Careers Books

I have always wondered what it'd be like to work on a TV talk show. From a distance it seems like a glam life. Alex Richards realistically conveys the hard work, tension, & ulcer-producing behind-the-scenes toil of a talk show intern, but balances it with Gemma's fun life with her rich, sophisticated roommates. The characters are well drawn & sassy, but I also found them compassionate. And Gemma is a love. The book was fast-paced, a really enjoyable read.

I had the pleasure of interviewing the author for my school newspaper and I had some very high hopes for the book. Back Talk exceeded my expectations by lightyears! It was glamorous and fun to read but still captured the nitty gritty of teen life. I finished the book the day I bought it in record time and I will probably read it again. I have to say I am envious of her characters. They are all so much fun and by the end you (as the reader) feel like you know them personally. So, all in all it was a pleasure to read. Bring on the champagne and the fake IDs! Oh, New York can be so glamorous.

Reviewed by Tabytha Joy (age 15) for Reader Views (8/07)

"Back Talk" is about a girl named Gemma who finds a job working for a talk show. Gemma is only sixteen, the youngest of all the employees. She and her friends like to get together and talk about cute boys, or their current boyfriends.

There is a pair of twins working for the talk show. All the twins do is try to get Gemma into trouble. Well, one of Gemma's favorite workmates ends up losing his job. The reason is because the twins said that the guy was sexually harassing them. Gemma doesn't believe this is true. She sets out to find the truth and to get her workmate hired back. Now, all Gemma wants to do is prove that the twins are lying.

The talk show owners decide that they want their special guest to be a child prostitute. The only problem is, the thirteen-year-old girl they find is afraid of appearing on the show as she fears that her pimp is going to kill her. Gemma meets up with this girl a few times to try to convince her that they will protect her from her pimp. She even talks to the boss for the talk show about offering more to this girl. So, the talk show boss decides to offer this girl a scholarship to a great college and promises her a good education. But will this young prostitute risk it?

In my opinion, "Back Talk" was an okay book if you like to read about talk shows. I was not too fond of all the dirty language used throughout this book. Some cursing would have been fine. But there was a bit too much. My favorite part of this book was when Gemma kicked Nick between the legs. I like how the author wrote "Ouch. The consequences were gonna need an ice pack." That part was really funny. I also enjoyed how the author chose to end the book. Not one question was left unanswered. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a fast-paced book with a lot of excitement in it.

First, the blurb above states that this book is for 9-12 year olds. That is a mistake - it is Young Adult fiction (so maybe grades 9-12!!). I don't recommend it for a 12 year old.

This is by far the best YA novel I have read, ever. And I am not just saying that!

It's the story of a naive 16 year old from Idaho who's in New York City for a summer internship working at a TV talk show. She's staying with some rich, glamorous friends who take her under their wing for a taste of night life and what seems to be the beginning of a great friendship too.

The characters grab you instantly -- there's the heroine, Gemma, who's journey into the fast-paced world of New York TV production is made all the more human by the insights we are given into her self doubt. She's never sure if she's quite getting the hang of this life but she follows her heart and so ends up doing the right thing. Her periodic flirtation with a dashing British student(!!!) is described with humor and tenderness.

Gemma's two friends have been born into money and status, so at first their lifestyle seems intimidating to Gemma. As they become closer, Gemma realizes that the glamor, the drinking and the sarcasm are all part of a cover up for the one thing they weren't privileged with: a loving family. The three of them bond over the summer and each comes to understand the other - it's an allegory for how the mid-west and corn-belt is so out of touch with the so-called east-coast sophisticates.

The characters and the behind-the-scenes views of the TV industry are what sets this book apart from the genre. Gemma is thrown into a crazy topsy-turvy world of hardened TV producers who have seen it all. When they find it hard to care for the people they exploit for a story, Gemma shows them all that you can be successful and still have a heart.

All in all a great read! The sarcastic humor that the narrator and the characters sling around is wickedly entertaining. The characters are well rounded and the plot is rich in detail and structure. The pace of the story keeps up right through to the end chapter, and it's hard to believe we have to leave Gemma and company to live the rest of their summer without finding out what happens next!

