Celebrities Books

I was determined to finish this book just to count the number of times Georgia Durante mentioned how beautiful she was. It was a million plus. You get the drift. This little lady couldn't get over herself. Her poor daughter Toni took the brunt of her mother's bad, bad choices and paid the price. There was claptrap galore, from her inane, juvenile musings to the stupefying way she portrayed herself as a hapless victim. And the verbatim dialog? How could anyone possibly remember exact conversations from three decades ago? Come on!!

Georgia Durante should just have named her book, "All About Me". At least it would have been an honest if not vacuous biography by just another celebretard who managed to sleep her way to the top of the heap.

The author keeps you turning pages with an incredible life, as fast as the company she keeps. I enjoyed this read, the author's no nonsense delivery, the woman's perspective, and the story told straight and true. If there are embellishments, you wouldn't know it as it's told. An excellent memoir.

Having lived in Rochester all my life, I recognized a lot of the names that Georgia wrote about, even remember her as the Kodak Summer Girl.
Excellent read

I have recommended Georgia Durante's The Company She Keeps to many of my clients who are recovering from being sexually, physically, or psychologically abused. Ms. Durante's story, her courage, and her subsequent success in a field dominated by men serves as a wonderful source of encouragement and inspiration. It is the true story of a very remarkable person who had many things to overcome, including not being taken seriously because she is so physically beautiful. When you read this book, you learn her inner beauty and strength.

Larry M. Raskin, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Louisville, Kentucky

This is a brave book. I can't imagine going through some of the things the author went through and not have a heart attack from fear! My sister loved the book too!

If you want an edge in today's highly competitive market where it is becoming increasinly difficult to get anyone's attention, then you need to Get Slightly Famous.

The book provides a highly valuable, easy to follow roadmap for anyone to follow. And if you follow the advice in the book, you will Get Slightly Famous. Getting slightly famous will separate you from the rest of your competition.

The premise of the book is that you do not need to be famous to be successful. But in your own niche, you need to standout from the crowd. And the rewards of getting slightly famous far outweigh the time and effort required.

The book is divided into three sections. The first section is devoted to why you need to be slightly famous and how you can achieve that goal.

The second section concerns media strategy. There is the basic information on how you must approach the media in order to be successful. There are excellent tips on how to get articles in print and how to attract the media to you so you can get on the radio or TV.

The third section shows how you can reach out in many different directions: your website, speaking, info-product and strategic partnerships are just a few that are covered.

The book is a combination of how to, why to and a reference guide. There are over 90 specific real world examples of entrepreneurs who have gotten slightly famous - telling what they did and how it has benefited their business.

Any size business can benefit from the information contained in this book. If you want your business to grow bigger, you must learn and apply the information in this book.

This book is unique because of the amount of information and the depth of coverage. It will not be possible to absorb all the information in one reading. But keep in handy and use it as a specific guide. It will give you so many tips and insights ... well worth reading and keeping handy.

If you are overwhelmed with the competition in your area of the marketplace, how do you stand out and shine? Steven Van Yoder provides a cornucopia of ideas to move anyone from their anonymous unknown position to becoming a slightly famous standout. He defines "slightly famous" as Just famous enough to make their names come to mind when people are looking for a particular product or service, and let them reap the benefits. They get more business--not only more, but the right kind of business--and they don't have to work so hard to get it." (page 3)
While the marketplace may seem crowded (pick your market), there is always room for innovative communicators who will gain visibility, credibility and become a thought leader. Through dozens of case studies and stories, Van Yoder proves his points.

The first section helps the reader think through their own distinctive, then the second portion explores different media strategies (for different types of media such as print, online, broadcast) and the final section gives a wealth of ideas for anyone to expand their own reach.

The book is well-written, easy to use and one that I'm certain you will use a highlighter and go back to review the concepts and apply them to your own business. I recommend GET SLIGHTLY FAMOUS.

You face an uphill battle everyday in a competitive market place. Not only are you competing locally, at the state and national levels, but in a global marketplace.

One of your key areas of defensible competitive advantage is your prestige and reputation. If you take the time to carve out your niche, and establish your presence as an "expert" in your field, you can increase your pull in the marketplace.

