People Books

I love this book, As a parent of a 14 month old boy with dwarfism, recently adopted from Liberia ( not yet home unfortunately) I've been trying to learn and read as much as I can about dwarfism. This is the first and only book ( so far)I've read on the subject. It is so well written and I love how he goes from his own personal story to many other personal stories of people with dwarfim.
Although I do not agree with his implied view of God and Biblical religion, I find his thoughts insightful and thought provoking. I have bought 2 more of these books to give as gifts this year.
Thank you Dan Kennedy!

A well-written and interesting look at the human side of dwarfism, including dwarfism's repercussions to the individual and family members. Author Dan Kennedy has made a concerted effort to include as many facets of dwarfism as possible, things that others can never know without reading a book like this. This book is not just for little people themselves and families involved with dwarfism, but doctors and other healthcare professionals, teachers, therapists, and anyone interested in learning more about the strength of the human spirit. A very engaging and worthwhile book!

Dans book is a must read for anyone with an interest in Dwarfism, be it a family member, friend or collegue or just a general interest. There is something for everyone, the heartfelt journey of Dan`s daughter, Becky as she spends her early years hooked to machines due to her achondroplasia and her growth into a young woman continues throughout, and inbetween the reader is introduced to other topics relating to dwarfism including the history of dwarfism, the Little People of America, Medical Doctors, Religious questioning to name a few.
I found it hard to put the book down once I had started to read it. As an average height parent with a child with achondroplasia myself I found the book a very valuable read and I learnt a lot, the book also leads the way for further research if one so wishes.

One month ago I bought this book here on Amazon and it was my intention to keep it on the bookshelf gathering dust until semester break when it would be my reading material for the flight home. I briefly cracked it open & thought I could peek at the opening paragraph just to get a sense of the book then put it down. WRONG! It sucked me in and for the next 2 days I ignored all my classwork in order to finish it. Without an ounce of hyperbole this is the best book about dwarfs & dwarfism, our community and our history I have read. It is well written, interesting, informative, and respectful but without ever inching towards the "Super-Crip" mentality so many books about people of difference tend to fall into.

This is a wonderful book and I encourage everyone to read it. When finished, I encourage people to pass it onto others who know nothing about dwarfism in order to teach people of our history. To those in school, pass it onto your office of students with disabilities and the professors who teach classes in multicultural issues. I hope that someday Becky will realize this is a love letter her father has written to and about her.

Dan Kennedy author grapples honestly and agonizingly with the conflict between our culture of diversity, the reality of disability, and every parent's wish for a healthy typical child. With its intertwining of memoir and social commentary, it is at once a captivating and enlightening read skillfully crafted by award wining journalist Dan Kennedy.

The author's purpose is to find purpose and meaning in his daughter's life. He was determined for it to be positive and upbeat. Meanwhile his wife was more focused on her daughter's day to day care including the medical crisis of her early life when Becky was near death and required a tracheotomy to survive. The author's honest acknowledgment of these divergent viewpoints is but one example of his penetrating insight into the complexities of his family life.

The reader is challenged to consider the contrast between genetic difference and genetic defect in a society which says that differences are good and defects are bad. Can one person's defect be another person's difference? What are the moral and ethical implications of eliminating differences ranging from dwarfism to Down syndrome and beyond to manic depression, homosexuality, etc. through designer genetics? What will be the impact upon society? Kennedy explores dwarfism from ancient times, when dwarfs were revered in some cultures, to modern eras where they were featured in freak shows and treated as guinea pigs by Nazi scientists. Through a historical perspective he helps the reader to grasp that there has never been a better time to be outside the mainstream and to embrace one's identity-whether one is physically or mentally challenged or gay. Yet most parents do not wish these differences for their children, and the Kennedys would not have chosen dwarfism for their daughter.

The disability consciousness of our present era sprang to life in the second half of the twentieth century on the ashes of Dachau and Auschwitz, where millions of Jews, homosexuals, and people with disabilities were exterminated. As an antidote to American self-righteousness, the author reminds us of the eugenics movement which was led by the United States and Great Britain in the early part of the twentieth century and mandated the sterilization of people with mental retardation and mental illness. The Nazis of course took this a giant step further because there was no respect for individual rights or checks and balances to keep eugenic impulses at least in some control.

