Foley Books

Both of my sons and my husband enjoyed this book. A lot of fun to read.

Mick Foley's "Have a Nice Day" is his first and his best. It is a whimsical journey in the life of one of the greatest hardcore wrestlers ever. Foley has always had the gift of gab, and it translates very well to the written page. Hysterical, insightful, and heartwarming.

If you are interested in the behind the scenes of wrestling, here's a great place to start. Mick speaks on his rise from childhood fan to wrestling superstar. He even talks breifly about the Boiler Room Brawl and his Cleveland promos! (I wish he would have went more in-depth on these topics, though.)

See a different side of wrestling with this autobiographical book. You'll laugh your way through this brilliant work of art and ask yourself how Foley survived.

Amazing that in a few weeks, Mick Foley poured his life and soul into 760 pages of notebook paper that would make it, lightly cut and without any major edits, onto book, and earn it's New York Times #1 Bestseller's List. If only it weren't for that Oprah! (readers of the book will understand)

Starting from childhood, he makes it quick, but sweet as he tells humorous stories about his friends, and the origin of the name "Cactus Jack", and his time in college, including the inspiration for Dude Love and the start of his wrestling career.

Foley's writing is so personal and engrossing that he easily captures our attention with riveting stories ranging from lying to his parents and almost getting caught skipping a bus to college in order to catch a wrestling show (the famous Madison Square Garden match between Jimmy Snuka and Don Muraco), to gaining the respect and friendship of ex-wrestler and trainer Dominic DeNucci and being taken under his wing, knowing Foley couldn't afford classes, by reducing his fee, and then not charging altogether.

Foley's tales of his independent circuit runs are definitely a grungy, and in some cases heartwrenchingly painful experiences, which his natural humor and goodnatured attitude help liven up and spare us the angst he must have felt, but without completely sugarcoating it.

All along the way, Foley maintains a very brilliantly hidden line between kayfabe and shoot, though focusing more on the shoot aspect (for nonwrestling fans, kayfabe means the "fake" world of wrestling, including storylines and gimmicks, shoot is reality) and readily admits his talent isn't in technical or even very good wrestling, but rather in taking bumps and making the other guy and himself look good.

From hellish stories of being stalked by crazed female fans thinking his real name is "Cactus Jack Manson" to wrestling in Nigeria and almost getting robbed by the corrupt government police, to losing out on a 3,000$ paycheck in Africa after the president of the country he wrestled in (who organized the event) was assassinated and the regime overthrown within weeks of his departure, Foley's wit and charm keep the story of his life so lively, you'd think it has to be fiction.

Moving on to his time in WCW, he recounts the horrors of the backstage mechanics, from Ric Flair's awful booking and the backstage team's failure to recognize great potential talent, and hiring college TV production students to man their editing, to Foley's disillusionment as the feud between he and Vader was played down, a massive bump taken by Foley which the commentators could have brilliantly sold was sardonically mocked with a derogatory statement like "that's got to be excedrin headache #9!!", and Cactus Jack being attempted to be turned into a childishly ridiculous heel that would have ruined Foley's career.

Then came Foley's run on the independent circuit, and shows for ECW, including full transcripts of some of his best, and in my opinion some of the best ever, promos, trying to be anti-hardcore and promoting WCW and trying to get Tommy Dreamer to go to WCW and be the pretty boy wrestler again.

From the independent circuit, to stardom in the WWF, Foley is never sparse on details about stories while on the road, his many friends along the way from Mr. Haiti in Africa, to Steve Austin and Steve (William) Regal, The Undertaker, Sting, Owen Hart, Vader, and of course Terry Funk. Virtually every stop from his career, including the Japanese tours, the King of the Deathmatch, etc, and the evolution from "Mason the Mutilator" to "Mankind the Mutilator" to "Mankind" and the use of all three of his gimmicks in the WWF to eventual WWF Championship gold.

Throughout it all, Foley never loses his charm or wit, or the incessant Al Snow bashing, with plenty of pictures scattered around the text and plenty of personal stories (like the time he shared a house with a junkie, a guy who was having sex with his girlfriend's 16 year old daughter, and the 16 year old trying to flirt with Mick) and stories with friends (like "Vader" Leon White's spendthrifting with hotels, or Owen Hart's penchanse for practical jokes) that his story never gets old or repetitive and when the story finally ends, you feel like you've known Mick his entire life.

