their practice of Judaism is moving and wonderful. I only wish there were a way to see the video. A couple of the rabbis in the book speak more impersonally rather than tell their own stories of how they got where they are, and I wasn't too interested in those. But there were many more personal tales to tell that left me feeling grateful to have met them on the page.

Embracing Judaism makes a great read about a timely topic. The focus on real people in real family settings is alive and inspiring. The book is also a most welcome gift. Debra Gonsher is another "gift of the Jews".

A very moving work which I truly enjoyed. With some amazing stories like the guy whose family was in the KKK and he converted to Judaism to the less dramatic but even more touching everyday people who just looked for some more meaning in their life and found it. I was also interested in the artists and how their art really was connected to their spiritual center. Definitely five stars.

The interviews give priceless insight into the workings of Vonnegut's mind. As I listened, I kept hoping that the interviews would never end.

Even though his latter books seemed to be re-workings of earlier material I bought and enjoyed most every one. This series of interviews provides some insight into changes in Vonnegut over time. Each interview is fairly short and has a focus specific to the year it was taped. Some relate to specific books, others to specific events. Each interview reveals a calm and humorous Vonnegut filled with political satire. The interviewer often provides Vonnegut with insight on the relationships between Vonnegut's fictional characters and other works and events.
Worth the price.

This CD comprises 3 interviews conducted by noted author, editor, translator, NYU English professor, and Vonnegut confidant Walter James Miller. Covered here are 33 years from 1973's discussion of Slaughterhouse Five to 1981's talk about Palm Sunday and ending with 2006's Man Without A Country. Each interview runs at about 25 minutes, giving the listener approximately 74 minutes of critical analysis and conversation. This CD is a joy, providing valuable insight into Vonnegut the man and the writer. Part of an intended series, future volumes are to cover other Vonnegut novels, interviews culled from the Walter James Miller Audio Archive.

It seems to me that Kurt Vonnegut's work is growing in popularity, and this CD allows us a peek at his point of view in writing some of it.

A seminal reference for all those qualitative researchers--graudate students and tenure track--who use the interview as a data gathering tool. I have referenced this book several times throughout my journey of obtaining my PhD. A must-have reference!

Diane Billay RN BN MN PhD(c)

While reviewing tons of literature searching for the appropriate research methodology for my doctorate degree in corporate innovation, "The Ethnographic Interview" came to my attention. The research paradigm described and illustrated in this work provided a blueprint for the collection and analysis of text-based data. So often quantitative measures are applied before the problem or situation has been truly assessed. Spradley's methods are respectful of the population or culture to be studied and provide a vehicle for the researcher to interact without interferring.

This is a great step-by-step guide to the theory and practice of ethnography. Provides the theoretical rationale for why ethnography is structured as it is. It is most unique for the well thought out, structured approach to interviewing. Identifies how different types of questions provide different types of data. Gives an elegant taxonomy of questions and shows how each type of question is linked to a different aspect of ethnographic analysis. A must read classic for anyone--academic ethnographics to market researchers--involved with data collection from individual human beings.

Spradley was an advocate and artful practitioner of a particular type of ethnography, informed by symbolic interactionism, that does not necessarily have the spatial contextual character of most ethnography. For example, he studied "tramp" culture, which is a context of a sort, but not like, say the KU med school in Boys in White. Much of this book explains how to conduct his sort of research. Because I generally favor the more traditional contextual approach, I neglected this book in my own book The Ethnographer's Method (Sage). Now I wish I hadn't; the advice on ethnographic interviewing is still very worthwhile for anyone heading off into field research, regardless of their style of "qualitative" study. In fact, I'm using it myself in the project I'm currently launching.

Wow..The Executive Rules does RULE on how to land that top job. Anyone thinking about changing employment or needing information on how to find an executive position must read this great book. I give it 5+ stars.

Randy Loren
Author
Climbing The Money Mountain

This is a wonderful read with tremendous amounts of hardcore advice that we should all take to heart. Mr. Greer gives you the unabated version of what most successful recruiters look for in a candidate. I keep a copy of this in my home office and I reference it often. After reading this book I ended up getting my dream job and I think it has also helped me to be a better employee. This is a must read!!!!

Mr. Greer's breakdown of the "Seven Key Career Questions" should be the foundation for anyone hunting for a job. Whether you are just starting a career, or looking for the next step to take, Mr. Greer's book provides readers with the insider's guide to everything you need to know. Particularly important is his emphasis on the details, such as making sure your resume is readable and professional. Filled with anecdotes, examples, and invaluable information, "The Executive Rules" is a must-have for anyone looking for a job. It would certainly make a great gift for any recent grad.

First off, this guy knows what he is talking about. This isn't some general job hunting advice book. Greer uses his experience in management recruiting and gives an inside track on how to get a high paying position in the absolute quickest time. The information in this book covers in depth nearly all aspects of the management/sales seekers employment process and provides direct and to-the-point strategies that will get your resume read by the decision makers.