Throughout the book, Kennedy helps us to visit his conundrum where he is held in the grip of two opposing ideas-that, on the one hand, his child is imperfect and different and will always be, while on the other hand, Becky is perfect just as she is. As the parent of an adult child with autism, I understand Kennedy's dilemma all to well. It is a Rubik's cube for a society that includes and celebrates differences-where the solutions to the puzzle are individual and unique. Through his involvement with the Little People of America and his vivid accounts of interviews with numerous adult dwarfs, Kennedy leads his reader to a deeper appreciation for diversity.

As a fellow parent and writer, what I value most about Little People is the author's openness and integrity in looking at the hard facts of his family's life. He does not escape for long into the world of intellect and social commentary. He does not deny how hard it can be to care for the needs of a sick child, particularly on his wife, Barbara, who he observes to have some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder even years after Becky could breathe on her own. As a father, when he tells Becky, that there is nothing wrong with being a dwarf, it doesn't ring true for her. Her differences are a problem for her in navigating the world such as when younger children don't believe she is older than them or when she imagines who will want to date her. So there are no easy answers, no platitudes to hide behind-Kennedy is left with the simple and profound challenge to just be the best father he can for Becky. And his readers are left with a dose of compassion and shared wisdom.

Robert Naseef, Ph.D. is a psychologist specializing in families of children with special needs in the Philadelphia area and on the Internet at www.specialfamilies.com. He is the author of Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability (2001, Brookes Publishing)
Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability

The backbone of Duke Ellimgtons music was his association with Billy Strayhorn. Where such genius came from emanates from poverty and rather ordinary family roots. This is a fascinating and beautifully documented story that completes any previous knowledge of the beauty that is Ellingtons music. Strayhorn was obviously an unrecognized genius deserving of notoriety and equal prominence.

Great Book... if you're an Ellington fan and like "Strays" music this is an absolute must. Very informative and interesting and also great reading. The author was here in Seattle for an Elllngton concert with Earshot Jazz and I met and chatted with him.... a very charming and informed man. cmm

one of the most interesting biographies I've ever read. When Billy Strayhorn was growing up in Pittsburgh he met Duke Ellington in the back of the theatre after a concert Duke performed at. He blew Duke away when Billy played the piano for him. Years later Duke would remember him and asked Billy to come out to NYC to see him. When Billy asked for directions Duke would write on a piece of paper, take the A train. While on the A train to Upper Manhattan to see Duke, Billy wrote the music for 'Take the A Train". So it goes the great collaboration between Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn would begin. Always in the background and never given the proper credit for all the music he wrote Billy Strayhorn would live a lush life. Travelling the world and meeting the kings and queens of the jazz world, he could be the life of the party but the applause for Duke Ellington's music would bypass him. Being black and gay back in those days was not acceptable behavior so Billy stayed in the background and Duke kept him. Billy wrote the music and Duke played it, his own personal muse. Billy loved the 3 am hour the best, it was the happiest hour of the day when you're too exhausted to care anymore and numb to everything else. A wonderful book.

i find myself always enjoying Books on People&this is no exception.very well detailed Book on a Important Composer&His Many Demons&Surroundings.I heard a few years back that Will Smith was considering doing the Bio Movie on Billy Strayhorn.it would be really interesting to see how things would come out on the Big screen.this book reflects on Music Talent&whole Life.very well done book.

This book has a lot going for it. Do you like music, swing and jazz? Do you like intersting people? Did you live through the 30's, 40's and 50's? Do you enjoy reading about that era? Do you enjoy reading a well written biogratphy? If the answer to any of these is yes, you'll like this book, it the answer is yes to several of these questions then you'll LOVE this book. David Hajdu has done an exemplary job of documenting the life of Billy Strayhorn. I really felt like I knew the man after reading this. He has done his research and he also writes with a very smooth style that keeps you intersted. I love music and I've read bios of Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, BB King, Chuck Berry, Led Zepplin, Allman Bros. on and on. This is one of the best if not the best music bio I've read.

though i dont have this book my friends say its an excellent book and I've seen it for my self and it is definatly a must buy

It so good it has tempted me to buy alot of Magic cards

Richard Garfield is the creator of Magic The Gathering card game. This book gives the reader an in-depth look into the game and shows the beautiful illustration that each card contains. This is a must have for all players and collectors of the card game.