This is THE shining example of a great book about a pro wrestler's life, and I hope his other two books are just as great.

I absolutely loved this book. It grabbed you from the start and never lets you go. I truly wished that I could have read the whole book in one sitting I hated putting it down. The story flows just perfectly and you really get very involved with the characters. I want my boys to read this book...

This novel was excellent! Better than most New York Time's Bestsellers. I can't wait for her next book!

This is one of the best books I have read!!!! It held my attention all the way through. I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen next that I kept jumping ahead then I would come back to where I was. I have 3 boys and I want all 3 of them to be just like Cain Farrell.What an amazing character. The story was absolutely amazing.It was sad, happy, and madning. I was so wrapped up in the story I was getting mad at the author. I was sad that the book had to end.

What a story! Foley's characters were developed so well, I felt as if I had known them all my life. As the book's main character (Cain Farrell) goes through the harrowing events of being unjustly accused of a crime he did not commit, I was right there with him. I got so emotionally wrapped up in Cain's life, I wanted to strangle him, and then a page later I wanted to embrace him. Start early, you'll be up all night reading this one!

This book is a must read!! The author does an absolutely fantastic job of conveying the emotions that all the characters are feeling. You feel as if you are right there with Cain, the main character, through all of his misfortunes as well as his triumphs. I laughed and cried and literally could not put the book down.

Foley's book, The Global Entrepreneur, is an excellent resource for anyone interested in international trade, and the multi-faceted considerations one must give to the endeavor. It is particularly helpful to those interested in export sales, and marketing, with an insightful view to a variety of approaches a business person can take to the marketplace. The book addresses Self-assesment and Market Research, Business Preparation and Developing Global Partners, Logistics and Finance, and Sustaining Success. Foley successfully demystifies global business, and walks the business person with an interest in global markets from the idea stage through to long-term customer relationship management. This is a great read.

Mr. Foley takes it right from the start - from solid information on whether to even consider making international sales, all the way through to direct foreign investment. Along the way he provides detailed examples, reference materials, and a number of excellent resources that take the mystery out of international sales.

Perhaps most importantly, this is not a regurgitation of MBA material on the subject - Mr. Foley has directly relevant experience, having spearheaded international expansions earlier in his career and now advising companies on how to achieve their global potential.

This is an excellent reference that our company continues to use as we expand to new markets globally and work to increase our share in markets we're already addressing.

Exciting, inspiring, motivating, encouraging, helpful, informative, clear, comprehensible, easy to read. Excellent book!!! Knowledge, experience, and passion towards discussed topics just shines through every page. Written in a easy to understand language, the book is a perfect aid to not only beginning exporters/importers, but also experienced ones. Lexicon doesn't belittle reader's mental abilities by chewing on every elementary detail; at the same time it doesn't bombard anybody by heavy concepts and trade jargon. Author uses great approach to delivering information - logical, clear and ordered.

As a newcomer to the "world of global business," I was searching for one resource that would quickly build my understanding of the various aspects of the international arena. I was thrilled to discover The Global Entrepreneur, by James Foley. This book covers everything from basic definitions to the broad issues of "how," "why," and "when" to go global, while also providing solid information on specific topics such as logistics, marketing, relationship building, strategic planning, and using the internet.
And it accomplishes all this in an informal, easy to read and understand style. Mr. Foley writes in a conversational manner, taking information that could be quite dry and boring, and making it interesting and exciting. As an added benefit, the book also includes numerous other resources to enhance your research and exploration of the global arena.
The Global Entrepreneur offers a wealth of information and is a practical resource/reference book for anyone involved in, or becoming involved with, global business.

This is an excellent source for everything from foreign market evaluation to the documentation for your first sale. Well written and enjoyable to read. While startng out in the game of global enterprise, I have a lot of questions. The questions are being answered, plus all the ones I didn't know I needed to ask. The book excites me to pursue the markets. Before hand I thought it would frighten or discourage me, reading about all the work and risk involved. It was encouraging to hear that international business is where to see the world and its cultures, not just a way to increase profits. I plan to use this book as the guide when our company goes global.

