Communications Books

I purchased this book to try revitalize my cold calling strategy. It was informative and gave me a couple of new view points to see where I might be able to tweak my cold calling and prospecting skills.

I would recommend this book to novice & experienced sales people who have to make prospecting calls on a daily basis.

You read, you learn and then you earn. Step by step plan for becoming a great phone sales person....very good book

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Keith Rosen's book on Cold Calling, even though I consider myself as "Cold Call reluctant". This book gives sufficient evidence that cold calling is a necessary tool in new business development what ever your industry, and the knowledge on how to cold call effectively. In addition to cold calling, Keith provides important information on several other sales and marketing strategies for business development such as networking, obtaining referrals, and managing the entire sales process. Having read dozens of books on marketing, sales, sales management and strategies I've got to say this one is on the top of my recommend list to friends and clients looking to boost sales skills for new as well as experienced sales professionals. The format makes it easy to read, understand and most importantly to deploy to your advantage.

I am one of those rare folks who enjoys cold calling but I picked up this book as a companion to Closing the Sale. This is an excellent read that can better you best results or turn around your cold calling (lack of) success. In short, this is the real deal.

Despite what some talking heads may say, cold calling works. I've read both the "anti-cold calling" books as well as Mr. Rosen's books, and I can say that the arguments clearly lean in Mr. Rosen's favor. The "never cold call again" groups really address similar stuff that Mr. Rosen does, which leads me to believe that their position is more a matter of savvy marketing, driven to sell books, rather than anything revolutionary.

With that said, cold calling doesn't work...that is, unless you have a method that provides you with measurable results. And that's precisely what Mr. Rosen's book gives you. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cold Calling, is one of those essential books that never has a chance to rest on a shelf and collect dust.

In my experience, I was stuck. I had been cold calling for a couple of years and found myself in a telemarketing quandary. Mr. Rosen's book couldn't have come at a better time. He combines a precise, no-nonsense message with words that are easy on the eyes. His book is equal parts practical guide and motivational tool. I particularly appreciated the time he commits to the psychology of selling. The emphasis on process goals (a book he should write next) is a new look at the outcome-driven goals that many of us were taught to follow.

I read Mr. Rosen's book and committed time to completing his exercises and following his techniques. Two weeks later, I scheduled five qualified appointments. Why do I say "qualified"? Before I read his book, I focused on setting up the appointment. I'd meet with prospects, but after all the driving and time spent in an office, often, the only thing I had to show for my effort was a wrinkled shirt that required dry cleaning. Using Mr. Rosen's book as a guide, matters quickly turned around for me. I met with people that were ready to close because I qualified them over the phone. I wish I had his book three years ago. (To think of all the gas I would have saved!)

If you've doubted your skills, needed some fresh ideas, or are new to the cold calling process, buy The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cold Calling. Once you do, you'll soon have a book that has a worn down spine, pages loaded with Post-its, and a cover that refuses to stay shut--just like mine.

An ideal read for anyone looking to increase their profile and brand awareness. The book uses traditional marketing concepts and applies them to the art of self promotion......Brilliant!!!!

Debbie has produced yet another very readable, interesting, and motivating collection of real-life people who have figured out ways to best promote themselves succesfully. Keep it coming, Debbie, as shamelessly as you can!

I love books that bring together the best of the best and Confessions of Shameless Self-Promoters featuring my friend, Deb Haggerty, is no exception. I am continually looking for new tools to share with writers and speakers who are trying to market themselves and their products. This book is now a featured book on my Web site and in the reference section in my handouts.

Ideas, tips, and strategies are packaged in an easy-to-read book. I love the fact that those featured don't just talk about success, they go out and grab it. Confessions of Shameless Self-Promoters is motivational and fun and doesn't make a person feel guilty for what they haven't done. Instead it inspires them to do something every day to further their goals.

At first I didn't like the title because I hate self promotion. I look at the most effective promotion as building relationships. Once I started reading the various chapters I realized the title is actually misleading because every person in the book preaches relationship building. Networking, referrals, branding, Internet marketing, direct mail, media, and more or covered in depth and well by some of the top people out there. I highly recommend this practical resource for anyone regardless of their business or product.