First time author Alex Richards shows great promise with this novel - we're all dying to see what she comes up with next.

If only my life was this fabulous at 16. As much as you want to hate on and be jealous of the trio of roommates in this book, (Gemma, America, and Dana), you will end up loving all of them. They are interning and living in NYC, two are fabulously rich, but without any of that spoiled super sweet 16 BS (OK maybe a teeny bit). The star of the novel, Gemma, is quite down to earth coming to NYC from the not so chichi countryside. Her take on interning at a trashy talk show is refreshing. Perhaps more interesting is the peek into Gemma's internship and the talk show world in general. I read online that the author once worked for a talk show type TV program, maybe we have some slightly blind itemed situations going on here. self-obsessed talk show host = egomaniac Tyra Banks? Probably not but fun to guess....

Being Decisive doesn't mean ignoring other peoples feelings. Rather the book finds a way to help you take the high road to your own personal growth. Being decisive will help you get on with what you want to do. A great book to help you rally your energies in a positive DECISIVE manner. A must reading for your personal self development libraby. Nola Leuthner, Green Bay, WI

Lou Ann Smith is a speaker who really knows how to get her points across. In "Decisive" she shares six critical points to ponder when making those hard choices. A writer who has impacted before, but really shines in this work.

A refreshing read of motivational truths along with easy to follow strategies for lifes tough decisions. I reccommend this book only to those people who whish to do the work it takes to have confidence in the many choices we encounter throughout life!

BE DECISIVE is a great fast and friendly read! I completed it in about 3 hours (not counting the assignments). The six step formula is clearly outlined, and makes it very easy to implement. Page 143 has a great organization tool to get out from under all the piles of paper we deal with! I implemented the tool the day I finihed the book, and I already feel more decisive! I highly recommend this book. Be decisive and buy BE DECISIVE!

Lou Ann Smith has put together a book that is simple and profound. It is simple in its methods and suggestions but profound in the effect it has on your thinking and actions. I recommend that anyone who feels that life has stalled because of too many tasks and options, read this book. You will gain a sense of rest and accomplishment. Get it. Read it. Do it. You will be glad you did

I was very excited when I found out about this book I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! Be Your Own Mentor came out at a time when I really needed it. This book is easy to understand and as in all of her books Anne Bruce provides real scenarios, tips and hints and worksheets that allow you to start applying all you've learned as soon as you've closed the book. If you want to spoil yourself a little in 2008 get this book and get motivated to be your own mentor!

The author of this book is clearly writing from experience. She reminds us that the successful approach to becoming your own mentor is an integrative one-involving not only business, but heart and soul as well. I am skeptical of any quick fix book, and this book is not that. It is about knowing yourself and creating the best version of you. I truly enjoyed reading it, and will pass it on.

Anne Bruce has done it again! An absolute "must-have" for anyone searching for the inspiration to take yourself to the next level! This book is packed with real-world guidance and step-by-step tools to give you the confidence to take control and be your own mentor!

Anne Bruce has once again written a book that provides the reader with important information, but more importantly she gives sound strategies, real life examples and great tools on how to apply that information in the most appropriate and effective way - easily! I love the interactive exercises that help me take the information I have just read and see how to put it into action. This book was a New Years gift to myself and it is turning out to be a great investment. Remember - you can do it and this book can help!

I have been reading Anne Bruce's books for years, and I particularly like that this one is about nurturing one's own self. (Some of the others are about motivating employees and such.) The advice is not revolutionary. Rather, it's basic commonsense that we often forget in the whirl of daily life and career. Bruce seems to be writing from personal experience, but she goes beyond herself by relating the experiences of other women to illustrate and inspire.

This book has a date on each page for each day. Each day contains a thought or message that is thought provoking and introspective. Reading this book does give you a sense of calming and reassurance. The small size is great so you can take it with you on the go. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Gentle reminders that compell me to STAY PRESENT. Hope abounds!

I just started this book, and I find the quotes, insights, and meditations to be absolutely on target. It is a must for anyone struggling with esteem issues. Buy one for everyone you know who could use the motivation, strength, and compelling insights to improve themselves, their lives, and their well-being!

a little voice of reason when your feeling blue or need encouragement. I have recommended this book many times over and have given it as a gift many times.

