Rich Books

I just heard that this book received the No. 1 rating from Autograph Magazine, Congratulations!

I like the way this book gives background information on celebrities. I can always use some useful facts about celebrities when I write to them. I use the celebrity birthday list a lot. It is a good way to break the ice in writing to a celebrity. I usually write to all the celebrities that have the same birthday as me. Other times I just write to the celebrity wishing them a happy birthday. I have had good success this way. Some of the celebrities that have replied to me are Mohammed Ali, Bill Gates, Bill Clinton and Ron Howard.

I received my copy of the January issue of Autograph Collector Magazine and read the review on "The Address Directory & Autograph Collector's Guide" (which I own and use a lot). It received rave reviews as "refreshing, rich in data and this book will keep autograph collectors busy for a long time." Since I have used this book I have been getting better than average responses.

I live in a small town in North Dakota and writing to celebrities is the only way I have to contact them. I have used the "The Celebrity Address Directory" and I am getting fantastic results. I had a couple of return to sender and used the satisfaction guarantee form in the back of the book. I got answers to my requests right away. I contacted the publisher by e-mail and the publisher had the new addresses within minutes! I will stay with this book forever, it is the only one I will ever need.

When I received my copy of this book I was surprised. It has many top name celebrities and a lot more! I like the lists he has in this book - celebrity birthdays, celebrity charities, celebrity hobbies, top paid entertainers, Rock' Roll Hall of Famers, Nobel Prize winners, places to get in person autographs and via venues -places to send a request where a celebrity is performing. I haven't seen these features in any other celebrity book. Got to go, I have letters to write.

I have been a Christian for many years and student of the laws of the mind for the last 8 or so. Im all of my readings, this book, by far, has been the most clear, concise, and complete presentation of the Law of the Universe that i have ever read. 100 or pages of pure power packed truth that is easy to read and understand whether you are just starting this path or have been on it for many years. Whether you believe in Jesus or not, whether you believe in the laws of the mind or not, this IS the way the world works. This book is a must read for the entire world. We are all putting these truths into effect every day consciously or unconsciously. If you dont read another book this year, read this one.

I used to think that success was all about having a lot of money, having a big house, and wearing diamond studded underwear. Sure, there is nothing wrong with these things...except maybe the diamond studded underwear, that is just wrong on too many levels...but to me, success is not so much about externals as it is a deep inner feeling of knowing that you are doing something with your life that can make you feel good about who you are as a person.

I've mentioned in several other reviews how there was a time in my life where I felt like an abject failure...that I was a huge dissapointment to all of life. I'd look at my world and see nothing but despair and negativity and hopelessness. I really wanted to end my life at one time. But looking back on those days, I realize that I didn't want to die as much as I wanted all those thoughts I had about my life to die.

But how do we change our thoughts? How do we go from thinking that we are failures to thinking that we're successful? We change our thoughts about ourselves by changing the thoughts we have about ourselves. I'm sorry to be so simplistic. I'm sorry I don't have some "Wa-zoo" device I could sell to you like the Nega-vac 3000 that sucks away all your negative thoughts and feelings, but the bottom line is that if you want to start thinking and feeling good about your life, then you are going to have to start thinking and feeling good.

You see, we do play a role in our own lives. We do have a say as to what we are going to think about. If you woke up feeling kind of lousy this morning, I want you to do something. I want you to go back to bed. That's it. Put the covers back over you and get up again...but this time get up thinking a positive thought about yourself...this time get up feeling as though you have something to offer life because you do; YOU!

This book is a total Godsend. It is to be devoured. It is to be assimilated. When you read it you can just feel little skyrockets of joy going off in your mind. I'm not gonna kid you, it does take work to change your thoughts and it takes even more work to keep them changed but think about this, the moment you begin to change, the WHOLE UNIVERSE will change with you. It has to! There is no set reality! All reality is, is your ideas about it, anyway.

So you could be a totally boring, mouth breathing drone or you could actually become something wonderful...something beautiful...you could be like me! And I am wonderful! I am beautiful! I am rich! I am successful! But then again, so are you. The only difference is, is that you aren't thinking it...you aren't feeling it. You are a success now. You really are. Consider this your invitation to become even more successful!