Yoder's book has three main parts with some sample topics listed below:

Part I: The Center of Your Universe
* Find your niche; Page 16
* Establish yourself as a thought leader; Page 50

Part II: Media Strategies
* PR vs Advertising; Page 69
* How to give a great interview; Page 88

Part III: Reaching Out In All Directions
* How you can create a virtual first impress; Page 177
* Why you need to network; Page 249

You could pay thousands of dollars to teach you what Yoder has in this book.

Save the seminar fee, read the book, and get famous!

Highly Recommended.

Cheers!

Get Slightly Famous provides an adequate overview of standard promotional techniques that are found in similar books. The ideas are presented without guidance on how to choose among them, and the author sets unrealistic expectations of activity levels. The book is aimed at small businesses and self-employed professionals, so the mentions of marketing strategies used by huge corporations is baffling and irrelevant to the target reader. Sloppy proofreading in several places also detracts from the book.

What redeems Get Slightly Famous are the sidebar stories about how entrepreneurs have used the various marketing techniques. These ideas are much more creative and likely to be more useful to a reader than much of the book's main text.

As a professional marketing consultant and copywriter, I highly recommend this book to you. If you want to increase your business and become a real success in any business, you need to become well-known. By well-known I mean within a certain circle --- not nationally or all over the world. But known within the circle that matters to you in relationship to your business and your income.

Yoder clearly outlines just how you can do that. He pretty much covers all the bases. This is an easy-to-read book and one that every person who is in business should read.

- Susanna K. Hutcheson

Wonderful. That's the only word I can use to describe this book. If you want to know why it's wonderful, BUY IT!!! It's definitely worth the money!!

And one last thing... MICHAEL JACKSON IS 100% INNOCENT!

A wonderful book for those who wants to know the truth behind the Michael Jackson Trial in 2005. Buy it, Read it, and then you can judge. This book is a keeper!

I trust this author. She went into the court room a full fledged believer in the accusations and left dumb found. A few years later wrote this book.
Mr. Jackson is an easy target for indictments. He wears more make-up than the Avon lady and he dresses like Captain Crunch. He is not your average "Joe".
I don't know for sure that he didn't do these terrible things. Nobody does really except for him-- and of course the accusers.
What I do know, is he has been very loving to those who know him well and to those who don't, and enormously generous giving over 300 million dollars to charities around the world.
Lets face it your gonna believe what you wanna believe. But if you are really in search of the truth behind all the speculations and sensationalisms that have surrounded this famous case pick this up. My heart broke for him, and yours will too.

A book to own for an MJ fan, it is full of anecdotes and it tells the truth with reliable sources: the woman who attended the trial herself!! It's a mine of information, really worth your money.

If you ever questioned Michael Jackson's innocence, then this is the book you need to read. It provides such insight to the court room you can almost feel you were there, chapter after chapeter, Miss Jones writting brings the court room to life.
It's filled with information that was never made public by the media, proving how this man was wrongly accused and the DA's office did absolutely everything in their hands to get him knowing their case was based on nothing but lies.
Every Michael Jackson fan would enjoy reading this, but more importantly every Michael Jackson hater SHOULD read this book before ever opening their mouths to make a point.
Excellent.

This is a terrific book filled with informative information for the aspiring Celebrity Assistant. This is a very well written, helpful, frank and humorous guide to pursuing a career as a Celebrity Assistant. This book covers the hard facts of the professional business side of the Entertainment Industry along with lots of guidance and encouragement. Bonnie generously shares her experiences of being an assistant. This book is invaluable reading for anyone thinking about becoming a Celebrity Assistant as it provides an excellent insight into that career. I have learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

Reading Bonnie's book was fun. It's written with warmth and humor, so that reading it on a Saturday afternoon felt like hanging out with a girlfriend. But it offers more than simply an enjoyable read. Its balanced perspective and practical tips were exactly what I needed to remember that it's possible to perform a consuming job without being consumed.
I plan to check Bonnie's schedule regularly and hope to catch her in person on of these days. And when I do, the first thing I'll ask her is, "Hey, girlfriend--when's the sequel coming out?"