Maybe it was my fault for not reading the book description better, but I really expected a lot more from this book than what it was able to deliver. The book is essentially a hodge-podge of stories from 68 different "marketing gurus" (mostly speakers and business "coaches"). Unfortunately, there are very few sections that are universally applicable. Instead, the book contains war story after war story -- a very few of which might actually be relavent to you and your business. However, the work required to dredge up this occassional "nugget" isn't worth the effort. Instead, I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of C.J. Hayden's "Get Client's Now!" For anyone interested in building a personal brand, I would also recommend Robert Bly's "Become a Recognized Authority..." Finally, for consultants and other business service professionals, I'd recommend Brody, D'Angelo, Kerley, and Zick's "Power Marketing for Consultants," Shenson and Wilson's "138 Quick Ideas to Get More Clients," and Robert Gentle's "Consultant -- Market Yourself." In short, this book has been a huge disappointment. In fact, I suspect that most of the positive reviews are from some of the "68 marketing gurus" and not from objective readers. Overall grade: C-/D+

As I was about to read this book, frankly, I was somewhat deterred by its title just as I was before reading Marilyn Ross's Shameless Marketing for Brazen Hussies. Titles such as these seem so blatant, so self-serving, so crass, so....

In fact, the same can be said of the content in these two books as well as in Allen's Confessions of Shameless Internet Promoters. And that is precisely the key point: because each of us receives each day (on average) about 3,000 (or is it 30,000?) "messages" of various kinds, it is more difficult now than ever before to penetrate all the noise and all the clutter. We now live in what Tom Davenport and John Beck call "the attention economy." The most valuable currency is gaining the interest and attention of others and then, over time, earning their respect and trust.

As a result, we should feel no shame when aggressively promoting ourselves if we do so with honesty and integrity; people buy from other people, not from companies. Nor should we feel any shame when aggressively promoting a product or service if it is of sufficient quality, fills a legitimate need, is priced fairly, and delivers substantial value. To those who complain that women seem "brazen" when doing so, I say "Get over it."

In this volume, Allen introduces each of the 13 chapters with her own thoughts about the given subject (e.g. "You Cannot Not Market" and "Building Your Unique Brand Recognition") and then several of the 68 guest contributors share their own thoughts, feelings, experiences, advice, etc. Inevitably, the value of individual segments will be determined almost entirely by the specific deeds and interests of each reader. All of the contributors' comments are worth sharing but not all of them are immediately relevant to each reader's circumstances. However, I think the entire book should be read and then re-read. Circumstances change, frequently without warning. We may need tomorrow or next week what we do not need today. In The Art of War, Sun Tzu observes that every battle is won or lost before it is fought. There is much to be said for "shameless" preparation.

For many, Chapter One ("An Introduction to Shameless Self Promotion") may well be the most valuable portion of the book because it provides all manner of reassurances that shameless self promotion really is legitimate, indeed imperative in today's marketplace IF (huge "if") it is conducted with honesty and integrity as well as tenacity. Allen provides a brief quotation on the title page of each chapter. For Chapter One, "If you don't blow your own horn someone else will use it as a spittoon." (Anonymous) Brief contributions by five marketing "gurus" -- Jeffrey Storie, Mark Victor Hansen, Don Taylor, Dana Burke, and Rick Segel -- then follow.

While reading this book, I frequently made connections between it and another book I read recently, Phillip McGraw's Self Matters: Creating Your Life from Inside Out. Directly or indirectly, Allen and most of her 68 contributors assert that effective promotion of one's self is wholly dependent upon having a strong sense of self-confidence and self-worth. Stated another way, the effectiveness of self promotion in the external world is wholly dependent on creating and then nourishing a healthy inner self. I agree with McGraw that self not only matters, it is all that we have. It does much more than identify us: it defines us. If we do not value it, why should anyone else?

Ignore the overheated words and phrases. Read all the lines but also read between them. Absorb and digest what Allen and her associates have to say. Then re-read at least the first chapter. This book has much of value to say about both self and promotion: the health of the former determines the effectiveness of the latter.