I wish you well on your journey of Light.

Ernest Holmes' philosophy, applied with a somewhat specialized focus and in capsule form. A magnificent book to pack for trips, taking little space and keeping the spirits up. Unconditionally recommended.

If you have never read Ernest Holmes before, this is a great book to start with. It is simple to read, yet it conveys Ernest Holmes' wisdoms at the core, and directly.

Ernest Holmes will tell you about the concept of Divine Mind, Spiritual Supply, Mental Laws, and why our thoughts create our experience.

The first time I read his concept of "Entering The Absolute", it really opened up a new way of thinking for me. He says that to enter the absolute means, be able to think independently of any existing circumstances or problems. Meaning, if you have any problem or situation which you wish to solve or get out from, the only way to get out from it is to spend your focus mainly on what you really want - which is the solution/answer. If you are poor, you have to think thoughts of wealth,abundance and success, to dwell on the "Infinite Supply" and never on the present circumstances. Many other authors have written about true stories where people have gotten themself out of their situation of lack, by daily thinking and feeling about what they truly desire.

I recently read that the author Anthony Robbins, many years ago when he was broke, he set such big 'impossible' goals for himself such as owning a huge castle to live in, a limosine, being a multi-millionaire and being the successful person he desired to be. And he mentally rehearsed each goal everyday, as if its already achieved, that within JUST ONE YEAR he achieved all of his goals above! The castle, the limo, the wealth and life he dwelled on everyday!

For those who are interested in this topic, you may want to read "As A Man Thinketh" by James Allen. However, I still think 'Creative Mind and Sucess' is the best. If you are interested in Ernest Holmes, I recommend his other books such as "This Thing Called YOU", "Love And Law", "The Essential Ernest Holmes".

Its kind of hard to believe that this book proceeded Ernest Holmes classic text "Science of Mind", but I am glad it did and would recommend this book prior to reading Science of Mind. This is truly the secret unlocked but with a powerful spiritual foundation. Bottom line we are each God, the Universe in expression, and that truth appears in our life according to consciousness (awareness) and I will say it again and again BELIEF. For those looking for a quick fix, put this book down and go out and find something else. While results may happen rather quickly this spiritual path is for those willing to commit themselves to a better life by expanding their consciousness and putting out to LIFE. Once I embraced and realized my relatonship to the One, a great sense of peace, poise, fearlessness and confidence starting expressing through me. I thought I had these before but the foundation was largely ego based. Many of the ideas and concepts I believed as a child have been revealed to me in this book, concepts, ideas, and truths of prosperity, abundance, peace, poise, health and that I can live in this world bu not be of it. I am by far not a religious zealot or fly by night "im spiritual" type. I use these ideas to better my life and they are expressing through me here and now. I am manifesting more prosperity and abundance in all forms like never before. I pull this book out as a part of my daily study when im feeling good and when I need a pick me up. Former Oaklund A's pitcher Barry Zito sings the book praises for helping him become a a star pitcher.

Ive read all of Ernest Holmes book, but this one has to be the best for those on a new path or wanting to study and practice these principles especially when you cant make it to a local churtch or study group. Science of Mind is the ultimate text, but the language is very rich , Creative Mind was written almost 100 years ago but is still very prevalent today. YOU CANT DO WRONG WITH STARTING HERE!

Swanee's book is interesting and is on a nice, high level of intellect. Prior to her book I had read about her dad, and I have known one of her nieces, although she is "half niece" and is older (older than her aunt!). Swanee was interesting to read, and pictures of her has her looking like a pretty woman, which is not true of all of the Hunt folks. I enjoyed reading her comments in regards to Southern Baptist, since I am a Southern Baptist, too. I recommend it if your interest can run along such lanes of thought.

Jack

I am just one-half way through this book but must say, at this point, it is probably one of the "best" books I have ever encountered. The factors contributing to this assessment are readibility, candor, lessons learned that I might use, subject matter and on and on. The author has led an unusual life, not just because she could because of her fortune and fame,but equally because she had the drive and desire to explore, explore and explore so many untested avenues and, in doing so, strengthened her own confidence in pushing even further. At one point she said that she was determined to take on one new challenge every year. She tends to defy the odds--pervailing all along. She climbed in Nepal, ran a marathon while not really in great shape, overcame her fears regarding being in leadership positions, etc., etc. To this point, her life gives me an inspiration that I have not gained from any other reading. I can't recommend it enough. I anticipate reading the section dealing with her diplomatic career. I was at the high end of my mid level employement at the State Department during that period. I am curious to see how we agree, or not, with situations at that time.