I collect the cards and I don't know how I would have known if they were rare or common cards if I hadn't found this book. It's the best!

If you are a mtg collector, you definitely need this book. Although it is much "thinner" than Volume 1 but it's still a must for any serious mtg collector

Once I started reading this book, I found it difficult to put down. I'm now reading it a second time. Since applying the practical steps outlined, I've found it easier to rise above the obstacles in my life and find I'm making better decisions. I feel energized with an enlarged vision for my future and look forward to the second half of my life. I highly recommend this book to everyone wishing to enhance the quality of their lives. Cathy Lannes

I was amazed by how many of my own life experiences, thoughts, and feelings were similar to Tim's. I thank Tim for his suggestions on how to deal with them and move on to a happier and more productive way of living.

Midlife Tune-Up offers construction suggestions on important skills to build a better life. As in the author's examples, life throws us curves and this book gives us helpful strategies to take control of our future. It gives intellectual insights and a encouraging step-by-step plan on how to live and behave productively. We are reminded we do have a choice in our perception of life. This is a good thought provoking book with lots of information to absorb.

Being a mother is a job in itself but being a mother that works, owning a business, taking care of a house, raising two children and being a wife it can be overwhelming at times, but after reading this book it has some really good self help tips. I have known Tim Burns for several years now and he truly is a great person and he has such a warming spirit, that quite frankly is a rare find these days, so if you are looking for a great book with some great self help tips and just a great read, pick up Mid Life Tune Up you will love it as I did.

"Midlife tune-Up" is an honest, straight forward outlook on coping with difficulties on aging and change. As Tim pulls from his own personal life, he is able to target main concerns of both men and women. This is an informative and insightful take on how to manage with what inevitably happens to all of us... age, change and challenge.

This book is a wonderful, simple, and quick read. Of course the subject matter does get unpleasant, but it's good to know the facts from the perspective of His Holiness at the time that he wrote it in 1962.

The book tells the story which everyone knows: how the Chinese invaded Tibet and the Dalai Lama was forced to feel to India. But this book goes in to detail and as a reader, it was great to finally get the "real" details of that story, again from his perspective. Prior to reading this, I only knew the story based on films and summaries in guide books, etc.

I highly recommend this book, and I would suggest reading this one prior to reading his second autobiography, "Freedom in Exile" from the early 1990's.

I enjoyed this narrative, my first experience with the writing of H.H. Dalai Lama. He writes so well. It's clear, descriptive, and engaging from the first sentence to the last. Suitable for all ages, the earlier the better. It has really sparked my interest in this country,, or at least how it once was. It has been almost two generations since this tragedy and I doubt things will ever be the same. Well, at least the chinese have thier railroad at the expense of an entire nation. Oh, but the writing isn't bitter at all. Just me.

Having long been a fan of the Dalai Lama and his other books, I was anxious to read his autobiography. It is an amazing story that he has to tell. We should hope that our world had evolved beyond invasions after World War II, but that proved not to be true when China invaded Tibet and eventually ousted the ruling party in 1959.

Having been previously familiar with the story of the exile of the Dalai Lama to some degree, I was anxious to learn about it in more detail. Truly the people of Tibet are and continue to be victims of China. China crept into Tibet saying only that it would help to modernize the "backwards" people of Tibet. After numerous broken promises the Dalai Lama exited just ahead of the first morter blasts that rocked his palace. China's only real goal was to take possession of the land at any cost.

Few religions place a greater emphasis on peace than the Tibetan form of Buddism. While the author gives readers some of the basic principles of the faith, the language should not be confusing to those not familiar with Buddism. This amazing story, though it ends with the Dalai Lama's arrival in India, is still fresh and eye-opening today.

I am a college student who has studied China extensively in school. I can speak Chinese and have traveled to China several times and to Tibet once. While I have never agreed with many of the Chinese governments policies in the areas of religion, personal freedom, Tibet, and Taiwan, I think this book could have done more for its cause.

