Rich Books

Although this book is titled Self-Massage for Athletes, it's ideal for anyone who wants to learn to incorporate self-massage as a component of their fitness program, or even those who simply would just like to use self-massage to foster greater relaxation. In Part 1 of this book, "Why Every Athlete Needs Massage," the authors spend quite a bit of time (over 60 pages) detailing the advantages and benefits of self-massage; they also go into some of the effects of sports massage, how it releases endorphins, and how it benefits the muscles.

Part 2, "Learning Self-Massage," introduces the 7 simple massage strokes: 1) gliding, 2) squeezing, 3) squeezing & rolling, 4) pressing, 5) pressing & rolling, 6) drumming, 7) rock & rolling. As the names suggest, there is much overlap between each technique, but the user has a chance to practice all of the strokes togheter in a sample full body massage: each body part is broken down in turn, and various strokes are recommended for that area. There is also a discussion of when to use self-massage.

The final section of this book is called "Going Deeper--Getting More from Your Massage," and it branches out into different but related techniques such as accupuncture and trigger points. Unfortunately, these complicated topics were at best given only perfuctuary treatment here. Other issues addressed in this final segment included choosing things like massage tools, coaches, and personal trainers.

Although this was a nice introduction to the basics of self-massage, given that I already exercise and practice yoga regularly, I didn't really feel like there was much here that I didn't already know. Like another reviewer mentioned, I walked away with a bit of a "that's it?" feeling, especially given the oversized nature of this book, the large print, and the overabundance of white space. There is some useful information here for those who have truly had not exposure to this kind of information before, and my overall rating would be about 3 1/2 stars.

Self-Massage for Athletes was a surprise. I was hesitant to read this book since I probably would no longer be considered an athlete. The one trait I do share with the more athletic is a propensity towards aches and pains. A nagging neck ache (from too many 12 hour days at the hospital) finally prompted me to open this book. Easy to read, easy to access, and very hands on (no pun intended), Self-Massage for Athletes delves not only into massage techniques for aches and pains, it illustrates techniques to prepare and recover from exercise and sport, and to encourage the natural release of endorphins. Each technique is well illustrated with photos and each section is broken down into steps and explanations. No special equipment is necessary, though there is mention of several tools (inexpensive) that can be used, including a sock, tennis ball massage tool that can be made at home. Many of the exercises can be done almost anywhere. The tone of the book is inclusive, proactive and informative, not overwhelming. I took this into work and it was off my desk in a second, several of my coworkers were trying some of the techniques. The physical therapists that work my area (a step down ICU unit) also took a look at the book, and pointed out some exercises that would be beneficial for the chronic low back pain that accompanies bedside nursing. They were impressed by the readability and straightforward nature of the text.

Self-Massage for Athletes is a great book for athletes, any level. It should be part of any trainers' bookshelf, and should be part of any training regimen. Rich Poley has produced a well laid out book. One of the great strengths of this book is the easy to look up and read format. I was encouraged by the inclusiveness of the book, it can be used by the non athletic as well as the serious athlete. Self-massage for Athletes will be beneficial for anyone looking for proactive approach to the strain of everyday life and the stress we put on our bodies. As I incorporate these techniques, I find myself becoming more mindful of my physical body and wanting to take better care of myself. I'm just sorry I didn't read it earlier!

I've lifted weights for decades and only recently did I experience an injury to my shoulder. I'm a firm believer in self-massage and doing all I can on my own. I know how to deal with injury and only seek professional help when absolutely necessary. I've found they do no more for me than I can do for myself --- much cheaper and conveniently.

I don't mean to imply you shouldn't see a professional. They certainly have their place and there are times when we need them. But we can do a lot for ourselves and self-massage is one of those things.

I know when one of those leg cramps from hell hits me in the middle of the night, I grab the leg and begin the massage. I often stand up and begin to put pressure on the leg. Often the leg will have some residual mild pain for one or two days afterwards. Again, self-massage will help. But usually if I massage it immediately and thoroughly, I won't have the pain for long.

At any rate, I followed the neck and shoulder self-massage in the book and got instant relief from pain. And with each massage, the injury improved. My mobility improved. Of course, I also did some light weight lifting and light exercises for the shoulder too.