"Swanee Hunt has taken a phenomenal journey through life and written all about it in her new book and autobiography called 'Half-Life of a Zealot.' I found this book one of the most revealing autobiographies I have ever read. It takes an incredible amount of courage to strip herself bare the way she did so much of the time in this book, and I value that because I really felt I had an opportunity to get to know her. It was not just some kind of political exercise and that's rare -- particularly in politics." -- Barry Gordon on the progressive talk radio show "Barry Gordon From Left Field" (for which I am the producer)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't rave enough about it! Swanee, through her life's work, is an incredible inspiration.

Half-Life of a Zealot is a remarkable book, and Swanee Hunt is a remarkable person. In her introduction, the author quotes Jill Ker Conway who wrote: "The woman autobiographer...cannot depart too dramatically from popularly accepted stereotypes, which affirm the man of action and the suffering or redemptive female. To do so is to risk losing persuasive power." A statement Ms. Hunt agrees with, but; she writes, "rather than feel reluctant about showing my vulnerability, I've wondered if it's safe to show strength." In those two sentences, Ms. Hunt beautifully sets the book's tone of the dualities of her life, one that was lived in isolation, and the other in public; one where love was given freely by her gentle mother, the other often held at bay by her powerful, famous father. With razor sharp intellect, openness, and candor, Ms. Hunt weaves her many lives as politician, daughter, sister, wife, mother, and peace maker into a wonderfully complex tapestry that pulls readers in deeper with each flip of the page. For even with her family's enormous wealth, Half-Life is a universal tale of a child's longings for family, love, and acceptance; and a triumphant story of a woman who grew into her own power and self-worth. Written in a casual and easy to read narrative, Half-Life is filled with unforgettable characters, fascinating events, and enough twists and turns that both mend and break the hearts to make it an engaging read.

Now he has got his new company surly a movie about mad women chasing the movie producer to save an artist makes a great movie for the failing Hollywood blcobuster? The Weinstein Company should look at this book now and make it into a UK movie.

Thelma and Loise meet The Player?

This book really made me laugh but I have to say I was shocked that Harvey Weinstein did not help them save thier artist, he must be short of money because these women could sell snow to Eskimos. Excellent read and the perfect holiday companion.

This book is hilarious buy it if you love to laugh at the reality of life.

I got hold of a copy of this book from someone important in Hollywood, flying first class, Virgin Airways. He was laughing so much I asked him the title of the book he was reading. Was he laughing at the story or was he laughing at himself. It turned out he was a producer and knew Harvey Weinstein very well. The book is a true account of what happens when normal women get inside the Hollywood system and expose not only themselves but the people who run it. Fantastic story.

This is just amazing, what a tale. I wish I had seen this side of Hollywood. The book is a sales manual and a diary for drunks, drug addicts and those who tell the truth.

This book does a great job of taking you into the lives of people who live their passion for the great outdoors on a daily basis. The photos are outstanding...by renowned adventure photographer Corey Rich.

Buy it for all of your friends and family.

Corey's show about making this book rocked, I just loved the diversity of the athletes profiled, in particular Jeff Lowe, who shared at a book signing that his photo shoot for the book may have been his last ice climb. The book shows so many cool places to explore throughout the US. Jason and Corey pay great homage to each athlete's passion for being outside in nature, often instilling the same values in their children. Outdoor sports are a tremendous highlight of life for so many people and this is explored very well. Definitely made me reflect & feel good about my choices. I wish the book included even more stories. Great project!

Between the storytelling of Jason Paur and the beautiful photography of Corey Rich this book delivers on many levels. It is a staple on my coffee table, and I never tire of flipping through it.