Many of those who begin reading this book looking for specific strategies and tactics will indeed find them but also something else of much greater value: a better understanding of themselves and, especially, of what may have delayed, diminished or even prevented their success in life until now. Who knows? You may be among them. Most of us are.

Very interesting book to read. Not always easy, but idea behind it is pretty clear. In order to create healthy working environment managers have to encourage curiousity and cooperation accross organization. That in turn will generate discovery process that will lead to innovation. More people get included in the process, outcome is teamwork where everyone gets valued and recognized. In such environment, teams become successful and people in general work together better. Relationships are meaningful, throughput greater and overall happiness is inevitable.

This book is a thorough investigation and synthesis of the best thinking on leadership. Judith Glaser's new and fresh perspective helps leaders see how to create leaders, not followers. It should be read by anyone who aspires to or attains a leadership position.

Author Judith E. Glaser has helped numerous organizations large and small to change and deal with challenges. She tells stories about real organizations and managers and how they worked through their challenges. While the stories provide a learning tool, changing organizational beliefs and attitudes isn't quick and easy. Therefore, Glaser — even with her background — can't provide fast solutions to convert an organization from I to WE.

Instead, the author shows the difference between I-thinking and WE-thinking and provides tools for leaders to use while working toward WE-thinking and changing the organization's culture. It takes time, patience, and practice to make a change.

Judith E. Glaser's life turned upside down when she fought and won a battle with cancer. Her husband, president of a pharmaceutical company working on a cure for cancer, worked with the idea of reminding cells how to be normal, which in turn makes them healthy. Her battle, her work, and her husband's work led her to discover that cancer cells and toxic organizations have much in common. "Healthy cells" and "healthy organizations" succeed when they work together as a whole instead of separately.

Creating We consists of three elements for changing organizations from I-thinking to WE-thinking. "Believing WE" is about changing attitudes and beliefs in organizations and how employees should behave. "Learning WE" is about getting rid of old beliefs like the manager is in charge and that employees shouldn't speak up and adapting a healthy exchange of ideas between managers and employees. "Becoming WE" means changing the thinking and responding from I to WE.

The book provides many questions for managers to ask and explore as they go through their "I to WE" journey. Don't expect a speedy and painless adventure as the book covers a lot of material. Adopting "WE" means changing your way of thinking, conversing, and behaving. Companies that transform their cultures from "I" to "WE" experience side effects of innovation, cooperation, open conversations, and overall good health.

Executives and managers who study and reference the book's concepts, questions, and adopt the "WE-centric" thinking and philosophy will help their companies get the most out of every employee and enjoy success.

Author and management consultant Judith E. Glaser helps organizations deal with change and challenges. She describes real companies and managers, and tells stories of how they worked through the issues that confronted them. While her narratives are instructive, albeit peppered with "I" and "WE" jargon, the process of changing organizational beliefs and attitudes isn't quick or easy. Therefore, even Glaser - with her expert background - can't provide any fast ways to convert an organization from "I-centric" attitudes to "WE-centric" attitudes. Instead, she shows the difference between I-thinking and WE-thinking, and provides tools that leaders can use to instill a WE-oriented corporate ethos. Although changing an organization's culture is a matter of great patience, we believe that managers who study this book's concepts will be able to boost their companies' productivity, adaptability and internal cooperation - over time.

Judith has been the catalyst for transformational success for an impressive resume of clients but her writing style clearly reflects the thoughts of a person who has not elevated herself above the common person. I could not put this book down and was compelled to finish reading it over one weekend. To me personally, this is a book about understanding that organizations are made up of people and people are about relationships. Creating WE... reminds us that the language we use shapes our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Judith's message is unmistakably clear:

· "You can't lead until you know yourself."
· "We are all connected through our emotions and our energy."
· "We are all connected through our families, organizations and communities."
· "We are all connected through our beliefs we hold about the world."
· "We are connected at the heart and at the head."