You don't have to be an athlete to get full benefit of self-massage. Fact is, the easy-to-follow self-massages in this book will be valuable to anyone, of any age.

Highly recommended.

-Susanna K. Hutcheson

While I am not practicing for a competitive sport, I do have a regular yoga and Pilates practice. What most people don't realize is how physically demanding both practices can be and how much soreness practitioners can experience afterwards. Although stretching (both static and dynamic) can be helpful, it doesn't always do the trick.

I thought this book presented a fair amount of information describing the importance of massage and how it can augment stretching (e.g., when we stretch, we relax the length of the muscle, but we don't address the width). I also thought that he did a good job (briefly) discussing the seven different types of massages. He also gives an example of a self-massage routine.

However, I couldn't help feeling "that's it?" when I read through the book, and that feeling may have been exacerbated by the very large print used in the slightly oversized book. In every section, I felt like I wanted more information about what he was talking; again, this may have been a result of looking at so much white space. There was nothing, perhaps, wrong with the book- I just felt like there should have been more.

This was informative enough to make me want to find out more, but not enough to justify having it on my shelf.

I am an amateur of fitness rather than an athlete, but my husband has a long history as a field and track athlete. Now, in our thirties, we more and more feel the aches and pains connected with intense training. Rich Poley's book "Self-Massage for Athletes" offers a great alternative to, often expensive, professional massage sessions, when it comes to relieving the soreness, relaxation and help with elasticity and, in consequence, improve performance.

The first of the three parts of the book deals with the theory of massage - reviewing its, known for centuries, benefits for the body, the advantages of self-application of the massage, activation of the happiness hormones - endorphins, and introduction to the muscle groups, naming the individual muscles on the photos.

The second part is concerned with the basic techniques of massage. Seven basic stroke types are introduced and the sample massage of particular body parts is shown. I should mention that the photographs in the sample massage (although they are very nice and add to the aesthetic value of the book) could also be more instructive (like the ones showing the strokes, which are very helpful), perhaps in series showing the moves. This is the only flaw I could think about though...

The third and last part shows the wide array of additional applications, which expand the plethora of possibilities initiated by self-massage and round up the practice. I especially appreciate the rules of safety, which are especially important in the home setting.

This book is a useful addition to the library of anyone with an active lifestyle, and repeated use is guaranteed!

I did not want this book to end! It is a fascinating, fair, well-written book about all of the Kennedy women, their men, and the lives they led. I gained new insight, especially, into Kathleen Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, and matriarhc, Rose.

"For the most part Rose grandchildren observed and respected and obeyed her, tiptoeing around her life as if she were an exquisite piece of porcelain. She had led such a decorous life, blocking out the untoward, the ugly, and the unacceptable, that her eyes no longer saw the darker colours of the spectrum. "Pat drank a bottle of wine in the morning," Rose was told. "That's impossible" Rose replied, Pat doesn't drink"

I was glad that I read this book because it has helped me to understand so much more about this so much talked about family. In Mr. Leaner's book we get to know about the Kennedy women's personal thoughts and the correct stories of the daughters and daughters-in-law. Mr.Leamer has given us indept portraits of these women and my favourite is Rose Kennedy the Matriarch of the family. For Rose was a woman so strong and who suffered great disloyalty by her husband which she took all gracefully all for the sake of her family and what she supposed the public expected of them. She was a stern Catholic and gain her strength through her prayer and trust in God.
Also portrayed are Joan Kennedy; Ted wife who had a problem with alcohol. Jackie Kennedy Onnassis; the President's wife who remarried after the President's death to a Greek tycoon. Pat Lawford; married to a Hollywood star and spent most of her time in Los Angeles. Eunice Shriver, who was always working for the handicapped and underprivileged and was one of the Kennedys with great patience and common sense. Ethel Kennedy, Robert Kennedy's widow and Jean Smith.
The Kennedys pushed their tragedies to the inner recesses of their minds.They refused to let others see the negative side of their lives, and carried their problems and burdens inwardly taking pains not to show their broken hearts. To some this might seem pretentious, but they honestly had their reasons. After all they were special in the eyes of America.
Whenever tragedy struck it was not unusual for them to suddenly get physical by taking walks, riding, swimming and any form of exercise. Rosemary the eldest daughter who was mentally retarded was isolated from the public eye and sent to Wisconsin where she was looked after by those of the Sacred Order. This book has helped me to understand so much more about the choices they made and the reason they made them, though tragedy seem to follow them everywhere.