Be the Ultimate Assistant is a must-read for assistants and employers
alike! Bonnie's years of experience with Olympia have served to create
the ULTIMATE resource for any assistant looking to develop a
successful and long-lasting relationship with an employer. An employer
myself, this invaluable guide provided me with the perfect blueprint
to follow in my search for a personal assistant. Bonnie clearly
demonstrates the do's and dont's of a productive rapport in bite-sized
and entertaining anecdotes, and in-depth personal experiences. This
book finds it greatest success by debunking the myth of the employment
hierarchy by spelling out the reality of every successful working
relationship - teamwork.

What a terrific book! Not only has Bonnie Low-Kramen thoroughly covered every aspect of the celebrity assistant career, but she has added many personal experiences which "tell it like it is." "Be the Ultimate Assistant . . ." gives a clear understanding of this career, what it takes to be successful, and the satisfaction that can be gained from it. This book is jam-packed with very valuable information and advice, not only for celebrity assistants but for all assistants who are serious about their careers. In fact, I would very highly recommend it to anyone who is in the workforce regardless of their position! A big thanks to Bonnie for generously sharing her expertise and experiences in such an enlightening way!

If you are interested in becoming a professional assistant, this is a must read. It defines all the skills you'll need to be successful, gives a historical and future look at the profession, and includes humorous anecdotes that will keep you entertained. The paradox is that it is both an instruction manual and a page turner. The author's realistic approach can inspire those who were meant to be a successful professional assistant. As a former NY personal assistant and current certified Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor supporting PA's, my specific interest in reading the book was to learn more about the technology challenges professional assistants face. Not only did I discover an author who has undeniable expertise, but one with a sense of purpose to help others succeed in this extremely competitive area. While many people in the business hoard information, Bonnie demonstrates a refreshing collaborative approach.

Wow. I teach crafts and art to children in the summer and this book gave me great new ideas on all age and skill levels. I like the formulas in the back of the book for homemade clay, etc. A must have for every crafter and mom.

I just love this book! The projects have wonderful pictures and very clear instructions. They can all be done with items found around the house. And, my grandkids have loved every one that we have done. This book is definitely worth the money.

I love this book. It has so many easy to do crafts that adults and kids will love. And the idea of crafting with your kids is one worthy of promoting. Good job Rosie!

This book is truly one of the best general craft books I've ever seen for kids and families. Adults will be able to make things from this book that will make wonderful home decor items or gifts for friends. But, the kids will enjoy making and completing the array of projects clearly explained from start to finish. They range from the downright silly and funny paper bag turkey to a bird-feeder, finger puppets and exploding soap bombs (waaaaaay cool!)

It's the best feeling in the world for kids and grown-ups to feel the satisfaction of completing something that is great fun for the moment or a sentimental item to be cherished forever.

Either way, the memories are ours. What coul be more valuable than that?

I was very excited to order this book after reading all of the glowing reviews. When I received it I dropped everything to read it (I can vacuum another day!) and was quickly disappointed. There was very little new information in here - anyone who reads Family Fun or has a passing knowledge of Martha Stewart has seen these before.

I did give it three stars because it was well laid out and photographed. Anyone who is new to crafting with their kids will find this a valuable resource. As for myself, it is on it's way back to amazon to find a home with another family.

This book is what I will call from now on: MY ELVIS BIBLE

Definitely the world's best Elvis "reader book".
Well written, easy to read, easily enjoyed whenever.

I am patiently waiting for the other Volumes of this series.
If they are anywhere near as good as this volume, Jim Curtin will the world's best Elvis books on the market! (well he kind of does already).

I am so happy I found his books online.
My first exposure to Curtin was through his Unseen Elvis book (definitely the best photo book on ELvis to date).
I did not know he authored more books, till one of my friends bought me his Christmas With Elvis book, and from there on, I became a Jim Curtin / Renata Ginter fan!

With as much enthusiasm as I had reading this book, I can honestly attest that anyone who buys it, will love it just as much. I can guarantee it (if my word even means anything to anyone).

I am just a fan who enjoys reading quality material on Elvis and who LOVES to see rare photos on him as well.

So if you want my recommendation as to what kind of books to buy or get on Elvis .... stick with Jim Curtin (the true Elvis expert and friend)

I have never written a review before on anything, so please don't mind if I rattle here and there. I will try to my best ability explain what I liked about this book.