The idea of the this book is so great i am surprised i haven't seen it done yet: find the best adventure athletes and interview and photograph them at their favorite places to play. The photography is awesome and the profiles do a great job of getting into the lives of the athletes. some of my favorite stories are of "the making of the book adventures" that show just how involved in the action the writer and photographer got. The stories of Corey getting airsick paragliding and getting talked into Base jumping by Shane McConkey and his girlfriend Kim are laugh-out-loud funny.

I became aware of this book on an Alaska Airlines flight where a few pages of it were featured in Alaska Air Magazine. I was so intrigued I had to run out and purchase a copy. The adventurous people the book focuses on are all very inspiring and interesting. As a "coffee table book", people will pick this up and not want to put it down. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in outdoor activities.

The Opening Act: The Love Story Of Augie and Margo Rodriguez Augie and Margo dance off the pages of "The Opening Act" through the magic and brilliance of a natural writer. Christine Hamer-Hodges has captured every step of their extraodinary lives with honesty, truth and the beat of lives worth living, worth watching, worth reading about. When I worked as an editor of the Reader's Digest, we had something called "the slush pile" ... a mound of unsolicited manuscripts sent to us by hopeful authors. In all my years at the Digest, I only discovered three writers who rose to the top of that pile ... diamonds sparkling to be published. Here now is a fourth. Christine Hamer-Hodges has taken the written word and wrapped it around an extraordinary event ... the love story of Augie and Margo Rodriguez.

This book was given to me as a gift, but my wife started to read it first and wouldn't give it back to me until she was finished. After reading the book I would have done the same. This book is FANTASTIC! I'm not a dancer and I'm not a frequent reader of books. I never even heard of Augie and Margo. Now I know who they are. Everyone should know who they are. I started reading the book one Sunday morning and couldn't put it down until I was done reading it the same Sunday. The detail in the book is fascinating. There is information in this book that I'm sure hasn't been written before. I hope a Broadway play is made of Augie and Margo's life, with Christine Hamer-Hodges assisting the production team. Hopefully this is "The Opening Act" for Christine Hamer-Hodges.

Hamer-Hodges has done a great job transporting the reader to another place and time. You feel the beat of the music and you are anxious to turn the page. The life of Augie and Margo is not only captivating but engaging to the point you want to see them dance! A must read. I am looking forward to the next book by Ms.Hamer-Hodges.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and devoured it over a few days. I felt what it was like to be there in the 50s, 60s and beyond at the Latin dancing nights at the hot NYC clubs. It was before my time, and I knew it was "a scene," but that's about it. Now I "get it."

This makes a nice companion to Hijuelos' "The Mambo Kings..." But instead of the band's perspective, here you get the dancers' persepctive.

As I read the book, I pictured two movies that could stem from this book. First, the story of Augie and Margo. That's a story anyone -- especially anyone with the dancing bug -- will enjoy. And second, the bittersweet side of Sammy Davis Jr's life, as seen through the eyes of his close friends.

Hamer-Hodges can certainly keep you entertained while you learn about dancers and associated celebrities. This book covered an era of dancing and entertainment that I hardly knew existed, and left me with a thirst and desire for more, more, more. My wife started reading this book first, and I looked forward to reading it myself. She was too slow in completing it though, so I started reading the book whenever she put it down. It was hard for me to let her have it back, and I was so involved with the story that I finished it well before her. The one thing that was missing was being able to see Augie and Margo perform in those early years. [...]. Get the book, read it, and then watch them dance.

I appreciated Rich Kelseys well concieved, easy to read writing style.His particular appreciation for Gods word, old and new testaments and how they intricately combine to culminate in the writing of "Revelation". Kelsey is not one to leave out Gods Word as He insightfully includes scripture throughout the entire book and relies on the guidance of the Holy Spirit for his well crafted conclusions.The last chapter of the book covering the "millerite" predictions were particularly interesting.

Whether one is familiar with revelations or looking into it for the first time Mr. Kelsey paves the way for everyone with clarity, simplicity and straight forwardness. This book is a must read for anyone searching for answers, clues and/or spiritual knowledge regarding what may pass in the days ahead. I applaud him for all his hard work and how well researched Ride the Ark Through Armageddon is. Thank you!
Michael George

This is by far the best book I have read on end-time prophecy. What I loved about Ride the Ark Through Armageddon is that I got totally lost in the story. I found myself forgetting that I was reading a book and my heart and mind merged right into the time age that the book speaks of.