In "Creating WE..." Judith Glaser has given us truth that applies to all phases of life. It is one of the best books I've ever read about leading, and I recommend it as a must read for anyone that aspires to be a transformational leader. Judith takes us on a journey of understanding culture and what it takes to create a healthy culture that transforms an organization from one that is just getting by, to one that thrives and accepts new challenges head on. She tells us, in very simple terms, that the highest potential of any organization is achieved through the nature of the relationships within. She shares some interesting anecdotes, teaches us the steps to take to become WE-centric and finally tells us what to expect as we begin living the life of a WE-Thinking leader. Don't miss this opportunity for personal growth.

I thought this was a well written book on the fundamentals of demonstrating and or presenting software. I am a big believer in "Discovery" it makes for a much better and targeted demo. I also particularly like the metaphor he uses of "crossing the bridge" and how applying the principles in this book can help our prospects bridge the gap. He has some great nuggets for sales people who are involved in enterprise or consultative sales. Don't let the title fool you,(not just for SE's) I would recommend this book for all sales people who are interested in mastering their craft!

Excellent Book!!!



Since 1988, I have conducted many system software demonstrations!!

Demonstrating to Win touches all of my experiences from small client engagements to some one pulling out the plug of a mini AS/400!

By reading this book, I felt like you were a spider on the wall recording my many demo successes and failures.

Good Job.





Kevin M. Lee

Industry Director:

High Tech & Electronics

SSA Global

8913 Metheny Circle

Tampa Florida 33615



C 813-495-0332

O 813-249-0961


Kevin.Lee@ssaglobal.com

This is an excellent how-to book for improving your discovery and demo skills for enterprise software sales.

Chapter 4 (Demo Crime Files) and Chapter 5 (Discovery Process) more that justify the price of the book.

I sincerely wish that all presales engineers would read this book before presenting to customers.

I read Demo2Win and fell in love with the concept. After years of demonstrating software, I always felt like I could have done better if I had more tools. Robert's book gave me those tools. The tools I remember from the book were simple. Just be a little different than the other person or company. The Discovery Phase in the long run will save you and your customer time. You will find out if you can supply what the customer needs or leave it to someone else to fulfill their needs. Why waste time. The Demo Crimes made me cringe because I know I've committed a few of them over and over. Now I won't commit those crimes because it's been brought to my attention by Robert.
After I read the book I asked my boss to read it. He read it and ordered about 30 copies for all of our salesforce to read. Each and every person that read it then praised it. It was kind of like the lights went on in everybody's head.
I'd recommend this book to any salesperson. I've already read it more than three times. I take it on each flight I make and read at least a few pages each time.
Thanks, Robert.

Demonstrating To Win is an exhaustive book on the topic of demonstrating software by experienced hand Robert Riefstahl. The author delves into the subject at hand with precision and detail through chapters like Demonstrating Is Not An Art!, Important Demonstration Concepts, The Demo Crime Files! and Your Demonstration Setting. There can hardly be a better resource than Demonstrating To Win for professionals in the industry. The book covers the obvious, mundane and elementary to the detailed nuances and tricks of the trade and aims to articulate the author's main thrust that in order to win the day the presenter has to build a bridge that the prospect wants to cross in order to reach you (and your software product).
Each chapter is augmented by a brief summary which offers a synopsis of the topic covered and the author practices what he preaches by offering his experience in plain language. There certainly are a couple of instances where the reader will notice the book's age and its year 2000 publication date, most notably during the technical discussions, but Riefstahl's guide is comprehensive and advantageous all the way through and still relevant to those demonstrating software to potential customers.

Defin. a book worth buying! -very helpful & makes civil procedure really easy to understand.

Glannon's guide is God send. if you purchase Glannon's E&E, you must also purchase his guide to learning Civ Pro through MCQ's. It is great!

Love it!

The book was delievered in great condition, within a moderately good time frame. It has proved very useful in my 1L studies!

Glannon clearly and succinctly provides examples of possible multiple choice questions that could be found on exams. Unlike a lot of other guides I've seen...it's not confusing and it's not a chore to read through the book.

Without a doubt this is an essential key to success in civil procedure. I basically outlined this book along with my class notes and got an A on the exam. Very, very, very good aid.

if you are already in filmmaking you might know all that this book covers. if you are not, i don't see how this book could help you to get in. maybe if you have no idea of what you want to do in the business... but even than...