#1- This book dispells the Elvis myths that have for some reason been printed all wrong! ... Jim makes true sense of many of these myths and explains in detail the real truth behind certain things: .... [EX: That the Dorsey Brothers who hosted "The Stage Show" did not like nor want ELvis on their show and only allowed him a few appearances when Colonel Parker paid them $5,000 under the table!!]

#2- Has touching stories about the sad times in his life: his mother's death - breakups with his girlfriends - breakup with his wife - etc.

#3- Has funny stories about how Elvis too had his moments of embarrassment, accidents and just plain ole funny situations .... [EX: In the 1970s, Linda Thompson talked Elvis into going to the local Memphis McDonald's and there he was approached by a man who thought Elvis was an impersonator and told him how sad he was to be someone else! Linda simply went along with the man and said to Elvis, "Cut the crap Bob!" ]

#4- Has wonderful behind the scenes stories during Elvis' movie filming ...... [EX: How on the set of Roustabout, Elvis was accidentally kicked in the head by costar and as a result had to have stitches to sew up the wound. The director incorporated a scene in the movie, where in a fight Elvis' character suffers an injury to his head! ]

#5 - Has great stories about the women he dated and what happened during some of the dates! hehe ....... {EX: How Elvis dated Yvonne Craig and he invited her to his CA rented home, while trying to leave, she activated his alarm which in turn called the local police and swat team. She was almost arrested for breaking and entering by them, if Elvis hadn't been woken up to explain why she was there!]

#6- Also has fantastic business stories of some of the deals he and Colonel Parker were offered and turned down. .... [EX: They were offered $1 million to perform one show in England]

#7- Heartwarming family stories about his parents, Priscilla and Lisa Marie ....... [EX: How Lisa Marie, at age five, would play Elvis' records on her own personal record player and memorize the words - and then go to Elvis and "perform" the songs for him - complete with all of Elvis' stage moves!]

These are just 7 reasons why this book is so great. It is so heart touching it should be retitled to: CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE ELVIS SOUL

So fellow readers, if you want a book that you can laugh, smile, cry and be amazed with, this is it! You do not need to be an Elvis fan to read it ... all you need is an open mind, a hot cup of tea of chocolate, a comfortable chair with blanket and this book!

I have never written a review before on anything, so please don't mind if I rattle here and there. I will try to my best ability explain what I liked about this book.

#1- This book dispells the Elvis myths that have for some reason been printed all wrong! ... Jim makes true sense of many of these myths and explains in detail the real truth behind certain things: .... [EX: That the Dorsey Brothers who hosted "The Stage Show" did not like nor want ELvis on their show and only allowed him a few appearances when Colonel Parker paid them $5,000 under the table!!]

#2- Has touching stories about the sad times in his life: his mother's death - breakups with his girlfriends - breakup with his wife - etc.

#3- Has funny stories about how Elvis too had his moments of embarrassment, accidents and just plain ole funny situations .... [EX: In the 1970s, Linda Thompson talked Elvis into going to the local Memphis McDonald's and there he was approached by a man who thought Elvis was an impersonator and told him how sad he was to be someone else! Linda simply went along with the man and said to Elvis, "Cut the crap Bob!" ]

#4- Has wonderful behind the scenes stories during Elvis' movie filming ...... [EX: How on the set of Roustabout, Elvis was accidentally kicked in the head by costar and as a result had to have stitches to sew up the wound. The director incorporated a scene in the movie, where in a fight Elvis' character suffers an injury to his head! ]

#5 - Has great stories about the women he dated and what happened during some of the dates! hehe ....... {EX: How Elvis dated Yvonne Craig and he invited her to his CA rented home, while trying to leave, she activated his alarm which in turn called the local police and swat team. She was almost arrested for breaking and entering by them, if Elvis hadn't been woken up to explain why she was there!]

#6- Also has fantastic business stories of some of the deals he and Colonel Parker were offered and turned down. .... [EX: They were offered $1 million to perform one show in England]

#7- Heartwarming family stories about his parents, Priscilla and Lisa Marie ....... [EX: How Lisa Marie, at age five, would play Elvis' records on her own personal record player and memorize the words - and then go to Elvis and "perform" the songs for him - complete with all of Elvis' stage moves!]