THIS LITTLE BOOK HAS BEEN A SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT AT EVERY TURN, ONE OF MY MOST CHERISHED DEVOTIONALS.

In brief, Todd's mountain climbing analogy to the achievement of business excellence is an easy read with powerful implications. Applied in business or personal circumstances will yield extraordinary results. This book is not about setting BHAG-type goals. It is about setting extremely high targets, building an awesome team based on potential (not past results), valuing a thought process not the volume knowledge, being flexible in adjusting the "ascent" based on what the "mountain" is telling us and above all understanding the dynamics of people and challenges. This is not one of those typical airport bookstore management-leadership books, this is a roadmap to organizational and personal success.

I have no interest whatsoever in mountain climbing! Yet, I was fascinated with this "cliff hanger!" Most importantly, I had much to learn from it. The lessons I learned from Mr. Skinner's book about mountain climbing are equally relavant to obtaining any life goal, from raising good children to writing a book. Everyone can benefit from this read.

Todd Skinner has written a book that invites you to change how you think about challenges and obstacles. Especially pertinent were his specifics such as considering "measuring your progress from where you are to the summit" instead of where you began. There are several "aha" moments to be found in Beyond the Summit that do not ask you to understand a complex model of management or leadership, that are quite profound and immediately useful. Practical and inspirational.

Is there a better metaphor for success in your endeavors than mountain climbing? So if you want the ultimate in success why not study the ultimate in mountain climbing. The lessons that Todd Skinner brings down from the summit are striking, challenging and forcefully introspective. Having read "Beyond the Summit" I found myself frequently putting the book down long enough to ask myself where I might find my personal 'first ascension.' An incredible book with a powerful story and life-changing lessons.

Having just heard Todd speak, I must say, he is by far one of the most influential people I have ever heard in person.

Milly R. Sonneman has really done it: written a book that demonstrates in easy, concrete steps that anyone can draw well enough to enhance their communication skills!

Sonneman takes you through initially simple and then progressively more advanced steps that can teach any person--in spite of self-doubts--how to make compelling drawings that will clarify ideas and make them more interesting. If you have any doubts that this book can help YOU, just have a look at the other reader reviews!

Doni Tamblyn is author of Laugh and Learn: 95 Ways to Use Humor for More Effective Teaching and Training and The Big Book of Humorous Training Games (Big Book of Business Games Series)

Excellent guide for communicating concepts, ideas, etc.

All my 50 years I was convinced i could not draw and I was not artistic. This book proved me wrong. Quickly my intuitive mind grasped the concepts and I started drawing. Folks comment all the time how long I have been drawing. Their jaws drop when I tell them for only a year. This book's style was instrumental in making it easy to enjoy drawing.

All these reviewers are right. I opened the book and within 30 seconds i drew the first picture which looked EXACTLY like the one in the book. I have spent hundreds of dollars on books on drawing - all wasted. The beauty of this book is that every concept is applied instantly and transferred to your brain subliminally.

If you are spending 2 hours to make the perfect PowerPoint, this book gives you the confidence to make your own drawings, pictorals, and basic diagrams on any whiteboard or paper easel. I was a statitican (so you know I can't draw) but often needed to work out ideas of my own and in groups. The simple pictures learned in this book helps everyone understand the discussion that's going on. Connect words, ideas, and your audience with esy to draw colorful pictograms of your ideas.

Not sure if you can draw, the publishers sample made me get the book.
http://www.handsongraphics.com/index.htm
click on animated guy.

This resource is a gold mine. As an employment consultant I have found Parker's book to be practical, realistic and extremely helpful, especially since I primarily work with the Blue Collar sector. If you are experienced in writing your own resume, this book offers great tips on polishing it and if you are new to the resume process, Parker also takes you through it step by step in a manner both instructional and interesting. This should be on every employment consultant's bookshelf. Easy to read and easy to understand; simple but not simplistic.