Along with the explanation of Revelation this book includes interesting side topics that help bring a fuller understanding of end-time events together. For example, there is a chapter about Israel's feast days, one on Roman history, and also a chapter about failed prophecies on the return of Jesus Christ from a movement that turned into the Jehovah's Witnesses. I know this might sound odd, but those off topics made the book special, and in my opinion extremely well balanced, because they acted as building blocks on which the book's main storyline rests.

Also, there is an online treatise from the author that's linked from that chapter in the book about the failed predictions of Christ's return. The online treatise is called, "Two Claims of Jehovah's Witnesses Examined." I really liked the story of the online piece and I think everyone should read it whether they read the book or not. Just do an Internet search on Two Claims of Jehovah's Witnesses Examined. It's easy to find.

I found the same type of logical reasoning in the online treatise as in the book, which leads me to say that this author's writing style is very clear and to the point. This author has a gift. Kelsey makes learning about history and prophecy fun. I am asking all of my friends to read the treatise, because it's free. I'm also recommending the book, "To everyone who loves the truth," which is how its dedication reads.

I have listened to Rich read portions of his book and I loved it. Not all religious liturature can evoke such curiosity. I also read an article and was amazed at how fascinating it was. I had no particular knowlege or beliefs about the subject. I found my syself curious to understand and compare my own beliefs. His writing is not negative about competing beliefs it is just informative. Pretty exciting and funny stuff. My father, an ordained minister said it was well written. We started talking and looking up references. Cool writing. Read this book!

Ride the Ark Through Armageddon has a lot to say! If a person reads it and parallels it with the Scriptures they will learn much. The background of creation and the falling of Satan; how he envied humanity and set out to destroy it; what he did to the world with deception and why we live in such a fallen world today, are questions we all want and need to know. This book sheds light to those questions.

To sum things up, this book was a blessing to me and shed light to a number of questions that the Bible arises. It all made sense and came together very well. It was easy to read and understand due to the breaking down of the Hebrew language and definitions. It flowed well with titled sections and small chapters. I never needed a dictionary:)
I LOVE THIS BOOK!

I stumbled upon SuperWisdom a few months ago and what a great find that was. From the moment I started reading it I started to feel more peaceful and relaxed. This is a delightful book with warmth and heart as well as workable principles.

Here is a quote from the book that I found helpful especially during this election season:

"Never condemn another person. Never despise them or think bad of them in
any way. If you do, you are simply placing youself where they are. Never
hate society. Simply understand. It is your complaints against other
people and circumstances that keep in place the conditions you complain
about."

Treat yourself to this wonderful book.

Excellent book! Well done.

This book shows the Eternal living beauty of Truth.

I met Tommy in 1980 when he came to Boulder City to hear inner life author and teacher Vernon Howard. I haven't seen Tommy for about 14 years and haven't talked to him for about 12. I purchased his book mostly out of curiosity and was amazed at its depth and penetrating quality. This is definitely not just a carbon copy of Vernon's work. The book, and Tommy's work to write it, brings to reality Matthew Chapter 13, Verse 22, which states, "He that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."

Tons of great and refreshing material in this book!

A beautiful synthesis of inspiring teaching stories, everyday-workable spiritual instruction and timeless truths, SuperWisdom is a valuable tool for anyone who sincerely wants to find the True Self.
We are lead through the "Four Gardens of Growth," each containing powerful, life-changing principles presented in a clear, easy to absorb way. I especially liked the "Heart Hints" at the end of each section.
For those interested in energy studies, this is a great book. Learn how to increase energy, how not to waste it, how to invest it for more learning- it's all here.
SuperWisdom gets right to the heart of true self-change. While Vernon Howard's influence is felt throughout the book (and much credit is given), Truth has found a bright new voice in Tom Russell.

This is a good book. It is admittably largely based on the writings of the late Vernon Howard. I would advise anyone to go directly to Vernon Howards many books (especially THE POWER OF YOUR SUPERMIND). A of his books are availible at a good price on Amazon.