These are just 7 reasons why this book is so great. It is so heart touching it should be retitled to: CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE ELVIS SOUL

So fellow readers, if you want a book that you can laugh, smile, cry and be amazed with, this is it! You do not need to be an Elvis fan to read it ... all you need is an open mind, a hot cup of tea of chocolate, a comfortable chair with blanket and this book!

It make you see Elvis as a more well rounded person. He feels like a friend I never met.

I won't be too long in my review here, so here it is:

This is a very well informative book.
ok there may be some stories that didn't interest me much, but that is quite a small percentage (5% maybe); but I think there are fans out there, who want to know everything.

What I did enjoy (and even learned) were the stories that told the "behind the scenes story" of a particular event (ei: Dorsey Brothers payoff, Parker's business tactics, recording session goings-on, things that showed Elvis wasn't exactly the perfect date)

great reading and I would have to say: a must have reader!

My only problem with this book was some of the photos.
not exactly "unseen" *(because I have seen many before)* but I think they matched Curtin's "chapter themes" (if you want to call them that).

Ok so far Curtin is NOT A MEMBER OF THE FANTASTIC FOUR!
5 more Curtin books to go

Don't look at this with the eye of a photo critic or you may miss the magic. This is an intimate glimpse into the life of Sammy, his family, friends, and acquaintances as only someone "on the inside" can capture.

A wonderful book!

an amazing collection of photos that serve as a historical and entertaining view of the times he lived through.

This book is so fun. It has so many candid great photo's, really intresting history on Sammy Davis Jr. and his relationship's. I really enjoyed this book. Great coffee table book.

I originally picked up this book as a curiosity and found its links to a bygone era utterly fascinating. The subject matter, i.e., rat pack photos were wonderful but the photographic mastery of Davis Jr. is, I think, equally as stunning. A look into Davis Jr.'s remarkable life is given by him in the way, like other great photographers, he insightfully choses to document and communicate with his subjects through the lens. Again, like many great photographers, the images are powerful and soft, crisp and dazzling. More talent revealed from a man who had more in his baby finger than most of us have coursing through our entire bodies.
Bravo. Well done.

Few have personified the phrase "self-made man" as did legendary entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr. (1925-1990). The world remembers Davis for his varied and extraordinary accomplishments as an actor, singer, musician, dancer, and comedian.

But hardly anyone outside his circle of friends and family has been familiar with his photography--until now. With this hefty book, interspersed with reminisces by longtime friend Burt Boyar (who co-wrote Davis's autobiographies Yes I Can and Why Me?), his old fans and a new generation can revel in hundreds of images that reveal yet another significant facet of Davis's far-reaching talents.

Though Photo lacks the singular thematic focus of books published by such photographer-celebrities as Dennis Hopper and Gerry Spence, that's no drawback for this posthumously published volume. Rather, it pulls the reader into the exciting world of nightclubs, casinos, and Beverly Hills homes in which Davis moved, mostly from the late 1940s through early '70s. A voracious shutterbug, he took his photography seriously: his compositions are strikingly iconic, employing sophisticated use of line and form. Yet, his pictures are mostly snapshots--in the best sense of the word: they capture their subjects spontaneously, and his joie de vivre suffuses his work. Think of it as a highly stylized family album packed with candid portraits of "Rat Pack" pals Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, and Shirley MacLaine, as well as other famous friends like Nat "King" Cole, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Sidney Poitier, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Jerry Lewis, and Bill Cosby.

Among the more touching aspects of this book are the portraits of his actual family: his parents, his second wife May Britt and their children, and his third wife (and widow) Altovise Gore Davis. The most poignant are the many shots of actress Kim Novak, the first great love of Davis's life, who was forced by Columbia Pictures studio chief Harry Cohn to break off their relationship (interracial relationships were strictly taboo in 1950s Hollywood, not to mention in society generally).