We provide workshops on job searching, resume writing, interviewing, hidden job market etc. for a varied background of people. Some of our customers do not relate to resumes prepared for the executive or highly educated job seeker. These customers can now understand and see how their similiar skills can be marketed. We now use this resource in every district office. With many employers using the resume instead of applications for screening and with most occupations now requiring resumes, this book is essential for all job seekers.

In my position as a state and federal employment counselor, I deal with large numbers of displaced blue collar workers. Many have limited computer skills and writting ability. BLUE COLLAR & BEYOND has become my most used source book. (In fact I recently purchased a second copy as the first on was wearing out) Using BC&B to teach folks how to prepare their selves to re enter the workforce has raised my success in placement rate to over 75%. VERY EXCELLENT TEXT! Must HAve! Must Buy! Must USE! C. Baugh

Finally, a resume book for jobs that do not require a college education. The book has 171 resumes for jobs such as master cake decorator, clerical office worker, plumber, cruise line customer service. It has a helpful section telling how to get around difficult problems such as job gaps, lack of experience, a spotty education record, and age discrimination. It is readable and encouraging.

This was adapted from the Annotated Bibliography of Learning A Living; A Guide to Planning Your Career and Finding a Job for People with Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Dyslexia

This author produces the best resume writing materials on the market! This book fits perfectly for those individuals not targeted by many other resume writing books. Many of these skills are transferrable and I encourage clients to browse through the entire book.

Ms. Foley brings both the essences of a charismatic coach and a sober realist to the story of her rise at AOL. Bodacious! is an energetic read.

This is NOT one of those "How-the-planets-aligned-and-allowed-me-to-fulfill-my-manifest-destiny" kind of books. Both successes and failures are described honestly. (It's to the author's credit that she describes both her little failures and strategic failures as candidly as she chronicles her successes.)

Some passages of interest to look for:

* Business is business, and Ms. Foley advises the reader to NOT TAKE IT PERSONALLY. It's an idea that's worth repeating ... over and over and over until Velcro personality traits morph into Teflon.

* Setting boundaries comes with risk, but you HAVE to set them. In Chapter 4, she writes about taking a stand, and also what to do when someone takes a stand with you. (And why you shouldn't worry about being thought of as a "b****".)

* Office politics. Everything you instinctively loathe about office politics is probably wrong. Ms. Foley tells you why the glass is not, in fact, half empty, but rather 3/4 full ... and rising. Trust me, her perspective will be an eye-opener for many. (Although I've seen these views implied before, I've never seen them addressed so unflinchingly dead-on.) Another gem is her succinct description of the unspoken rule changes when you start dealing with senior management. Even if you don't complete the rest of the book, make sure you read Chapter 6.

* Defeat and quitting well. A telling bit of business advice I received many years ago was, "Everybody knows everybody." Ms. Foley succinctly describes the why and how of quitting well. You may end up working for a supplier ... or ... heh heh heh ... a client.

Lastly, the author wants you to thrive in a world of constant change. Recognizing that the reader must choose the specifics of her own path, she does not offer false hope by providing a specific roadmap to "guarantee" success. Ms. Foley does, however, shine a light with her positive - and truthful - words.

And that bright red exclamation point.

AOL insider Foley experienced vast changes in her life as she moved from a customer service job at a computer company to heading the exploding AOL company. Bodacious! is both an autobiography of her experiences and a behind-the-scenes examination of AOL's start-up process and what it means to be a businesswoman in today's corporations. Included here are tips on how women can take control of the corporate world.

My name is Kevin Decker (kevindecker.com) and as an Author, Coach, and Motivational Speaker I read a lot of books about people, their motivations, and their relationships. As I read Bodacious all I could think about was women I know that would be inspired by it.

There is so much value in this book that it's hard to summarize. Here, by chapter, is a lesson learned, inspiring quote, or interesting situation from each.

1. Like nothing you've seen before - Today's economy offers greater risk and greater reward than ever before. Mary creates the context for her story talking about the situation as it exists today and her journey to Bodaciousness.

2. Bodaciousness starts on the inside - Next she looks at how you define yourself and stop letting other people define who you are.

3. Staff your Bodacious start up self - Mary then shares about surrounding yourself with knowledgable people that respect, value, and encourage you.