Dave

If you're a fan of Vernon Howard's superb books and teachings then be ready to meet the man who is carrying on the torch. Tom Russell, one of Mr. Howard's students and associates, has written a terrific book based on many of the teachings learned from his mentor. (I've followed Tom's SuperWisdom ezine for years so as soon as I learned the book was coming out I knew it was something I would read and from which I would greatly benefit.)

This book is awesome. I got more than my money's worth in the introduction alone! And, yet, the information continued to get even more powerful as the book progressed.

Definitely one of those books that - once you read it one time - you'll want to keep it in a very visible place in your library. That way you can read it again, or at least just pick it up from time-to-time and turn to any of the pages. I guarantee that, regardless of the page you choose, you'll find the exact gem you needed to experience at that very moment.

Wink and Grow Rich

Read it 3 times now -- and my wife Masami has gained so much from it she is looking at translating it!

You will gain understanding upon understanding from this simple little book about a boy called Richard who takes a differnt path one day on the journey to the well of wealth and ends up learning that life is indeed rich and doesnt have to be hard and that his name has a different meaning to what he thought!

I keep readind this in snippets -- picking up and asking questions and gaining more insights ---

Its a winner and will be a winner for you --- a tip though -- wealth is hidden between the words in the book ...

Be awesome

David Anttony

david @ DavidAnttony.com

Roger's book is a wonderful journey of this young man trying to understand what wealth is. Powerful yet simple to understand and leave you intrigued and puzzled enough to read it again and get the dog ears on it :-).

Tim Hansen

Wink and Grow Rich is the only book that I have read more than twice. I have read it 5 times so far and each time it reveals to me more about myself. It has helped me think about what work I was doing and what I now will only do. To me it is about making choices in your world. Choices that we all have the ability to make though often are too scared to make. I recommend you do not lend this book to anyone, you will refer to it yourself too often!!!

Well done Roger. I understand that Roger wrote this book over a 3 - 4 day period, which is an amazing feat. Roger has managed to compact a cross of life and wealth coaching into such a small and easy to read book, with numerous levels and subtle texts.

I have read this book a number of times, one time of which I wrote a load of notes. Every time I read it I'd swear that there were sentences there which were not there the previous time, hence I got something new out of it every time.

A very Zen, smart and simple approach - particularly once the penny drops on what comes after number 29... I highly recommend this book.

Having read this book 7 times I now find I use the key 29 points all the time.I use them as a guide to my next wealth creation decisions.This book is so simple to read and yet the value is enormous.Even my children understand it.Wonderful little phrases like "think it, ink it, do it, review it"..or "to know and not to do is not yet to know".I highly recommend this well priced little book.

Lady Annabel Goldsmith truly captures the essence of her existence when she titles her memoir AN UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE. She is a daughter of the Londonderry family. This family ranks so high in the British nobility that, even during her marriages to two non-titled men, she retained her own title of "Lady."

Of course, high-ranking British nobles who trace their families back for centuries live different lives than ordinary folks do and, certainly, Lady Annabel is no exception.

She has endured a life with more than her share of personal tragedies: The horrible death of her mother when Lady A still was a schoolgirl, a child who was mauled by a wild animal, a child who died mysteriously.

Through it all, she sounds as if she is an exceedingly nice person, sane and centered.

Still, reading between the lines, there is no question but that by conventional standards, she definitely has led an unconventional life.

There are events and people whom she, quite reasonably, takes for granted--events and people that mere mortals cannot even imagine seeing first-hand.

The Coronation of the Queen was, of course, attended by most of her family. Yet since Lady A was so young then herself, she was included instead "only" for the rehearsal. Matter-of-factly, she mentions in passing wearing the Londonderry diamonds, almost as famous as the Crown Jewels, to some gala. And, decades later, the Queen's daughter-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales, regularly came to Lady Annabel's home for Sunday lunch. And so on....

Lady Annabel openly co-habitated with one man and bore him two children while married to another. She writes herself, in an aside, that she and her first husband already were enmeshed in separate lives when the second arrangement began and that, when they finally divorced, it was amicable. In the book, her sole acknowledgment that this behavior might be considered, by some, to be immoral, is to write briefly about the reaction of one of her servants to her choice.