One photograph, despite its matter-of-fact framing, is particularly chilling. Through the window of a passenger train en route to Miami, Davis snapped a picture of an elderly white gentleman on a station platform holding a cigarette, standing before a pair of double doors over which the foreboding phrase "WHITE WAITING ROOM" is painted. Davis's photographic abilities and inclinations were such that we see a mostly glamorous world through his eye. Thus, when we arrive at this jarring image, it's impossible not to apprehend it from his point-of-view--and also not to feel the sense of injustice that he must have experienced in the Jim Crow South as he clicked the shutter.

As Davis's show business career took off, many venues--even north of the Mason-Dixon Line--were happy to let blacks perform onstage; but the same headliner artists weren't even permitted to drink at the bar, use a dressing room, or occupy one of their hotel rooms. Photographs from Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial, and portraits of politician friends Senator Robert Kennedy and President Richard Nixon, give silent witness to Davis's largely forgotten achievements as an outspoken civil rights advocate.

Photo is a coffee-table book that won't spend much time on the coffee table if your houseguests are anything like mine. Because of a car crash in 1954, Sammy Davis, Jr., was left with only one eye. But what an eye this cat had!

I recently did a make-over party and handed these out as favors. Thought this would get the kids off to a good start on their summer reading program. The kids loved them and the story is very thought provoking. Shows kindness to others.

My kids have all Judy Moody and Stink books. They love them, and I know for the fact that they help kids who struggle with reading in 3rd grade. They are easy to read and have a good story, are funny and appealing to that age group. A must have!

This book was good. My favorite part was when she hits the teacher's elbow. That made me laugh!

judy moody always wants to be in the news paper or on tv. judys cat won the pet contest and she finnaly was in the news paper.she was happy after all of that.when judy got home she looked in the news paper.she said thats a get picture of me and my cat.

i liked this book because stink was funny by selling moon dust.

the thing i dont like this book was judy always wined.

I thought this book was a bomb! You have got to read this book. If you are a Judy Moody fan and you read this book you will like it very much.The main thing that happens is Judy Moody is trying to get famous.

This book focuses primarily on individuals in the entertainment industry but it's a great read for anyone who is looking for a fresh source of motivation. Thompson integrates his personal knowledge of high profile individuals' struggles for success with his concepts of self-motivation.

Larry's book is an inspiring practical guide to get where you want to go in life. He gently highlights what is working for you while guiding you away from what isn't serving your best interests.

I attended one of Larry's first Shine seminars. I hadn't even written my book yet! Now my book Never Trust A Man In Alligator Loafers is out and I'm mentoring other writers.

There is a saying that we stand on the shoulders of those who went before us. Thank you Larry for sharing all your wisdom and knowledge! Not only am I on the right train - I'm in just the right seat heading in the direction I always wanted to go.

As a writer, speaker and consultant I'm always looking for thought provoking ideas on promotion. This is it! Was pleasently surprised since I'd never heard of Thompson and the book looked good so I bought it. It lays out in real life terms with stories of real life people just how to go about getting ahead and noticed. Great read and great advice, Thanks Larry!

I just ordered 3 extra copies because I wish to share this book and not loose my original! This is THE IDEAL cornerstone book for persons of any age who wish to "shine".

Why?
1. It is practical, not theoretical
2. He focuses on true values, not just Hollywood values
3. He has a general plan and you fill in the blanks with your unique dreams
4. He admits weaknesses and failures happen and isn't unrealistically positive
5. Basically, He's real.
6. He covers everything succinctly with constructive steps: Values, purpose, attitude, goals, motivation, image, risk, relationships...
7. He has just the right amount of exercises, and they are practical
8. The advice is backed up by fitting Hollywood stories, making the book an easy and fun read
9. It is inspirational but backed up with substance

He says, in brief, this: You grasp your unique talent for which you can have a "rage" for, have teams to help you, and make yourself lucky by actively creating the possibilities for it to occur.

Just for balance, I don't like his word for passion, "rage", due to the negative connotations but he explains it. There are a few errors like calling high school calculus and physics "calculus and psychics".

Even if you have read self-help success books this one sort of brings everything together in one package. If you are a person who wants to "shine" you will not regret the time and money spent on this book.

Excuse me now while I go do the exercises in the book...

Truly motivational and insiteful. This quality piece is worth giving as a gift and referring to friends.