The book, good for old and young lovers, captures a very thorough understanding of sex for all people: well, injured, fragile, or just emotionally frustrated or hurt. The stories and details are helpful as they guide you through fixing some common misconceptions or denial about your own personal idea of sexual satisfaction. It is a very good book all women should have, but it would be just as good for a man seeking to understand and help his wife or lover to find their own sexuality. If I had kids, I would want my daughters to know this information--the information I never was given nor knew before. A very helpful book for me, I hope it would be picked up by others not afraid to tackle their own sexuality.

This book is written with a tenderness that is lacking in other books on the subject. Sensitive issues such as sexual dysfunction, abuse, trauma, and body image need to be addressed with compassion- and this book prevails. Comprehensive in its scope but not overwhelming. It's modern, it's fun, it's THE book to buy for understanding your sexual self.

This book was recommended to me in my Women's Health course at my undergraduate university. I picked it up and couldn't put it down! It has made my sex life much more healthy and enjoyable! My roomates and I have loved sitting around and talking about our sex lives and reading exerpts to each other. I am giving it to them for the holidays. I think it makes an excellent gift.

My therapist works with one of the authors and suggested this book to help me in my recovery from childhood sexual abuse and becoming more knowlegeable about my own sexuality. I found this VERY informative and helpful. The exercises and suggestions that were given were really helpful and I have bought another copy to give to my sister! Thanks for this book! It is a definite recommendation for any woman (or man who wants to understand his woman) who is looking for an updated guide on sexuality and health.

Its hard to imagine a book about female (and male) sexuality reading like a novel, but this one does! Its A - Z about our sexual selves, sexual programming, changing old patterns, knowing what patterns need to be addressed, how to address those patterns with partners, sexual trauma, diseases, etc.

As soon as I started reading the Forward, I couldn't put the book down. While I was completely absorbed in this book, I discovered my partner was reading over my shoulder the whole time. We expecially found the section on body changes with aging and ways to maintain a strong sexual relationship into middle age and beyond valuable.

This is my birthday gift for all of my friends this year. A must for every woman (and man) to read and reference again and again.

We bought this book as a gift for my son's preschool teacher. We covered the book, put his handprint on it with a poem, and wrote, "Thank you for the greatest gift- the gift of love and learning!" She cried.

My 2 1/2 year old son and I read this book last night for the first time. He thought it was a great story. He enjoyed pointing out the animals and talking about their expressions, " Mommy, he looks sad" then at the end "Oh Mommy, Bear is HAPPY!!!" yay! I am glad I bought this book for him. Its a sweet and simple story that teaches a lesson in life, "its all in how you look at it" and it really is the thought that counts.

This is a delightful story which touched the hearts of even my high school Latin students!
maximas gratias tibi ursae :)

I can't speak highly enough of this book. I discovered it in a bookshop, read it and bought it on the spot. I can't believe I hadn't heard anything about it. If you only buy one book for your toddler buy this one. Beautiful message. Beautifully illustrated. Greg Foley is a talent I'm sure we will be hearing a lot from in the future.

This delightful little book brings issues we all face in life to light. It's short, simple to read but has so much depth. It's great for using with adult learners as well as the very young.

Balanced Brand by John Foley with Julie Kendrick is a refreshing and enlightening book that helps people focus on alignment of values. It is not every day that business leaders read about the success of their companies from the true alignment of their Head, Heart and Hands. As the book explains the success of companies like Tiffany is due to their focus on employee training on Tiffany's true values-world-class quality( Their Head), uncompromising service( Their Heart) and social responsibility( Their Hands). They have been able to align their values since 1837 by focused training and transfer of their Core Values, which happens to Align with the many stakeholders.

I enjoyed reading and learning from the Balanced Brand and I would recommend this book to all , who are looking to Crystallize their thinking about Brands. This book will help them develop a plan for achieving that goal, develop a sincere desire for the things that are real for them and all of their stakeholders and also to develop supreme confidence in their organization and it's abilities to execute the plan consistently over many decades.

