Sales Books

Having been a long time marketer for over 30 years and a self-described "student" of the business, it's easy to feel as though I've seen it all. Ms. McMurtry's book changed that for me. For once, it's apparent that someone in the marketing field "gets it". The strong emphasis on emotional marketing, a key component to why people buy; the emphasis on lifetime value of the customer; the real life examples of the wide range of topics she covers, should be required reading for anyone in a marketing function. It tells us point blank that if you are not in business to create emotional ties and experiential relationships in the marketing you do, you're not likely to grow your business--and that's why we are in business, isn't it? Thank you Ms. McMurtry for covering so much valuable ground in an easily readable volume.

While most books tell you what needs to be done, this one gives specific detail on *HOW* to do it. Within 10 minutes of cracking open this book I found several tools that will help my company determine the value of various customer segments - something we've managed on gut feel rather than actual customer data. The author also provides multiple checklists to help with taking a company's key management through processes to identify where marketing programs need improvement. Like many companies, we're undergoing a significant change in our business strategy due to geopolitical change and her tools will undoubtedly help us manage the change more wisely.

While most books tell you what needs to be done, this one gives specific detail on *HOW* to do it. Within 10 minutes of cracking open this book I found several tools that will help my company determine the value of various customer segments - something we've never on gut feel rather than actual customer data. The author also provides multiple checklists to help with taking a company's key management through processes to identify where marketing programs need improvement. Like many companies, we're undergoing a significant change in our business strategy due to geopolitical change and her tools will undoubtedly help us manage the change more wisely.

This book offers both the beginning and experienced marketing professional with a good overview of basic and advanced marketing concepts. Good examples and case studies. McMurtry's passion for lifetime marketing is contagious and should excite and inspire business owners. Highly recommended.

Running a private music studio can be challenging, especially when it comes to the business end of things. Even though I have no employees, I found Ms. McMurtry's book immensely helpful. I especially appreciated the tips on identifying and connecting with my best customer. Learning how to write a marketing plan to support what I wanted from my business enabled me to keep my focus. The book helped me attract the type of students that best fit my needs while running my studio as an efficient, profit generating entity. I highly recommend it to sole practitioners, like myself.

If you are in Sales this is very good learning why you are doing it...

The salesman is "out there in the blue, riding on a smile and a shoeshine," explained Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's classic drama Death of a Salesman. From its earliest days, America has been a nation of exuberant sales reps, optimists like Loman, who explains, "A salesman is got to dream, boy. It comes with the territory." In the novel, A Bad Man, author Stanley Elkin deconstructs the word salesman: "sales is man." This resonates in the U.S., where the ability to sell represents the acme of commercial achievement. America's tradition of evangelical salesmanship has indelibly colored the country's soul and helped create its rosy self-perception. getAbstract suggests that if you really want to understand America's commercial nature, you should read this enlightening book about the history of sales in the U.S. (For much of its length, the book covers the history of salesmen; women did not really enter the field until the second half of the 20th century.) Backed with comprehensive research, Walter A. Friedman paints a well-crafted portrait of a remarkable field carved out by these iconic, irascible, irrepressible individuals, one deal at a time.

A must-read for anyone interested in the veiled history behind what is the modern salesman and marketing force of today. Witty and intelligent writing with straight-shooting facts about the brave, enigmatic, sometimes scandalous but consistently innovative world of sales and marketing. A well researched book serving as a treasure trove of interesting facts that accumulatively sketch out the industrious nature of our human soul and the engine of the business culture powering our society. Highly recommended.

I have been involved in every aspect of the selling profession for the last 20 years, coporate sales, consulting, new business development, sales relationship management and sales training. I worked for three years for one of the greatest sales trainer in the market, and as I was finishing this book, I kept telling myself how little the general public knows about the PROFESSION of selling. For all sales person, who on the daily basis, tries to make a living, this book will be a great supporting tool. You will be able to finally be really proud of the historical aspects of the selling profession, knowing that our profession is one of the hardest to pick up as a career.
Walter Friedman captures the real picture behind the daily struggles that sales people go through on a daily basis.
Great read and very entertaining.

This is a terrific book, entertaining, informative, and well written. Highly recommended!