Mr. Leamer has pulled out all the stops in the brilliantly written book, and I would not hesitate to read anything by him in the future. Bravo! Bravo! Heather Marshall 04/04/04

This book arrived in good condition and in a timely manner just like the seller promised! A++

I found this book about the Kennedy family women a very interesting read. The only problem with it is that it is so long. At over 900 pages Mr. Leamer could have written three books and had them in instalments about one pericular Kennedy family women instead of tying to write so much about so many interesting people.

This book relates details of the lives of the many Kennedy women, from Bridget Murphy Kennedy, born in Ireland, through Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy's daughter. Leamer describes the rise of the Kennedy family from the hard luck tales of newly-arrived Irish immigrants through the dynasty years in Hyannisport. While the book presents many of the historical events of the lives of political Kennedys, the viewpoint is always that of the women, and how these events affected their lives. We hear about the Kennedy women's efforts in John's political campaigns, or how the stress of campaigning contributed to Jacqueline's miscarriages. Leamer includes both women born as Kennedys and women who became Kennedys by marriage. Much of the book, however, focuses on two women who married into the Kennedy family, Rose Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The book is also about the family structure of the Kennedy's and portrays some of the sinister aspects of Joseph Kennedy as well as the positive traits.

Many times I've heard the Kennedy family referred to as a "dynasty". However, it has never been clear to me why an American family would be called a dynasty. In this book, Leamer describes why this group of people is more than simply a family. He describes the relations between Joseph Kennedy's children, and how Joseph and Rose's parenting style contributed both to their children's closeness and competitiveness, and how their own aspirations were realized in the accomplishments of their children. He also relates the difficulties that Jacqueline had as an outsider in establishing a position in the family. The book provides a unique viewpoint on the political events of the 1950s and 1960s whose legacy continues to permeate our society.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R21LH09NLC588Y The fastest way to create wealth and success in your life is to use the principles of mastermind groups first introduced by Napoleon Hill best selling author of Think and Grow Rich. When you understand the principles you will accelerate your results to new heights much faster and easier than you ever imagined possible.

Meet and Grow Rich gives you multiple examples of how to run a mastermind group effectively so you can produce the results you want in your life quickly and easily. It also cuts down your learning curve to success.

Profiting in Turbulent Times

Wealth Without a Job: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Freedom and Security Beyond the 9 to 5 Lifestyle

Laid Off? Don't Stress! How to Get from Mad to Glad

In a world of hype advertising where what is claimed so often bears little resemblance to reality, this book (and specifically its book jacket) is a refreshing change. This book delivers exactly what the publisher says. And, delivers very well!

I am a huge believer in the power of mentors, coaches, mastermind groups and the like. In my studies and interviews of peak performers from all walks of life, getting constructive help from others is very often cited as a key to a given peak performer's success.

Now tons of books have been written on coaching, but there has heretofore been a dearth of books on masterminding. Authors Vitale and Hibbler have wonderfully filled this niche. They have written an interesting and valuable how-to book on assembling and maintaining an effective mastermind group. Especially valuable for the self-employed who are void of the valuable networking often provided by the traditional corporate workplace.

Caveat emptor: If you looking for a deep psychological treatise on exactly how masterminding works neurologically, this is NOT the book. But, if you want a nuts and bolts guide to masterminding, this book rocks. Exactly as advertised by the publisher! How refreshing, and useful.

We are the product of the half dozen people with whom we spend the most time. Assemble and maintain the right mastermind group and one can't help but to be more successful. This book will show you how to make that happen.

Meet and Grow Rich contains everything you could possibly want to know about mastermind groups and then some. As a coach and consultant to what I term creative multipreneurs who are starting or growing a small business or businesses, I recognize the value of having a good, strong support team in place as a catalyst to success. Authors Joe Vitale and Bill Hibbler offer all the nuts and bolts on how to start your own mastermind group plus give many real life examples of the different types of groups that fall under this moniker. The second half of the book is filled with all sorts of tips, advice, and how-tos from several contributors who share their first-hand experiences. All the answers are here.