I decided to read this book after I spent 2.5 weeks in Tibet last year while studying in China. Tibet was one of the most fascinating places I have been to and I really wanted to know more about what happened there after China invaded. This book tells the Dalai Lama's story very well. Up until the last 15 pages or so, I really loved the book. However, before closing, the Dalai Lama makes several accusations about Chinese human rights abuses in Tibet (beatings, child abductions and the like) but provides no evidence of their existence.

While I personally feel Tibet was and still is a sovereign country and what China has done is wrong in many ways, the charges made in the last few pages don't belong in this book. While the Dalai Lama's story of his life and last days in Tibet are very powerful, I really think it would have been even better had the those last parting shots been omitted. Charges of human rights abuses such as these are very important and would be better served in a book of their own.

I think most Americans will enjoy this book but not share the same reaction I had to the last few pages. I have studied China for several years now and have heard accusations from both China and the world on countless occasions on a wide range of issues. Maybe this is why I get turned off when I don't see concrete evidence included when someone makes a charge such as the Dalai Lama does at the end of his book. I still think the Dalai Lama is a wonderful man and has an important story to tell, but feel this one could have come across a little better.

Even if you already know the life story of His Holiness, this is a great read. Written in the Dalai Lama's usual clear and forthright style, the story is deeply moving. Recommended for students of both Buddhism and history.

Melodie Bowsher's first novel reaches right into the world of young women walking the line between adolescence and womanhood -- from their vocabularies to their daily preoccupations. Like many high school seniors, Ashley sees her mother as an irritant -- the person who magically pays for Ashley's lifestyle but who otherwise just doesn't 'get it' and should just stay out of the way. Ashley has no idea how her single mother struggles to provide Ashley access to the priviliged social sphere at which the popular teen is the center. The embezzling mom is an intriguing character herself. Her early disappearance in the book shapes Ashley's challenging metamorphasis from preoccupied prom queen to ingenious survivor. How does a sheltered teen who has never paid a bill even begin to get by when her home and credit cards no longer exist -- when her irritating mother (her only family) is nowhere to be found? Ashley's journey is a crash course in survival. How long do we have to wait for Melodie Bowsher's next novel?

Melodie Bowsher's MY LOST AND FOUND LIFE tells of Ashley, who leads the perfect life until her mother is accused of embezzling a fortune - and vanishes. Suddenly Ashley's forced into a move to an old camper, takes a job in a quirky San Francisco coffee shop, and explores a side of life she never knew existed in this warm coming of age story.

Loved this book! Read it in two days. Although I liked Ashley from the beginning of the book, I grew to love her by the end. Her personal transformation was genuine and heartwarming. Funny, touching, a bit of a mystery and a real page turner. A great read.

I just finished reading this book and I loved it. And I found myself wiping tears from my eyes at several points. It's a hit! I wish there was a Part Two.

It's five days before graduation and Ashley's perfect life is crumbling. Her mother is being accused of embezzling a million dollars, and has disappeared. Ashley can't believe her mother would do something like that, much less disappear and leave her with the fall-out. Although it's starting to look like it all might be true. One by one the things Ashley counted on and took for granted are falling away. There's no way she can afford the senior trip to Hawaii. Her perfect boyfriend won't even acknowledge her. Gone are her plans to go to college in Boston with her best friend. Not to mention the bills, but those can wait for her mom to come back. Except it's getting pretty obvious that she's not coming back.

Suddenly Ashley, who's always just gotten what she asked for, has to fend for herself. It's a hard crash course in reality. There's no way she can afford to keep the house, even after she has a yard sale to sell off its contents. She needs a job, but it's hard to find a job with no work experience. It's impossible to find a place to live without income. The only people who can help are her mother's ex-boyfriend, who doesn't like her, her mother's best friend, who thinks she's a spoiled brat, and the cop who's investigating her mom. Everyone seems to be waiting for her to fail.

Ashley finds herself living in a camper behind a gas station., without heat or running water. She falls into a job at Mad Malcom's, an off-beat coffee shop where the clientele is as nutty as the owner. In her wildest dreams she could never imagine her life getting this off track. The question is, can she pull herself out of where she`s ended up? And, what really happened to her mother?

On the way through she learns a few things about real friends, dangerous people, and personal strength.