The major thesis is that the job search is a process, and while there are many things you can't control, you can control your process and execute on your strategy to maximize your probability for a positive outcome, and more importantly, minimize wasted effort and costly time. This is a straight forward, to the point, no holds barred examination of the best and most practical process to find and get a job as quickly as possible.

T. Greer has done an excellent job laying out the blueprint for an effective search that includes everything from who should write your resume, to interviewing, to what and what not to say and do when effecting a transition from your current job.

I was employed in three months in a great job. I highly recommend taking the time to get real about your job search.

Jason K.
G.E.Capital

As one of the women in this book I must say Alice has done very well telling our stories! I was the youngest in the book and was humbled after reading the other stories. I am now 18 and in college still trying hard to carry on the story. I hope all of you who have read this wonderful story become inspired to do something to help others!

You will be amazed at what these women have done, accomplished or experienced. Each story is inspiring and unique. A true display of how one person can in fact make a difference.

Reflecting the lives of women with widely ranging careers and special interests, Ms. Anderson's book is at once both inspiring and motivating.

From women whose work involves teaching developmentally and physically challenged children and women committed to the rescue and humane treatment of animals, to women whose life work has been to provide career opportunities for other women, these thoughtfully written biographical profiles provide a pciture of diversity and dedication.

Thoughtfully researched and articulately written, Ms. Anderson's book would be an exceptional graduation gift for any young woman embarking on the exploration of her own career options. It is gratifying reading for anyone who finds inspiration in the lives and good works of others.

When we read of famous women there is always a sense of their accomplishments being something beyond what ordinary women like most of us could possibly do. This book looks at the work done by ordinary women that has made a big difference in some way. It would be a perfect book to have in classrooms where teens and preteen girls could use it as an inspiration. But it is also an inspiration to women of any age.

Alice Hellstrom Anderson features a great variety of women both in terms of their ages and in what they have done to contribute to society. Each woman was personally interviewed by Anderson. You will find women concerned about the underprivileged, world peace, world health, and more in this book. It is a wonderful resource and a great way to get in touch with how ordinary women are making a difference.

This book is almost better than watching the series, as it contains all the scripts--word-for-word. Now you can catch all those witty phrases Basil mumbled to his wife which were lost to those of us without a clear ear for British speech. Yes its all here, all the comedy, the frustration, the dead body, even the rat. If this goes out of print before you get one, you'll kick yourself for years.

I'm a relatively new fan of Fawlty Towers, and I think it's the funniest comedy ever written! This book (in a relatively small tome) encompasses the relatively short series's episodes in script form.

This also solves the problem of lines that we couldn't hear. Sometimes, when watching Fawlty Towers, one can't hear the actor say the line, or the laugh track drowns it out (or, very occasionally, Manuel says something weird). This book allows you to check out the lines.

In addition to that, it's almost as funny on paper as it is on the screen! All it's missing is some way of accurately describing John Cleese's physical humor!

In some ways I prefer reading the scripts to Monty Python's Flying Circus over watching the original TV series (e.g., your imagination does not have the severe budget limits of the show). But reading the scripts to Fawlty Towers, while a fun experience in itself, is not as good as watching the show. The show did have as good of a set as it needed, and the script loses something without getting to see the wonderful physical comedy of the Basil Fawlty and Manuel characters. I don't honestly know if I would find the book as funny without picturing John Cleese's expressions from various episodes from memory. As a result, while I give the book 5 stars for its side-splitting humour, I would still recommend getting the videos instead.

If you love the show "Fawlty Towers," than this book is for you. This book contains the complete scripts to every single episode that was out. I was very surprised that such a thing even exstisted, and I was very happy to purchase it since I love the show so much.

This is a great read for many reasons. If you love the show, then you will love reading the scripts. It is very much like reliving the show. I still found myself laughing while reading, although it is funnier seen on screen, so I do not suggest that you get this over the shows. This is only for fans of the show who have seen all of the episodes.

Another reason why I liked this so much was because the shows were so chaotic and rapid, it was hard to catch every single word. Basil would mouth off to his wife in a very low and quiet tone, so it would be hard to get every single word. The accents also make it hard to understand what they're saying sometimes.

My favorite episodes, both in here and the shows themselves, are: "Gourmet Night," "The Hotel Inspectors," "The Germans," "Communication Problems," "Waldorf Salad," "The Builders," and "Basil the Rat."

All in all, a very funny companion to the show. I really enjoyed reading this, and I am sure that I will read it over and over again. Every page is filled with nothing but some of the funniest lines you will ever read on paper. Just imagine John Cleese verbally and phsyically abusing Manuel, and you've got yourself a great time! Filled with witty humor, razor sharp comeback, the most outrageous situations, and the most memorable characters, "The Complete Fawlty Towers" is a fine companion to the show and is a must-have for all fans. If you love the show, get this book. I don't think you will regret it.