I was so inspired, I immediately contacted four self-employed colleagues and started my own group, as well as created a facilitated mastermind coaching groups program as a service of my coaching practice.

Susan Henderson
www.susanhenderson.com

Lots of helpful information. I formed a mastermind group that was fairly effective, now I am looking to take that to the next level with some of Joe's ideas.

It is a good book on the Masterming group model. It is clearly and simply written. I get more out of books that I enjoy, and this is a pleasure to read, engaging is aterm I'd use to describe it.

This truly was a fantastic book. What I thought would be complicated was made incredibly clear by Mr. Haft. I came away with a greater understanding of investing. I recommend it to everyone - even to those who think they know the market. Mr. Haft knows his stuff.

EXCELLANT BOOK. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO BOTH THE NOVICE AND ADVANCED INVESTOR.HAFT CLEARLY EXPLAINS NOT ONLY TIMELESS INVESTMENT STRATEGIES,BUT SOME ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES THAT ARE "OUT OF THE BOX"THINKING. A SOLID READ, AJOB WELL DONE,YOU WONT BE DISAPOINTED.

As the President of a nationwide finance company I have read countless books on "Investing".........This book is not only a very easy and entertaining read but opened my eyes to some very new and lucrative ideas that I will no doubt take advantage of in my financial planning.

Haft writes in a style that is not only informative but amusing and keeps me totally awake and alert while reading him. His thoughts and concepts and better yet explanations as to why the prudent investor should avoid mutual funds and get better returns by just following a few basic rules, make me wonder why I have been listening to Brokers for years. I have attended one of his seminars, and the book is even better because it spells out in detail, how I should be investing for both safety and good returns, and I plan to follow his advice very closely in the future. He also gets into the Insurance game and IRA protection in methods I was never aware of.
Great Read. Al S. Laguna Beach Ca.

Easy to read and understand. Especially liked the part on purchasing the different types of Life Insurance. Very educational.

I have briefly looked over some biographies about Marilyn Monroe and have got upset, but this book is the most touching I have read. There is not much truth that is told about the great baseball legend Joe Dimagio and his love for Marilyn. However, it is the Hollywood industry that makes up lies and untruths about her in ruining her image. We need to give credit to the author for being a caring and generous man who deeply respects Marilyn's memory. She would be in approval of this book because it can help her rest in peace. People need to know the truth and should really get to know that she is a good lady.

More than 600 books have been written about Marilyn Monroe since her death in 1962. While most of them have focused on the theories surrounding her apparent suicide at age 36, author Gary Vitacco-Robles focuses his new book on the actress' last home. Cursum Perficio: Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood Hacienda/The Story of Her Final Months reframes and redefines Marilyn through the context of her efforts to establish a secure home following a childhood spent in a succession of foster homes. The author theorizes that the actress was trying to correct her past by putting down roots of her own. While several previous authors depict her final months as tumultuous, Vitacco-Robles provides evidence that suggests Marilyn was trying to pull her life together and give it some personal meaning. During the spring and summer of 1962, Marilyn embraced her newfound domesticity by pulling weeds in her garden, writing recipes in her copy of The Joy of Cooking and actually using the pots and pans in her kitchen. The book contains actual photographs of the house, interspersed with realistic renderings of the home by artist Brandon Heidrick. The author divides the photos and illustrations with floor plans for each room and includes pictures of an architectural model that depicts the entire property as it appeared in 1962. After she purchased the 2,300 square foot house, Monroe began extensively researching authentic Mexican design, landscaping and furnishings in an effort to slowly transform it into the home of her dreams. She arranged for an 11-day trip to Mexico where she painstakingly selected fabrics, tapestries, painted tiles, pottery and art. Monroe met the native artists who had made by hand the objects that she would later display in her home. Vitacco-Robles is donating a portion of the royalties from sales of this book to Hollygrove Children and Family Services, formerly the Los Angeles Orphans Home Society, where Marilyn Monroe lived as a child.