MY LOST AND FOUND LIFE is so well-written that Ashley seems like a real person. It's written like an autobiography, and I almost forgot that it wasn't a true story. Especially since it could be--things like this actually happen to people. It is a good reminder that you don't always know what people have been through. As well as a reminder that you might be surprised at what you can do when you run out of options.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

Just finished the book in one sitting and I could not put it down! Shawn and Gwenn's story is so inspiring and the book is incredibly funny!

I had seen the two of them speak while I was a student at UVA and was inspired the first time too. Shawn has been an advocate, friend, Homecoming King, musician, husband, and author in 30 years on this planet. Much more than most people will ever do in 90. Do yourself a favor and buy this book right now! And then join me in anticipation of the next one!

Despite the hardships that he has faced throughout his life Shawn Decker has shown that it is possible to be positive, happy, and accepting- even when those around him did not understand or accept him themselves. Through this book Shawn uses his humor and intelligence to teach not only about HIV but about how to be a better human. As someone who has suffered through hardships of their own I know what a difficult task this can be yet Shawn pulls it off effortlessly and with grace. This book so captured my mind and my heart I read it in one sitting. I laughed, I cried, and I learned. Everyone should read this book.

This is a well-written book about living with a life-threatening disease. Decker writes with humor about the fear and adjustments he and his family go through as they come to terms with his disease. At times hilarious, often poignant, I loved it. I bought it for the people I love who are going through the same thing.

Simply a great book. The author is my age and I felt a connection in his stories. It didn't matter that I have not been directly connected to someone with HIV or Aids. The story has an amazing love story built in to a life full of love, support and true creativity. Excellent read!

I have been anticipating this book for quite sometime after stumbling onto Shawn's page on myspace- then meeting him one night at a local restaurant. I read the book in one day- I could not put it down. He writes about his life in such an easy and charming way that you really feel like you were there with him the whole time. Gwenn, his family and friends are amazing- and I am so happy to have gotten to know them better through the book. This book is wonderful and I am so happy that Shawn did something positive with his pet virus instead of letting it take over his life. I also am waiting for the sequel. :) Everyone should read this book. You are one of my heroes Shawn...well done!

I loved this little book so much. Of course having a golden retriever is what made me purchase the book and it shows what a great love and bond that can form between a Golden Retriever and it's human family. My retriever "Einstein" is a blessing in a beautiful gold fur coat that I just love with all my heart. His precious nose is always at my finger tips when I'm walking around at home and his big beautiful brown eyes are filled with so much love it makes my heart swell. A golden gives so much unconditional love and all they want in return is as much love as the give. This books tells that story over and over again. I never get tired of hearing it.

I felt so honored when asked to provide my Golden story for this book, and when it arrived I let it sit for a few days. I was worried that some of the stories would be sad and open old wounds for me. One day I sat down and read it cover to cover and am a better person for doing so. Author Margo gently nudged each and every one of her authors to speak from their hearts in their own voices and each tale is utterly unique and beautiful. This book pays a fitting homage to the most loving and companionable breed of all time, the Golden Retriever. It is a wonderful testimony to what adopting a rescued Golden can do to enrich the lives of the adopter and adoptee.

My Golden Frosty's story in in Margo's book. I read it first when I bought it, I was so proud. Then I started reading each of the other wonderful stories and was feeling every emotion, from tears to happiness and whatever lies in between. Each and every story brought such emotion to me. There are so many out there who love Goldens so much they devote their lives to them. I am very proud to be included in this wonderful book and to have been owned by such a wonderful dog.

In her book, Margo McHann proves that whatever you put into a dog, you get back with interest! The forward to this book couldn't encapsulate it any better: rescued dogs are not second-hand throw aways! Hopefully this book will convince many people why they should adopt from breed rescue groups.

Kudos to Margo McHann for putting together such a wonderful book, that will tug at the hearts of all Golden Retriever lovers everywhere! This is a must for anyone who loves or has been loved by one of these wonderful dogs. My own little girl is featured in this book and it will forever be a very special book to me! Thanks Margo, for opening the eyes of the world to "Rescue" and what it is all about!