Jay Seshadri
Om Shanthi Om ( means Peace in Sanskrit)
SESHADRI LLC

John Foley's approach to combining brand identity with corporate values and culture is a worthwhile strategy to assimilate into one's company. Everyone is aware that a brand will get a customer 'in the door' but Foley's strategy for identifying key stakeholders and keeping them engaged, is a strategy every company should learn how to employ and practice. I would highly reconmend this book to all who are interested in advancing both the mission and bottom line of their companies. This book would have particular appeal to young people entering the work force as a tool for staying engaged with their comapany's customers.

Finally, an approach that takes branding to the next level! I found Foley's thinking on creating and protecting brands by aligning corporate and stakeholder values to be refreshing and enlightening. Today's news is filled with examples of corporate failure due to scandals, breech of trust, and greed. This only underscores the need to project appropriate values.

Additionally, I believe Foley's perspective on the interdependence of a strong reputation and a strong brand is extremely insightful-bordering on revolutionary. He explores how the effects of competition, abrupt changes in customer preference, skyrocketing promotional costs, and even a company's own actions can erode the brand or reputation.

Foley includes helpful strategies and tools to assess stakeholder alignment and put his systems into practice. I highly recommend this book to anyone charged with managing brands and building corporate growth. In my opinion, this is a very important body of work.

Bridget Clark
Corporate Branding and Marketing

Even as we're feeling we've got all our bases covered, finally, Mr. Foley opens our eyes to a critical consideration too many executives--in both the private and public sectors--have failed to appreciate. He not only does an effective job of presenting and substantiating the problem, he then tells us how to deal with it. I really wish this book had been available a decade or more ago! It should be on every manager's "must read" list.

Balanced Brand guided me to higher ground.

For nearly two years, my head has been awash in the technology and behavorial shifts accelerating due to internet connectivity globally and what that entails. There is a river of change flowing and it's reaching flood stage. Blogs, podcasts, vlogs, online social networking sites, news aggregation tools (allowing people to scan and consume hundreds of blog posts and news headlines in a single sitting), and instant online conversations about brand-affecting events are facilitating shifts of consciousness and awareness that profoundly effects a brand.

As a consequence of all of these enabling technologies and shifts, there is a new participatory culture emerging which is allowing stakeholders in record numbers to participate vs. just being passive recipients of some miscellaneous communications campaign or messaging thrust...and this emerging culture is out of anyone's control.

Balanced Brand made me stop and reconsider the complexities of all these changes occurring and instead climb to the top of the hill, sit down and look down on the river. I thought about the deeper meanings and strategies required to guarantee the river down below will be navigable...regardless of what technologies or cultures reveal themselves. This book is not about technology or participatory paradigm shifts, however. It's about balance, the essence of a brand, and how to create and utilize balanced brand strategies.

Within its pages is a framework that allows any organization to understand and assess their values, those of their customers, shareholders, employees and communities within which they're involved, and be able to then understand where and how to align them. Though it doesn't say this as overtly as I am, what I thought was obvious was that -- once this work was completed -- strategic direction would be crystal clear.

Once balanced branding strategies are in place, every stakeholder knows what to do. They know what the brand stands for and what it means. Employees know how to perform and use the river-of-change-shifts to facilitate brand enhancement instead of being victims and drowning in it. What hit me squarely due to my involvement in technology, is that a participatory culture can be created that sparks innovation and creativity, grows top-line revenue and customer satisfaction, all of which is of vital importance to management and shareholders.

That was the higher ground I was guided to by Balanced Brand. It helped me focus and see that first-and-foremost it is the essence of the brand and the brand in practice that really matters. Everything else then falls into place.

If I were going to be stranded on a desert island I'd definately want this book with me. If you get a chance, it's a must read, triumph of the human spirit type book, but completely real and honest.

That's one of the logical questions that Mr Wurmbrand posed to his audiences in jail. This man is one of the most intelligent men I have read. An intellectual. A hero of the Christian faith. A man of integrity. Blessed with a long and beautiful life as a reward for all his pains spreading the Good News in Romania during the long Communist dictatorship. years in prisons, being tortured physically and mentally. And never giving up his faith, which was the prize the commies were looking for. It was amazing to see how many, almost all, the commies who had a chance of talking intimately with Mr Wurmbrand would eventually open up their hearts and crack. That tells a lot for the influence of evil spirits on people, people whose soul is naturally Christian -as Wurmbrand says.