The book is great. If you want to get in the to industry (that's what people call the film industry in Southern California), buy the book. It gives a complete break down of all the people that are required to make any movie. So next time when you watch the ending credits, you'll know what a key grip, best boy, art director, first assistance director does and be able to tell your friends as they walk out of the theater asking, "What's a best boy?"

It was informative and not at all boring. A must-read for those who are new to the Industy. Explains the steps of advancement for nearly every job in the entertainment industry. Excellent resource for goal-setting/ career management.

I purchased a number of "get into film/hollywood" books and this one was by far the most helpful. While it doesn't have much of the typical career advice (how to write your resume, cover letters etc.), which are better covered in more general job hunting books, it is the perfect book to read to get a sense for the jobs that do exist in Hollywood. If you're interested in the industry, but find it something of a "black box" or are unsure exactly what type of position to try and look for, this book is the ideal starting point. Levy walks through the entire industry, from agencies to studios, to actors, directors, costume designers etc. Given the wide canvas, none of the positions are covered in too much detail, but I think the book ideally serves as an excellent starting point from which to know where to pursue more information.

Finally, the tone of the book is excellent - one of excitement and encouragement. While it's a small point, dry and depressing hollywood career books abound - it's refreshing to find one that's has an enthusiasm and optimism to match your own.

I am an entertainment buff and I thought this book was great for people who want a survey of jobs they can pursue. It gave an in depth look at a lot of the positions in the film business. If you want a general look at the possible jobs, get this book. If you are more interested in television, this book is a great start, but it doesn't say anything about that since its primarly about film so look for another book for further reading. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to break into the business, it was really helpful for me.

This amazing book tells the story of Jecosan Tarres, or better known as Jeco, with his friend, the blacksmith Dalain Veligor, who go off to the palace. It is a long way and dangerous, will they get there safely? If you want to know, buy the exciting book The Adventures Of Jecosan Tarres!!!

By the time Jecosan "Jeco" Tarres turns eight, he is an orphan, but remains strong because his mother and the priest Shaledan taught him well and to believe that ever person serves a purpose. He gets on though not easily for about a year until blacksmith Dalian Veligor and his mother befriend him like a kind uncle and grandma; give him a job as an apprentice at the smithy; and a place for him and his canine companion Gart to stay.

An Elgur messenger of the heavens arrives with an assignment for Jeco to journey to the capital of Meoria, Kanavar, in order to prevent a war from occurring. Jeco accepts the task though he fears he is not capable of achieving the goal. Still he knows he will do his best and more as he, accompanied by his friend Dalian, begins the trek with enemies everywhere trying to stop him from completing his mission and allies helping him; the problem is outside of Dalian it is impossible to tell friend from foe.

This opening gamut of The Adventures of Jecosan Tarres is a fantastic coming of age fantasy starring a young hero who believes in himself and his cause. The support cast especially the ethical Dalian enables the reader to better understand Jeco as he accepts his impossible quest with some doubts that he will not allow to incapacitate him. THE JOURNEY is dangerous with some factions wanting the youngster dead, but in spite of harrowing experiences, he bravely continues his trek. Fans of all ages will root for Jeco who makes this a stirring character driven thriller that will send fans seeking the continuation of his adventures (see THE PALACE).

Harriet Klausner

After finishing "The Journey", I was left asking one question: "When's the next one coming out?" Laura's writing is clear and concise, and her characters are three-dimensional and not the cookie-cutter type that fill other novels. You'll find yourself genuinely caring for these people, and hoping they live to the next book. This novel is full of adventure, and adults will enjoy it as much as the kids do.

"The Adventures of Jecosan Tarres" is a must-read for anyone with a love for adventure, excellent character development, intrigue, and a love for people. Jecosan is a most wonderful and pleasant little boy with impeccable character who leads us through his life adventure in a new land and culture we have never before heard of. The characters seem real and the book would be appealing for boys and girls and adults. Highly recommended reading for all!!