Gillian Zoe Segal's book, New York Characters, is outstanding- the best photography book I've ever seen/read! The photographs featuring prominent New Yorkers are incredible. Each one captures the true essence of the "character" and truly comes to life on the page. The characters are all photographed in their natural environment, and as Segal points out and demonstrates in her book it is New York's characters that make "it the greatest city in the world". In addition to her photographic genius, Segal writes beautifully. The vignettes's about the characters are intersting, informative, humorous, and touching. No coffee table should be without a copy of New York Characters. It makes the perfect holiday gift for New Yorkers as well as out-of-towners because everyone loves or has an interest in New York, right? Furthermore, all of the proceeds of the book sales are going to the September 11th fund. So what could be more gratifying than supporting the city's recovery effort by buying this wonderful book for yourself, for your friends, for your family...? I feel confident in saying that anyone who picks up New York Characters will enjoy it immensely. What will Segal do next? I can't wait....

Gillian Zoe Segal's book, New York Characters, is outstanding- the best photography book I've ever seen/read! The photographs featuring prominent New Yorkers are incredible. Each one captures the true essence of the "character" and truly comes to life on the page. The characters are all photographed in their natural environment, and as Segal points out and demonstrates in her book it is New York's characters that make "it the greatest city in the world". In addition to her photographic genius, Segal writes beautifully. The vignettes's about the characters are intersting, informative, humorous, and touching. No coffee table should be without a copy of New York Characters. It makes the perfect holiday gift for New Yorkers as well as out-of-towners because everyone loves or has an interest in New York, right? Furthermore, all of the proceeds of the book sales are going to the September 11th fund. So what could be more gratifying than supporting the city's recovery effort by buying this wonderful book for yourself, for your friends, for your family...? I feel confident in saying that anyone who picks up New York Characters will enjoy it immensely. What will Segal do next? I can't wait....

I got a copy of this book and the other night three friends and I made a bet as to who had seen the most "characters" in real life. Sad to say I was not the winner but did pretty well with 24 and came in second. Anyway, it's a great book and a kick to get the real stories behind some of the interesting people we see around town. Highly recommended.

If you admire great photography and exquisite prose and feel the slightest attachment (or wish you did) to New York, then Gillian Segal's book is for you. I moved from New York a little over ten years ago and was determined to keep in touch with the city I love. However, it was only a matter of time before I lost touch with what really made New York special: the people's unique personalities. Gillian's book has allowed me to reestablish contact with the city that I still like to call home. Now, when my colleagues in Providence ask me what to do in New York, I no longer provide them with a mundane and outdated list of restaurants and sites. Instead, I refer them to Mrs. Segal's book. I inform them that in its pages is where they can find the real New York. Everything from great food, The Egg Cake Lady, to a wonderful opera on 57th street, performed by Opera Man, to a great jogging partner, the Mayor of the Reservoir (he is featured on the cover) can be found in "New York Characters".

If you are a New Yorker, a former New Yorker, or someone new to the City, you should own this book. The photography is both penetrating and compelling, and the characters featured are truly fascinating. It's like the Zagat of New York people. I hope the author comes to Los Angeles to do a book on characters here (there are plenty)!

Typical Dan Kennedy stuff, right on target!

Great stuff, wish I had known this years ago; life would be better now!

Required reading for anyone who owns or is starting a business. When you fill out the forms to get a tax ID number, they should have one question on the form. "Did you read this book?" If No, you don't get a tax ID number. It's that important. IMHO, no one gives advice that can not only change a business but change a life better than Dan Kennedy. ppartridge@comcast.net

In the interest of disclosure I've coauthored a book with Dan Kennedy, the The Official Get Rich Guide to Information Marketing: Build a Million-Dollar Business in 12 Months. I've been a client of Dan's since 2003 and a subscriber of his newsletter since 2000.

Over the years I've heard snippets of Dan's employee management techniques as part of coaching meetings or as the answer to questions at a seminar. However, this book carefully pieces together an exceptional employee and business management system that'll make any business owner more profitable.

One of the essential truths discussed in the book is that employee's role in a business is to generate profits for the business owner. While employees and press think your business exists to create jobs. The fact is those jobs must be contingent on the employees generating profits for you. For every employee or hiring decision you must determine the return on investment. What profits are going to be generated in your business by this employee?