4. Bodacious women take a stand - Get control over those things that you can control.

5. Bodacious women thrive on shift and change - Ok, now that you've taken a stand it's time to move, change, and adapt.

6. One thing I wish I'd understood before I left AOL - Find out about how the littlest fairy in Sleeping Beauty teaches us about office politics.

7. Breaking through to Bodaciousness - It's about being intentional, deliberate and winning instead of just surviving.

8. Bring It On - Read Mary's list of 11 ways to make your own luck.

Epilogue: Life's short, learn fast - Act Bodaciously, and love every minute of it!

Bodacious redefines the definition, perception, and expectations of successful business women. I can give no greater compliment than saying that I want my 4 year old daughter to grow up Bodacious!

Many of the ideas in "bodacious" will sound familiar, since Mary Foley is advising women to be more assertive, strategic, competitive and political. It's the formula men have long used to get ahead, but Foley addresses her counsel directly to women, along with tips on how to overcome traditional ideals about acting feminine. Hardnosed or not, Foley writes in an engaging way, as she combines personal growth suggestions with examples from success stories, including her own. After a ten year career starting as a customer service rep, she became an AOL millionaire and retired. Now an author, speaker and personal coach, she dispenses advice in a catchy, casual style, which makes even familiar suggestions interesting. While some men may find it interesting to eavesdrop on these lists and reminders for women in the workplace, we from getAbstract recommend Foley's breezy career boost to women white collar and professional employees who are ready to pump up on pep talk.

Bodacious is a true "wake up call" for any woman who has put herself second especially in the work world. Through Mary's personal experiences, the reader has a multitude of opportunities to examine her choices and come to terms with what is and is not working in her life. Bodacious is written in small bites, with depth and humor, and is very compelling. I've already recommended it to several friends who are stuck in their own lives and who I believe can benefit from Mary's straight-forward insight. Every woman can be "Bodacious". It's all about choice!

BRALESS IN WONDERLAND
DEBBIE REED FISCHER

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Allee Rosen has never pictured herself as model material, that is until she takes her younger sister Sabrina to a mall tryout and has the judges fawning all over her and completely ignoring her sister. What strange world has she stepped into? But suddenly her parents are telling her the modeling agency has been calling, they're totally legit and if she does this, she could have enough money to go to Yale. That's all Allee needs to hear to agree to go.

Which is how Allee finds herself in Miami, sharing an apartment with three other models - Brynn, the typical temperamental model; Summer, her one apparent friend in the bunch, and crazy, fun Claudette. But when her father issues her an ultimatum - get booked or come home - Allee must step out of her comfort zone if she wants to stay.

I really enjoyed this book. Allee's a great character, a tad insecure; after all it's her sister who always gets all the compliments. So imagine her surprise when it's her the modeling scouts are after. But then she goes to Miami and even though it seems that the reps like her on the go-sees, Allee can't book a single job. That is, until her father's ultimatum seems to set a chain of events in motion that lands Allee one of the most coveted modeling gigs available, one that helps boost her potential and gets her to let loose and enjoy life in Miami a little more. But when a surprising case of sabotage is revealed, and Allee gets the chance to extend her modeling career, she faces a tough decision. Go home to Cape Comet or take the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and see where it takes her.

Populated with a fun vibe, an inside look at the world of Miami modeling agencies, and some great secondary characters, BRALESS IN WONDERLAND is well worth picking up for some by-the-pool summer reading. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Reed Fischer.

Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
March 2008

I couldn't out this book down! Allee is a down to earth girl who gets swept into the wonderland of modeling. Her smart observations make her journey a joy to share, and the details of the modeling world are truly fascinating. Fischer tells a story that is fresh and satisfying, giving readers a strong character to root for every step of the way!

...in a lot more ways than one.

Braless in Wonderland has an edgy cover and an even edgier title, sending the messages "Glitz!" and "Fashion!" and "Fiction for mean girls!" It's ironic really, because that's so not what's going on here...and yet it echoes the main themes of the book eerily well.