Why would you want to read "The Adventures of Jecosan Tarres" yourself? Because it is full of happy times, suspense, noble sacrifice, heart-thrilling beauty, dramatic rescues, bad guys that get their just deserts, and good guys sticking to their principles against all costs-which brings to them a satisfying reward. Reading this thoroughly enjoyable story will change you, if you let it. It illustrates the basic principles of integrity, honesty, loyalty, and reaping what you sow. After finishing Book #2, I found myself comparing different aspects of the plot to my own life. By experiencing the story I was encouraged to improve myself and my own disciplines. I usually don't read a book again until several years have passed, but within a week after finishing the first two, I gathered my kids together and we have started at the beginning, reading "The Adventures" aloud and discussing its analogies.
All three books will need to be purchased to finish the story, so be prepared for the agony of an unfinished high-point if in your eagerness to dive into this pleasurable tale you begin reading without the final edition in your possession.

This book saved my marriage. Everything that I had been trying to say for years was finally said by an expert and not me. My spouse was able to read and understand through the book and he was not able to argue about what the book said, like he would have done had it been only me saying those things. I also learned a lot about my own destructive habits (lying was one of my big ones... "Are you mad?" "No, I'm not mad, everything is ok" when in fact it wasn't).

My suggestion is that you read it together, or have one person start reading it and writing comments into the book as you recognize yourselves in it. Then when the other partner starts to read it they too should write comments into the book as well. Later you should both go through it together to read the added comments and use those as talking points.

I also feel that if your marriage is in really bad shape that you read this book first because you HAVE to stop the "love bank withdrawals"... they are causing your marriage to go bankrupt. Once you have a handle on your withdrawals then your deposits (His Needs Her Needs) will finally be able to accumulate to the point of causing positive change. You can make as many deposits as you like, but everyone knows from life even that if you don't control your withdrawals that you can easily overdraft your account.

If you are struggling in your marriage, READ THIS BOOK!

This book is written so it is very easy to understand,no overload of hard to understand words. It has great ideas and solutions for marital problems. You will find much help in it. I can't wait to read HIS NEEDS, HER NEEDS: BUILDING AN AFFAIR PROOF MARRIAGE.
I can highly recommend this book!

Extremely practical guide to save a troubled marriage. Well worth the read and thoroughly recommend - even for the sake of improving your marriage.

After 8yrs of dating and 4yrs of marriage, our relationship had become...well, boring. Our date nights, if we had them, were typical dinner and a movie. Something was definitely missing. A church marriage counsellor recommended this book along with The 5 Love Languages. It is a must read for BOTH spouses. Do not expect results with only one partner reading and/or applying it!

If you are thinking about buying this book or any other relationship book - do not delay! Dr. Harley's books (including His Needs, Her Needs) have been very helpful to my marriage following a crisis. He makes excellent points that somehow seem to reach both of us and explains things in a way that both of us understand without either one feeling hurt or attacked. It is a terrific book, and I believe anyone who reads it and adopts it in their marriage will see improvement.

A little background, we are Air Force and we recently PCSed to Elmendorf, AK. We used the milepost to plan our stops and it was a lifesaver. Everything that you could ever want to know about any route to Alaska, the scenic markers, the stops, even road conditions and pullouts, they are all in there. A must for any traveler.

I bought Milepost 2008 for a friend, so I have not used it myself. However, I was so intrigued by the contents of this book, that I am have developed a strong desire to make the trip. The book is very detailed, and seems to cover everything one needs to know to tour Alaska.

Milepost was invalueable for my Alaska Highway trip.
the only drawback was Williams Lake had little mention and there is a lot of lodging and dining establisments.

Other reviewers were right. If you are driving to or in Alaska, you need the Milepost. Side roads and towns are included as well as major highways and road conditions. It contains EVERYTHING you can drive to, and more. It would take a a week nonstop to read the whole thing. Weather you are intersted in wildlife, views, fishing, trails, glaciers, etc, you need it. Period.

Much better then the run of the mill AAA tour guide, its got very detailed info with pictures. the Ads for camp sites, hotel, and rental places are also very helpful. its a must have for anyone going to Alaska for the first time.