There has been some confusion about the second edition of this book and the sales information on this site. According to the publisher, Iuniverse, the hardcover edition offered here is actually a "second edition" released in October 2003, although the release date printed is still listed as 2000. This is because it is a "re-do" under the same title previously released by the publisher. The new second edition cover for the paperback and hardcover depicts Marilyn standing beside the gates of her home and sell respectively for $20.95 and $30.95. The first edition was only published in paperback with a different cover for $11.95. The publisher says that vendors will continue to sell the first edition paperbacks until supplies depleted. The second edition contains new images, new chapters, re-worked chapters and information not included in the first. Having seen this book, the quality of photo reproduction in this new version are far superior than in the first. It also includes professional, "photorealistic-style" illustrations by artist Brandon Heidrick depicting the interior and exterior of Marilyn's home and furnishings. The images serve as a "virtual tour" of Marilyn's last home similar to the author's website.

I've been confused about the second edition of this book and the sales information on this site. Having spoken with the publisher, Iuniverse, I learned that the hardcover edition offered here is actually a "second edition" released in October 2003, although the release date printed is still listed as 2000. This is because it is a "re-do" under the same title previously released by the publisher. The new second edition cover for the paperback and hardcover depicts Marilyn standing beside the gates of her home and sell respectively for $20.95 and $30.95. The first edition was only published in paperback with a different cover for $11.95. I understand that vendors would continue to sell the first edition paperbacks until supplies depleted. I have both the first edition and second. The second edition contains new images, new chapters, re-worked chapters and information not included in the first. The quality of photo and illustration reproduction in this new version are far superior than in the first. All around, it is a better product and a great, new look at a lasting legend!

When I first received my copy of Cursum Perficio: Marilyn's Brentwood Hacienda, I wasn't sure what to expect. Much to my surprise, I was enthralled and fascinated by the details of Marilyn's final months, so eloquently chronicled by Gary Vitacco-Robles. Void of any media hype and speculation about the cause of her death, Vitacco-Robles explores how Marilyn searched and found the perfect place to call home...a respite from the choatic life she led in the media spotlight.
You will journey with her as she went on shopping sprees for furnishings and ornaments in a quest to make the only home she ever owned a reflection of herself.
The book contains a vast collection of actual photographs, as well as impressive photo-recreations of the home's interior as it looked in 1962 and now.
I applaud Vitacco-Robles for a superb testamant to the woman so many longed to know. This book reveals a whole other side of Marilyn that has never been revealed.
A MUST HAVE for any Marilyn enthusiast!

Good quality used book, required for my high school AP Psychology course. Took about 12 days to arrive, which is too long.

A very good book for general psych. It will will help to lay the ground work for all your future psych courses.

Exeptionally good study guide. Has helped raise my son's grade in his AP physcology class.

This is the best textbook I've ever used. It is interesting and engaging. The content is excellent, but the charts, photos, quotes, cartoons, etc. make studying even more enjoyable. If you want to learn the basics of pyschology, but this book!

I finished reading this book about a month ago. I loved it. It covers many aspects of human behavior, albeit much of it rather superficially- but that's to be expected from an introductory Psych text, where a LOT of ground is covered in ~700 pages! Dr. Myers's writing style is very engaging, and the book is a joy to read. Practically every sentence in the book is backed up by at least one scientific study (the References section is downright intimidating... 97 pages!). The book is full of illuminating graphs & illustrations, quotes, captions, even relevant and humorous comic strips. Each section concludes with a "Review and Reflect" section that briefly summarizes the material and tests your understanding (answers are in the back).

I began reading this book in my spare time for my own enjoyment, and to sort of brush up on the introductory material (I'm a Psych major in school). During that time, I transferred schools and was told I would have to retake Intro-Psych because it didn't transfer credit. I sped up my reading so that I finished the book literally 2 nights before the semester started. So far, the class has been a breeze, and looks like it will continue to be. I am more than prepared - I feel like I'm almost as qualified to teach the class as the grad student that they have doing it. Thanks, Dr. Myers, for writing such a great introductory text on Psychology.

This was a really good book, an easy read. It does a great job outlining how to get yourself prioritized if you're ready to jump off the high dive into the world of owning your own business.

Other than that, they leave it up to you to make that final step off the diving board but with lots of support! I especially loved the web site that is a huge reference to the book. Lots of real personal stories of success and tips.