I found the book in a $1 pr. book pile outside a strand in Manhattan. The theme of the book caught my attention so I bought it. Very good story, very well written and quite a good insight in the business of fabricating publicity. I think that everyone studying communication of some sort will have interest in reading it.

I picked this book up at an airport with a few hours to kill, 2 days later I was ready to throw in my business degree and switch to PR.

Daniel Price writes a captivating piece of fiction about a master of 'perception management', a guy so damn good at what he does, you'll never watch the news or read the papers the same way again.

Scott, the main character is both a master manipulator, and a down right nice, normal guy, when he is recruited to run damage control for a rising hip hop star, he hatches a plan so damn neferious it wouldn't suprise me to see it on CNN. from here the story just gets more and more exciting and twisted.

Price also presents a really strong FAQs section on his website answering a number of small questions and possible inconsistencies that arise during the book, as well as an excellent reading list.

if you interested in PR, media manipulation, hip hop, or even just want a great exciting, and none too heavy read I strongly reccomend you pick this up.

Daniel Price has written a very original, fun book about Public Relations work. The plot has many twists and characters strong enough to carry your interest. This book is a definite change from run-of-the-mill storylines. Readers will also learn quite a bit about how the public is misled by the media about almost every subject conceivable. This one is definitely worth your time!

Though a long time, avid reader, this is my first ever book review. I felt compelled to write it, as in my opinion none of the critiques I've read so far on Slick, while generally quite positive, seemed adequate in overall literary perspective.

In terms personal impact, I could only compare "Slick" with Joseph Heller's "Catch 22." I read this at 18, and it remains in my top ten. Not that the style or stories are similar; just that both authors grabbed me immediately, presenting hilariously perceptive parodies of life's irony. Probably the greatest commonality is the way both bring profound cultural hypocrisies into clear focus through humor. Vonnegut also comes to mind.

Price's chosen theme is the way our thinking is affected by master media manipulators, working mostly at the indirect behest of six or seven International uber-corporations. But instead of presenting a protagonist involved in the fight against such machinations-as Price is in real life-he gives us Scott Springer, one of the more talented and morally ambiguous mercenaries from the dark side. To Scott, his occupation is simply "perception management." "I've conspired with the gun people, schemed with the liquor people, toiled for tobacco, and moiled for Monsanto. I've pushed polluters and promoted porn. I've shilled for Shell and lied for Tide. I've helped a major pharmaceutical company sell a drug that does nothing by promoting a disease that does not exist. And that's just the old stuff on my resume. That was before I went freelance and really got creative."

Yet even with these insights into his profession, Scott felt that "..despite all my nefarious acknowledgements, I was actually a man who meant well." You won't believe how marvelously well this approach works in revealing the mindset of those who help shape ours, until you read "Slick."

Along the way on this great literary ride, you'll meet more memorable characters than can generally be fit into much longer works. He has a true gift for quickly fleshing out his cast. One great example is a black lawyer who looks dignified yet slightly comic. "Malcolm X by way of Urkel," is how Price relates his overall affect. Add to this ability the always engaging plot twists and recursive loops, funny yet insightful dialogue, and a strong message relayed through seeing events through the first-person vision of the villain/protagonist, and you have one of the best first novels in decades. The only two I can remember that came even close were "Big Trouble" by Dave Barry, and more on the mark message wise, "Radiance" by Carter Scholz. "Slick" is as funny as the former and as poignant as latter. I can't wait for Price's next book, or for the movie version of this one! The lead role is so dynamic, complex, and three-dimensional, I'm betting Hollywood's best will fight over it. If you happen to know Brad Pitt or John Malkovich, get them to read this book!

I have mixed emotions about this book. As the author notes at the end, it was not a thin piece of reading and to get to the end you had to stick to it. Perhaps the going was hard after an absolutely hilarious beginning because of the subject nature of the story. In any event, it is a book that will give you pause for thought the next time some "big story" is brewing on CNN, Fox or MSNBC. It will make you wonder about what is real and what is contrived. It will make you more sceptical about what passes for entertainment these days and less likely to accept anything you see at face value. The main character in the book spends most of his time manipulating people and events, yet in the end he becomes a better person, not because of any concious effort on his behalf to do that, but because he he is open and receptive to the events that swirl around him.