Dan also clearly defines how all employees eventually go lame. As a business owner it's easy to become emotionally attached to an employee and to rationalize their poor performance. After all, they have a family to feed. However, Dan clearly illustrates that it's your responsibility to yourself and the rest of your employees to never tolerate poor performance. Dan cites several examples of successful business leaders who turned into poor performers after a number of years. While long employee tenures need to be celebrated they are rare and business owners must become clear about the purpose of employees in business.

Dan also provides a lot of real world strategies for managing and motivating employees. There is a detailed discussion of employee bonuses and incentive compensation. Too many business owners, including myself in the past, tie bonuses to company-wide performance. Also, they give bonuses as a way of saying thank you or sharing profits. Dan shows you how to create bonuses that encourage the performance you want in your business.

More than anything, Dan's book gives business owners permission to run their businesses for their profit. Too many newscasters and business experts teach business owners how to be sensitive to employees. In effect they foster an environment where the business owner works for the employee. Instead, Dan shows you how you can reclaim your business from your employees. How you can wrestle control and build a business that you enjoy owning.

This book is a great investment in your sanity as a business owner. You'll learn a lot from Dan's no nonsense perspective.

This is a wonderful book that will challenge many of the things you do in your business. If you follow Dan's advice, you will radically alter your approach to business. You could not hire a consultant to teach this for under a few thousand dollars. Yet you get one of the best teaching very valuable concepts for under $15.

If you are familiar with Dan Kennedy's work, this is very typical. If you are not a Dan Kennedy fan, this is a great book for getting acquainted with "planet Dan."

Typical Dan means that he does not hold anything back. His writing is biting, often humorous and to the point. He takes a very direct approach, nothing sugar coated.

He relates the story he learned from Earl Nightingale - if you have no role model, look at what everyone else is doing and do the opposite, because the majority is always wrong. Dan teaches you to go against popular wisdom and custom. Most people do not get rich. If you truly are interested in making a profit - and according to Dan that is the best reason for being in business - then you must go against conventional wisdom.

Most of the information covered in this book is the fundamental teachings of Dan Kennedy. If you are a student of his work then you have probably heard or read most of this information before. However I would still highly recommend this book. First, I think we all need to be reminded of these business truths. I think we have all learned a lot of bad habits or ways of thinking which we need to correct. It never hurts to be reminded of these concepts.

One of the most important concepts of the book is "good enough is good enough". "Aspiring to unmitigated excellence is a lovely theory. But the reality is that all the most successful companies find the good enough spot." As a business we need to understand what the customer/clients really wants, expects and is willing to pay for. Striving to deliver a product or service beyond what the customer/clients wants, expects and is willing to pay for is a costly exercise.

"People who are good at making excuses are never very good at making money. Excuses and profits are incompatible."

"Motivation without measurement is meaningless." Everything that is important in your business must be measured. Bonuses which are not tied to performance are a waste of money and create many potential problems.

Dan spends a lot of time discussing employees. His first stance is resist them at all cost. But if you must have them, then treat them as a rental asset. Make sure you are making a profit from the employee. They cost much more than most people acknowledge. Being a "good boss" generally means being well liked. Dan's definition of a good boss is an effective boss.

The book discusses in great detail the difference between activity and accomplishment. Accomplishment is the only thing that counts. Make sure you are focused on and measuring accomplishment.

A few chapters are written by guest authors. And there is an audio CD included with the book. The CD is an interview with Dan conducted by Lee Milteer and discussed the concepts of the book. The CD alone is worth the price of the book.

There are numerous references for additional sources of information/help. These generally point to some additional product or service available from Dan Kennedy or one of his affiliates. If you need/want additional help, these can prove to be very valuable. If you have trouble with this sort of promotion, just ignore them. Do not let the fact that he offers additional resources get in your way of reading and learning from this book. The book is well worth reading. If you understand and implement just one idea from this book, it will dramatically change your business.

This book is exceptional. I have been in business for over 30 years. Page after page reveals mistakes that I have made and some I have not made yet. The book will keep me from making them.

If you are new in business or thinking about starting a business, "Ruthless Management" is a must read.

It is humorous enough to keep you turning the pages and serious enough to make you think.