Debbie Reed Fischer paints a engrossing picture of a world--modeling--that I knew nothing about and felt slightly repelled by, like her protagonist Allee. I got sucked right into it along with Allee and along with her learned that appearances can be SO deceiving. Though the details about life as a model were fascinating (I will never again look at a chicken cutlet in quite the same way), it was Allee's growth and journey through that life that made it so wonderful, and Allee's discovery that feminism can have many meanings that is important here.

Read this book. Fun and entertaining? Abso-freaking-lutely. Thoughtful and thought-provoking? Even more so. It deserves all five of those stars.

Not only is Debbie Reed Fischer a fantastic person, but she is also an amazing author. I read this entire book in one night, including under the covers with a booklight since I just could not put it down. I love this book and know everyone else will too.

I have to say that when I started to read this book I figured it would take me a few days even a week to complete. But that was not the case. I am not the target audience as I am much older than the teens it is targeted for but I have to say it brought me back to my own Teen and early 20's. The cast of characters and the backdrop of South Beach were on the mark. Debbie Fischer keeps you constantly wanting to turn the page and see what else is going to happen. My favorite character happened to be the grandma and I can only imagine if she is taken from a real life family member. The book touches on all facets of a young womans life and what decisions she has to make as well as proving who she is to her peers. I actually finished it in an afternoon and look forward to other publications from this author. Here is to taking me back to vacations and party days in South Beach. Every girl dreams of becoming a model and Debbie Fischer allows us to see that we all have a path it just sometimes takes longer than others to find it.

While M. Rose Jonas, Ph.D. doesn't encourage you to lie on your resume, she does explain how you can make yourself look better by say leaving out a job that you didn't feel was right for you.

"You can leave out the job you had for a month or two because it was wrong for you or the company folded. Blips like this make a resume reader nervous." ~ pg. 85

Mostly this book is a question and answer session that is very intriguing. M. Rose Jonas answers questions like:

Where do you start, if you want to make a career change?
What if I'm ready for something completely different?
How can I stand out from the rest?
How do I get ready for my interview?
Should I take a job I don't want or that pays too little?
How can I get better at my job?
Can I just Quit?
How Should I Organize Retirement?

Throughout this book Rose Jonas provides sage advice on a wide variety of career topics and enlightens and entertains along the way.

~The Rebecca Review

This book gave me the tools I needed to figure out what I wanted to do and how to get there. I spent over a year interviewing for jobs I didn't really want and weeks after I read this book I was hired for a job that I love! Dr. Jonas, I couldn't have done it without you.
I recommend it to anyone who is career hunting.
Thank you!

Dr. Rose Jonas' book (as well as her counseling services provided to me) was extremely useful both personally, and career-wise. As a recent college-grad, I found myself lost, unsure, and jobless! Her book helped me to answer some important questions and steered me in the right direction...to a career! Thank you Dr. Jonas!

This book is the most concise and right on helpful dose of getting your act together on the job market. At any point of job dispair, you can pick it up, even for a few minutes, and can be assured of devouring some pearl of wisdom that will assist in the job satisfaction quandry/search. The style of writing is so humorous and engaging, you'll find it more difficult to put down than a potato chip, and certainly less fattening. In fact, it could help you fatten your wallet if you take a fraction of the advice. Even if you think you have read every book on this topic, you can be assurred of new ideas, or looking at old ones from a very fresh perspective. Another idea that she explores in depth, is evaluating your current job before determining if other pastures are truly greener. Before you plunk down hundreds on a job coach, career placement service or the like, this is a must and worth every penny.

"Can I Lie on My Resume?" is more than a resume book, and for that matter, it's even more than a book on careers.

Rose Jonas' tone is that of the aunt you wish you'd had: worldly wise, kind, and no-nonsense. She uses the 'career game' as the overall metaphor, but each of the 100 suggestions is also anchored with a specific image. She doesn't just say, "Don't take a job that's not right for you" or use the cliche of sow's ears and silk purses. No, instead she shares an example from her own life about dragging home a kidney-shaped table and discovering that a coat of paint couldn't transform it into a Victorian desk. That sort of storytelling makes the point vividly memorable.

As Lily Tomlin said, "The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat." Rose Jonas has practical ways to win---and come out a better human being in the process.