A man well-learned, who can talk of science, Shakespeare, Dostoyevsky, ancient history, or almost anything without hesitation, who can give a quick and wise response to any questioner who's trying to ridicule the faith. The book is full of lessons on how to live as sheep "in the midst of wolves... therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." (Mat. 10:16) This was Mr Wurmbrand.

Reading him is learning to be wiser. There is priceless advice on how to face situations that can compromise your faith in Christ. It is not an idealistic, theological treatise, it's simple and handy advice on how to respond to the test of atheists.

Here's one pearl of his philosophy: "A real disciple does not seek gifts but Christ himself, and so is ready for self sacrifice to the end. They were not followers of Jesus, but customers."

Since the persecutions of Christians in ancient Rome, there has been no such hellish scenario up to the communist era in the 20th century. The book is not pessimistic though. It is a wonderful story of victory of faith against all odds. When faith in the Christian God of Israel was put to the test real bad, and boy did it come out alive!

This is an awesome book which gives the account of Richard Wurmbrand, a Jewish, Lutheran pastor, who endured suffering and torture in a Communist prison while being a Christ-like example to the many people around him. This book will inspire you (as it did to me) to walk closer to the Compassionate and All-loving God who used Wurmbrand to lead many prisoners to Christ and the grace that flows freely from the Cross to ALL who will accept it.

This book touched me and changed my whole view of the term 'martyr'. I have since become a great fan of Wurmbrand, his books never fail to stun one into a deep, reverential silence.

No matter your (ir)religious beliefs, you will be astounded by this account of life, endurance, perseverance, faith, and love in the worst possible conditions and suffering. An astounding witness to the strength and love the living Christ imparts, and an indictment of the horror and hollowness of atheism. Not for the faint of heart or closed of mind, and brimming over with insight and depth of thought; especially fascinating are his theological and philosophical conversations with a myriad of colorful characters, from (formerly) powerful politocos and military figures, to "lowly" farmers and thieves.

Reviewed by Stephanie Rollins and Parish Rollins (age 3) and J.T. Rollins (age 9) for Reader Views (2/07)

Tyrone, a turtle, has to wear glasses. His glasses are big and bright red. He also wants to play "hide and seek" with his friends; however, he is unable to hide his head in his shell. He discovers that he can do so if he takes off his glasses. This makes him feel much better; now he can play with the other animals.

What did Parish think of "Tyrone: a Turtle Tale?"
She is fascinated with the illustration of a large snake.

What was her favorite part?
"She points to the frog and says `ribbit'!" Now she wants me to say "rabbit."

Does she want to read it again one day?
She picks up another book to read. "You." She points to me, showing me that she gives me permission to look at the book.

Is there a funny part to "Tyrone: a Turtle Tale?"
She points to the snake again.

Do you like the pictures?
"Yes."

How is Parish like the turtle?
I explain that the turtle wears glasses. Because of his glasses he had difficulty playing "hide and seek." This made him sad. Then, he figured out the problem. Now he can play; he is happy. "You wear glasses. I do, too." She comes back with her Dora sunglasses on.

Maybe the turtle feels how you feel when your brothers do not want you to play with them.
"They're mean." She stomps her foot. I had to explain to her what it means to hurt someone's feelings.

J.T., the 9-year-old, grasped the ideas of the book. He thought it was easy-to-read. He did not think his friends would want to read it. He explains, "They are into dirt bikes and ninjas."

I believe that "Tyrone: a Turtle Tale" is written for first and second graders. It did not keep Parish's attention well. J.T. thought the storyline was too babyish for him. The illustrations are wonderful. The story is written in different colors and styles throughout the book. This adds to the attraction of the book. The font is large.

The storyline is relatable to all children. "Tyrone: a Turtle Tale" is a fun book for those in early elementary school. I recommend it!