I was introduced to Startup Nation via the Microsoft Small Business site.
Incorporated in the site was an extract, which I downloaded,of the Sloan brothers new book. Once I read the extract I was hooked.

The Sloan brothers refreshingly simple view point in relation to e-commerce made a novice feel that anything could be achieved. Their advice - excellent!! I recommend that anyone starting an online business buy this book. It's worth every dollar or pound.

Super book....very informative. I didn't even get to finish it as I had a friend beg it off of me. He loved it as well. Good investment.

The book was very inspirational and gave a lot of useful information on how to go about starting up a business, expectations, and how to plan and prepare. I liked the entrepreneurial stories woven throughout the book. However, I was expecting to read more about forming a business plan. I know there is not a one size fits all, but I was looking for some actual examples.

Great book - must buy-- ended up reading most of the book the first few days

As a child, my favorite movie was THE WIZARD OF OZ. For Chirstmas ,I received this wonderful book that is all about the famous "pet-actress" named "Toto". (Yes, Toto was actually a little female dog named Terry,not a male , as most people would think).

Anyhow, this book is all about the tiny Cairn Terrier "Toto" (Terry) and how she came about becoming one of the principal characters in the movie.

The photos are just amazing also. My favorite photos are the behind-the-scene photos showing Toto "acting" in the actual movie, just as the trainer was in the background giving Toto her directions. Sooo cute!

If you are a dog fan, or a Cairn Terrier fan, or a Wizard of Oz fan, you'll love this book.

I, Toto is a delightfully well written book by Willard Carroll about the life of Terry, a Cairn Terrier who became famous in movies. The book is based on a scrapbook Willard Carroll found that documented the life and movie career of this well trained dog; and the book is primarily set up to look just like a book typed on an old typewriter--written, of course, by the dog itself.

The book starts with the story of how Terry was born, adopted and eventually given up by her owners because of her troubles with housetraining; and we learn how Carl Spitz professionally trained dogs to perform in movies. Spitz, an excellent trainer who worked with many dogs, wound up training Terry professionally. Spitz used both kindness and discipline to train his dogs, including Terry, very well; his talents are obvious when we consider that Terry (aka Toto) appeared in at least fourteen major motion pictures including The Wizard Of Oz.

Carroll cleverly writes the memoirs of Terry, or Toto, in the first person as if the dog herself had written the book. This provides the reader with an extra slice of humor when Carroll writes about things that happened on the sets of pictures or in Carl Spitz's training camp for dogs. Carroll does an excellent job of getting readers to be charmed out of their trees by Terry who eventually becomes renamed Toto for the sake of her career. A movie star dog has to consider Hollywood politics, after all!

The book is filled with wonderful reproductions of ads for the movies Terry was in; and we see numerous publicity shots from movies including Bright Eyes with Shirley Temple and Terry as Rags the dog. Of course, we get plenty of stills from The Wizard Of Oz and there are very nicely done "hand written" asides to the reader that also appear to be written by Terry. The result is a charming look back at the life of Terry, the dog who became Toto and enjoyed great movie fame--and treats along the way!

Overall, classic movie buffs will enjoy this book; and people who love The Wizard Of Oz will appreciate this book very much since so little was known about Terry before Willard Carroll wrote this book. The book is well written and a real page turner; it grabs your attention and never lets it go.

Great job, Willard Carroll!

A must read for any Oz fan as well as dog lovers of all kinds. I never knew how many movies Toto was in, and the Oz trivia was really fun, too. It was very cleverly written from Toto's point of view. I actually laughed out loud at some parts. Don't pass by picture captions and comments on the sides of the pages. It's all worth reading! Not bad for a dog no one wanted!

Since my all-time favorite dog star is Toto, this book was easy for me to love. However, once I began to read, I found it to be something extra special. I, Toto is a mood lifter as well as an interesting piece of Hollywood history. Beautifully written in the first person, I, Toto will captivate the heart and mind of any dog lover.