Though Lady Annabel is open about herself, the single flaw of this memoir, but a huge flaw at that, is her failure to elaborate on the energy and excitement of London in the 1960s, which was her heyday. After all, the famous club "Annabel's," which defined the era of swinging London, was named in her honor by its creator, who was her husband at the time.

Lady Annabel Goldsmith has been blessed with a gilded existence, starting with her birth into one of the more important families in the world, continuing through marriages to two successful men, including a second husband who became hugely successful financially.

Due to the social prominence thrust upon her by her first husband's renowned club as well as by her own elevated birth, she has known and socialized with virtually everyone who has mattered in the English-speaking world for decade after decade.

Through her good times and bad, she seems to have remained a nice person. Yet in THE GREAT GATSBY, Scott Fitzgerald wrote that "the rich are different than you and me." So, too, the British nobility.

Annabel: An Unconventional Life

A unique life shared without shame or too much regret. An exceptional example of living life fully with care and understanding and with deep unconditional love. A true women warrior of it's times and indeed timeless.

I absolutely adored this book. I have read it twice. Although I have little in common with Annabel Goldsmith, I feel that I learned a lot from the way she has lived her life. A few thoughts, in no particular order: Despite having a title and hundreds of millions of dollars in the bank, she comes across as a truly down-to-earth, self-deprecating, and genuine person. She identifies with all types of people, and seems to be totally at peace with her position in life (not ridden with guilt) and yet you get the feeling that she has never tried to nickel and dime her staff or deny someone a tip, because she has enough class to have an understanding for working people. Also - her perspective on fidelity and relationships is fascinating. She is a woman who has always put her family and children first, yet she is far from a boring housewife. In fact, I would love to settle down with Annabel for a cozy chat some day.

Reading this, I admired Annabel's easy, natural way of writing her life story. She sounds like a great person to know, too - warm and friendly, with a great heart. By no means has Annabel had a charmed life -- although she has been extremely fortunate regarding her financial situation, her various homes, and in the general good health of her children.

I was a little disturbed by her dependence on men, and the importance she (I think subconsciously) has given to the men in her life, throughout her life, particularly in her involvement and eventual marriage to Jimmy Goldsmith later on. (Putting up with his constant infidelity; the importance she gave to his whims and his desires; his insistence they have children before they married, etc.) The one time, it seems, she stood up to Jimmy and put her foot down was when he tried to insist that she move their family to America, because HE was tired of being brickbatted by the media in England. (Also, apparently, because his newest mistress lived in New York!)

It doesn't appear, at least to me as a reader, that JG was worth the anxiety and heartache that he undoubtedly put Annabel through -- but, I didn't know the man, and, well, Annabel's of a different generation (of women who were trained to give men the upper hand). Also, love is undoubtedly blind and dumb sometimes. There were times, reading about some of Jimmy's demands, when I wanted to tell her, "oh, just tell him to go -- himself! you'll make out fine!"

I was touched when Annabel wrote about the death of her oldest son, Rupert. A real feeling of loss came through and the letter of his that she includes gives you a sense of his charm and intelligence. (He's also the one child of Annabel's who really looked a great deal like her, at least, from the photo she includes.)

I admit, I'm shamelessly addicted to behind-the-scenes stories of upper-crust British society, and Annabel's life story is almost that of a heroine in one of those big, splashy novels that used to be written a few years ago: the kind that take a reader through more than a few decades of love, sex, divorce, some bad decisions, and painful loss.

I loved this book and believe it is not to be missed. She comes across as being a very warm being, and while most people who write their autobiographies portray themselves as being good and kind people, I prefer to give Lady Annabel the benefit of the doubt. I feel the fact that she and her first husband spontaneously decamped to Austria to help Hungarian refugees in 1956 to speak for her selflessness alone. The jaded and cynical might say this was an act of fleeting youthful idealism (Lady Annabel and first husband Mark Birley were only twenty at the time, this was fifty years ago, and her autiobiography refers to no other grand acts of altruism since), but again I prefer to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, what does it matter when and why someone does something good as long as they do it? Lady Annabel does refer to holiday homes in Spain and vacation villa's in Italy as if this something everyone can afford to do, but I think that's the point of the book, and is what makes it so interesting.