"Its hard to single out just one magnificient thing about this book, because there are so many! I LOVE it! The story is charming. The language is infecting, and Tyrone and his swampy friends are precious - - WOW ! The artwork fits the story like a custom-designed glove ! Very nice !

"Tyrone, a Turtle Tale" was one of 5 books to be awarded Honorable Mention in the "Children and Young Adults" category of Writers' Digest Magazine's 10th annual award. The outstanding graphics, story line, and overall quality of the book were mentioned as factors in placing "Tyrone" in 2nd place overall, out of more than 200 books submitted.

I read Tyrone a Turtle Tale to my grandson's second grade class. They truly loved this story and listened with great participation. The children wanted me to read the story again, but, Ms Lewis, their teacher promised them I would be allowed to return another day to read the story again to them.
This story is a great tool for children, not to give up, to realize they do have friends, and there is always a solution to any problem that may come along.
This book will forever stay in our childrens library.
I am going to purchase a book also for the school's library so that All the children can read this book.
Respectfully,
Joanne Willis

Tyrone a Turtle Tale is a delightful story about overcoming adversity with a little help from friends.
This is a beautifully illustrated book. One that is great to own or makes a wonderful gift. I really enjoyed the story and was especially pleased to find the proceeds going to the breast cancer research. Good story...great idea.

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!

I bought this book since I'm just starting to plant different types of iris. The book provides a good overview and is an easy reference to understand. If I were a more experienced iris gardener I would probably be disappointed in the content covered.
Overall, would recommend for the gardener with little or no experience in planting iris.

This book is so easy to read, most iris books I have come across goes way to deep into botany that they are a bore to read, not to mention confusing. The pictures are beautiful. This book is definately for anyone wanting to grow irises.

My mother has found this book to be a very informative and helpful reference. When she started losing some of her plants to rot, the book explained what it was and how to treat it.

With fabulous photography by Roger Foley et al, this is an indispensable reference on irises for newcomers to these flags or old-times iris lovers. All the essential care needed for a spectacular display of these moving flowers. The Gardener's Iris Book is a wonderful way to learn how to tend your new crop of these amazing & historic plants. This is a book I've often re-read, the information I keep gleaning comes just at the right time. END

"The Gardener's Iris Book" describes itself as an introductory book for American gardeners. In my own experience, books about irises tend to fall into two categories: beautiful and fun to read, but not particularly useful or well-organized; and books that I can take out into the garden and actually use. This volume manages to straddle both categories, which is good because I like to look at beautiful pictures of irises, but I've also discovered that they are not particularly easy to grow. I've lost two complete plantings of Bearded Irises to borers, and even managed to kill off a bed of hardy Siberian irises.

Why bother with a touchy plant that has such a short growing season? That's easy: because they're one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden when they do bloom.

The author has a gift for clear, succinct phrasing, very well-suited for a 'how to' manual on growing irises. He also loves his subject--in the chapter on Louisiana Irises, he refers to himself as 'Johnny Iris Seed' because of his habit of planting his extra rhizomes in the mud at the margins of farm ponds, park pools, or even roadside ditches. "Most will establish themselves and give pleasure to passersby in years to come."

After forty years of growing irises, he has learned that a good garden springs from a healthy, living soil. He suggests using pesticides and commercial fertilizers only as a last resort. For instance, in the section on Iris borers, he starts with the least toxic methods for ridding your garden of these pests: carefully clean up your garden debris in late fall and early spring to limit the number of borers that will hatch. Monitor the young foliage fans for notches, then pinch the fan below the notches to squash any burrower (a mano a mano approach not recommended for the squeamish).

Irises can also be treated with beneficial nematodes. I tried this method one year with some success, although the neighbors probably wondered why I was running around with what looked like a horse hypodermic and sticking it into iris stems. According to this author, the nematodes can be sprayed on plants or used as a soil drench, so I can throw away my hypo.

"The Gardener's Iris Book" is fun to read straight through to the appendices on Iris specialist nurseries (listed by state), and iris books and computer resources. However the book is divided into sections that treat irises with similar growing characteristics, e.g. those requiring substantial moisture or those that thrive in dry conditions. These useful subdivisions allow the reader-in-a-hurry to concentrate on the irises that thrive in an environment most closely resembling his or her own garden.