I was looking at silver-screen bio's in the library when I came across this clever little volume. Author Willard Carroll knows a lot about Oz, and he also understands a lot about animals and the people who love them. Whether you are a fan of the Wonderful Land of Oz, a dog-lover, or both, you are going to get such a kick out of this book. If you're like me, you're going to breeze through it, and then go back and read it again, preferably with someone nearby to whom you can read the funniest, most touching or trivia-friendly bits. Toto, who began as Terry, a little dog abandoned by her owners, has a very good friend indeed in Mr. Carroll.

This is a story about Toto, but it is also the story of Carl Spitz, who had been training dogs since 1919. When he came to Hollywood in 1927, he opened a training school which combined kindness and discipline, an innovation which most at the time considered "nonsense." Mr. Spitz and his dogs broke into silent movies; he developed a series of silent commands when talkies came along. His dogs appeared with the stars: Prince the Great Dane and Lawrence Olivier in Wuthering Heights; Buck the Saint Bernard and Clarke Gable in The Call of the Wild. The English mastiff and the Scottish terrier were in major productions, too.

Mr. Carroll captures Toto's "voice" so perfectly, even using a font that looks like my mother's old portable Underwood typewriter for the star's narrative. Toto also comments on the dozens of photos, movie stills and other memorabilia of a busy career with red pen.

Toto hobnobs with the stars and has some once-in-a-lifetime moments, such as when Mr. Gable came to visit the kennel owned by Carl Spitz, the trainer who adopted and worked with Toto and many other canine performers. (Don't want to tell you what happened, but it made Mr. Gable smile. Eventually.) She works with Spencer Tracy in Fury and Shirley Temple in Bright Eyes. (Of the latter, Toto reports, "Shirley had her hair cut and recurred and had endless wardrobe fittings and makeup tests. I had a flea bath, a toenail trim, and an enema.")

And then there was Oz. Toto is miffed when a studio official gushed, "She's the one! Looks just like the dog on the cover," for she considers said beast "a genetic mutation of terrifying proportions," but the role is hers and she revels in it, for she soon realizes that the story "IS ALL ABOUT ME!!! ... I'M IN ALMOST EVERY SCENE IN THE BLESSED PICTURE!!!" Toto includes a page from the shooting script with all six of her lines circled, as proof positive of her importance to the film.

Of course, it isn't all green grass and marrow bones. There are those scary wind machines and the shock of seeing that nice Maggie dressed up in black, with her face painted green and the biggest nose since Durante, cackling away. Oh, and the Winkie guard that stepped on her paw by accident. Ouch! And the creepy flying monkeys. But Mr. Spitz' training paid off; Toto found herself able to rebound from such situations and perform like the trooper that she was.

I, Toto is now one of my favourite movie books. Cute but never mawkish, sentimental but never saccharine, informative but never overwhelming, this little story of a little dog is a big winner.

This was one of the first Marilyn books I owned and I have to say it still stands out as one of my very favorites because it is so intimate, and the pictures show a very down to earth Marilyn that you feel like you could reach out and touch. George Barris was actually a long time photographer of Monroe, he had the pleasure of catching some of her most iconic moments on camera such as the famous shirt blowing scene from THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH and many more. These are by far his best of her though and I personally favor pics from Marilyn's later years (60's). I love the stories that Barris tells and I am getting ready to reread this book as it has been a few years, I think it is the type of book one can read over and over anyhow. As I have said all the pics are amazing especially the ones of Marilyn on the beach. These however are not the very last pics taken of Marilyn, just the last photo session. The very last shots of her can be found in the book "Mr. S.: The Last Word on Frank Sinatra" when she was on a yacht with Sinatra and at the Cal-Neva Lodge & Casino shortly before her death. Over all though this book is HIGHLY recommended and is essential for any Marilyn fan!

I was surprised at this book in Marilyn's own words. This interview was only a few weeks before her death. The pictures were amazing and beautiful. She did not seem at all depressed and was looking forward to the future. Makes you wonder if she was murdered. Surely seems that way after I read the book and looked at those pictures. It almost seems to say "see I want to live" and little did she know that her life was in danger! Poor Marilyn. I hope wherever she is, she knows that some people believe that she did not kill herself. And I hope she is at peace.

This book is unique in that it comes from George Barris's last days spent with her. I love the photos because they are candid not posed. This bok also includes the last photo ever taken of her. I'm on my way to own almost every Marilyn book and Im am pleased with this one.