To be sure, this book is a compelling and engaging story and you feel tremendous admiration for Savarese and his wife, in their attempts to connect with their adopted son, DJ, who is profoundly autistic. However, there is so much more in the book than just that story, and I thought much of it was distracting. The poetry quotations, the interjections about Savarese's terrible relationship with his pompous and autocratic father, the recaps of the back-and-forth exchanges with DJ's biological father and his new wife (who Savarese despises), etc. etc. I enjoyed reading this book but all in all, I felt there was just too MUCH here. It read more like a stream-of-consciousness emotional outpouring by the author than a story with an organized and compact narrative. Savarese is a brilliant man and a talented author, no doubt, but a deft editing hand was needed here, and that didn't happen. Quite a bit of the extraneous information was marginally relevant to the story, but the narrative would have been stronger without all the other "stuff" thrown in. There are amazing, poignant moments in this book - the subplot about baby Charlie just broke my heart, as a mother - but I think DJ's story would have been better served by tighter storytelling and less interjection of Saverese's own editorial opinion and personal history. Still very much worth reading, and ultimately an amazing story. I did appreciate Savarese's discussions of the frustrations and exasperations of living with DJ, alongside the discussions of the triumphs. Savarese and his wife are truly amazing individuals who could teach us all a few lessons about love and acceptance.

This is a very interesting read. I am a mother of 5 children 2 of whome have autism and I have read many books on the subject. This story was like none that I have ever read before. I would have to say that the author and his wife have done the most amazing job of parenting this little boy and they must be truly wonderful people. Emily, DJ's mother must be so knowledgeable and so kind and patient. She is such an inspiration. DJ's father also impressed me, with his determination to give DJ the life he is entitled to. It is a wonderful story which touches on so many interesting and rarely spoken about topics in regard to disabilites. I was delighted to reach the end of the book and see just how much DJ had improved, and to know that the outcome of a little boy's life has been changed so dramatically for the better thanks to the kindness of two very special people.

I did how ever find some of this book very hard to read, the shocking abuse that DJ suffered in foster care, before his wonderful parents adopted him - I found this very disturbing and distressing. I also felt that the author goes off on a few tangents about his theories and quotes several other authors in great detail which I found a bit boring and hard to read.

Overall it was an amazing book.

Savarese's book on autism is a paradigm-altering read. In this memoir he recalls all that went through the transition of his young adopted boy as a noncumunicative "thing" (as seen by society), to a poetic activist. This book is more than a history of one family, it is also a commentary on our foster care system, how we treat those with disabilities and our education system. It also discusses the difficulty in changing scientific paradigms.

Although Savarese's prose and simile often get in the way - making the reading more difficult as you try to decipher some of the esoteric analogies - they are often very humorous, in a story filled with the tragedy of a boy tossed into society's dumpster. It is a story of sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. It is the story of a child abandoned and mistreated that is then rescued by his loving, adoptive parents. What I found very interesting about Savarese's far left agenda, is that he recognizes the problems that we have had in addressing how to care for orphaned children and that neither the left nor the right have any really good solutions. The solutions are found in the path that the Savarese's took - personal involvement and dedication to the weakest in our society.

Unfortunately, after reading of the untold sacrifices made by the Savarese's, I would come to question whether any of us have the charity and strength to do what they have done.

This book was difficult to put down and hard to pick up to read. The pain suffered by DJ (their autistic boy) made it difficult to pick up while the odyssey of DJ from a "non-person" to a powerful and strong advocate-kid via facilitated communication is amazing. I often felt like I was reading about an alien that had visited the earth.

This is a brilliant, moving memoir that I would recommend to any reader. Despite the seriousness of its topics, this is a page-turner that you will not be able to put down (I read it non-stop in two days, as did my mother!). As someone with no experience or knowledge of autism, I found Savarese's book to be incredibly informative on many levels and lucidly written. But more than that, Reasonable People asks provocative questions about how we define family, community, and inclusion.

A must read!

This book will bring tears of acknowledgement and smiles of joy for those families who grapple with some of the these same issues. I truly believe the universe brings certain people together......Ralph, Emily, and DJ are three of those. It is time the world changes the perception of competence and what can be accomplished in believing that, right from the beginning. Ralph is a talented, thoughtful writer, and our family thanks him, and all the Savarese family for opening their lives up for this incredible story.