This was indeed a touching tribute. I felt very connected to Marilyn while reading her stories. The photos were just as gorgeous. I could have gone without George Barris' interjections as they usually just repeated what Marilyn said. But it was his book and she was apparently his friend, so I suppose he deserves some spotlight too.

Add this to your Monroe collections! It's a definite keeper.

I have to say that it is just amazing how after 44 years Marilyn Monroe is still considerd one of the most beautiful women to ever live. After seeing the photographs of Marilyn Monroe taken by Mr. Barris in this book I am not suprised that people are still captivated with the beauty of Marilyn Monroe. The pictures of Marilyn in this book are amazing and beautiful. Marilyn shows her true character in the most natural looking pictures I have ever seen of her. Each picture tells a story and shows you the woman Marilyn really was. Marilyn truely was a naturally beautiful woman and it shows in this book. This great book also lets you read and learn about the real person Marilyn Monroe was in her own words. Marilyn tells her life story in this book, taking you through her young years as Norma Jean to her Hollywood life as Marilyn Monroe. When you are reading this book it is very interesting to hear Marilyn talk about her life in her own words. Marilyn takes you along her life journey through the pages in this book. The only sad thing is when you are reading this book you wish Marilyn's life story would continue past the inevitable days of Marilyn's death on August 4-5,1962. I alreadly knew Marilyn was going to die before reading but it really made me sad because after reading this book it makes you feel like you actually knew Marilyn personally. That just goes to show how well written this book is. I have to say Mr. Barris you have done a great job writing this excellant book. Marilyn would truely have been happy with this book. Whether you are a Marilyn Monroe fan or you are just curious about this iconic Hollywood actress this book will definitely be intresting to read. Before I read this book I thought Marilyn Monroe was all Hollywood glitz and glamour. After reading this book however I found that Marilyn was a sweet down to earth woman who just wanted to be loved. I only hope Marilyn made it into heaven, because in her life most of the people that said they loved her and called themselves her friend only used and betrayed Marilyn. I hope that one day Marilyn's death will finally be proven as murder and this case of wrong doing can be closed so Marilyn can finally rest in peace.

Absolutely the most amazing lecture series I have ever heard. I have never heard Hill speak but you can just tell he is absolutely committed to his philosophy by being such a shining example of it! He was paid a pittance when he was interviewing the hundreds of successful people that Andrew Carnegie introduced for Hill. It took him around 20 years to get all that data into a systematic philosophy for personal success! Who else would be more qualified to speak on personal success than Hill?!?

This lecture series contains material that is not in Think and Grow Rich and the Keys to Success books. This should be the bible of success for everyone!

I love this audiobook set. It is helping me understand my business and explode it to the top better than any audiobook I have ever purchased.
Mr. Hill is definitly the best motivator I have ever listened too. His practical approach to Life as well as Business is amazing. Every household need this book and apply the principles taught in this Audiobook.

Mr. Hill has the success system that never fails. This is one of the men that Anthony Robbins copied to build his personal power series. A very good buy.

I have the print version of Think and Grow Rich as well as this set of CD's and they nicely complement one another. While much of what is in the CD can be gleaned from the book, it is good to listen to Mr. Hill's lectures to reinforce the material.

That said, I must say I made the mistake of listening to the CD's in the car while commuting to and from work. The angst of driving in Southern California doesn't allow for proper attention to be paid to the material in the recordings. My suggestion is that you find a quiet, isolated place to listen to the CD's and then really focus on what Mr. Hill is saying. He is full of knowledge and is also an entertaining speaker. You will not get bored listening to him! It will be so much more valuable than zoning out watching mindless, worthless television shows.

Much of what he says is really nothing more than common sense but it is helpful to have it all contained in one setting, plus how many of us know what we ought to do but don't do it? I believe if a person truly applies the principles and techniques advocated by Mr. Hill, there is no doubt they will be successful.

The Amazon price for the 9-CD set is well worth it. Just make sure you set yourself up in the proper listening environment, then act on what he says.

Apparently, Napoleon Hill's recording is in the public domain as this is a low cost mass produced cd with mp3 files. I envision someone burning dozens in their basement and selling them online. I bought it; it works, the content is great.