Those who are about to read this book need to keep in mind that in it, Robert Bly shares his thoughts about what blogs cannot do (nor be expected to do) as well as what they can do. Over the years, he has earned and deserves his reputation as a master of reasoning, reading, and writing skills...whatever the given genre may be. Among his previously published books, my own favorites are The Copywriter's Handbook, his Guide to Freelance Writing Success, and most recently, The White Paper Marketing Handbook. In his latest book, Blog Schmog, he focuses on "the strategy of using blogs as a business-building and marketing tool, explaining how your time is best bent on strategy, not fooling around with programming or design." Bly then goes on to explain, in the Introduction, that his book "is written from the point of view of a blogging skeptic and doubter, not one who has bought into the whole blogging fad without holding it up to close scrutiny... And my conclusions about blogging, unlike those of [blogging consultants, enthusiasts, and evangelists], are not always favorable; my positions on blogging are highly controversial within the blogosphere." He urges those who read this book to share their comments ideas, techniques, and/or success stories with him at rwbly@bly.com or to visit www.bly.com.

Who will derive the greatest benefit from this book? Probably, those in need of expert advice on how to start their own blog, and, those who have done so and are dissatisfied with the results thus far.

Time Out: There are significant differences between personal blogs and institutional blogs. Therefore, those who are about to launch either a personal blog or an institutional blog should first answer the six questions posed on Pages 55 & 56 in Chapter 2, "How to Start Your Own Blog." (Bly cites Elisa Camahort's Worker Bees as their source. Her Web site is workerbeesblog.blogspot.com.) Moreover, I think that those who have already launched a blog and are not satisfied with results thus far should also answer these six questions. For those with a special interest in institutional blogs, Bly provides an insightful analysis of do's and don'ts in Chapter 7. Then in Appendix E, he identifies "Business Blogs Every Blogging Newbie Should Know" and provides links to them.

To me, some of the most valuable information and counsel are found in Chapter 3, "Blogetiquette: The Rules of Blogging." He shares his responses to a number of frequently asked questions. For example:

Is "selling" a person, a company, or a product acceptable in the blogosphere?

How to treat copyrighted material in a blog?

Why are corporations afraid of blogging?

What is the "bloatosphere" and what's wrong with it? (Note: Bly cites Steven Streight, president and CEO of Streight Site Systems, as his source for much of the response provided.)

What is "ghost-blogging' and why does it occur?"

What about other types of blogs such as "simulated," "drivel," "sleazy link," "fictional persona," and "link farm?" What does Bly think of each?

Throughout his narrative, Bly inserts a series of "Rules"(also listed in Appendix B) and provides a context for each. (I highlighted each of them to expedite periodic review of them later and suggest that other readers do the same.) He concludes this chapter with Rule 8A: "To be effective marketing vehicles, blogs should be relatively free of marketing. They should contain useful content and the truth, not hype or sales talk. To violate this rule not only costs you sales and credibility, but it also incurs the disdain and wrath of the blogosphere." He makes essentially the same assertion about white papers in an earlier book, The White Paper Marketing Handbook.

In the final chapter, He shares a number of opinions whether or not blogging has a future and many of these opinions are certain to generate controversy. (Bly urges those who disagree with any of them to contact him at rwbly@bly.com. He plans to share feedback with readers of the next edition of this book.) I strongly recommend, however, that the first nine chapters be read with great care, first. I cannot think of a better way to conclude this review than to share the conclusion to Bly's book:

"So blog if you want to. If you don't like blogs, don't bother. And if you think the advice in this book is great, and you want to let me know, or if you think I don't know beans about blogging and that my advice is useless, you can certainly say so - on my blog.

"Best of luck to you in the blogosphere - and outside it!"

I just finished reading Bly's book and as a direct response writer, I found his observations on the "blog scene" to be dead on.

When blogging first starting coming up on my radar, I looked into it briefly and didn't understand the fuss people were making over it. It seemed very much like what people used to do on BBSs (I used to be a sysop of a BBS back in the late twentieth century). Anyone could access a BBS and anyone could comment on the author's writings for all the world to see. So, what do I see on blogs? Much the same thing. People read what you write, choose to comment, link to you or you link to them. Same thing, different year.

I also echo Bly's observations that many blogs are unreadable and do little to further marketing goals. Many I've read have interesting things to say, but they're written in long, unbroken blocks of text, which cause me to stop reading part way through out of boredom.

But, the main reason I don't like blogs is because of the toffee-nosed way it's being promoted. That, and I just hate the word "blog." It sounds like something a cat coughed up--which, now that I think about it, might just be an apt description for much of what passes for content out there in blogland.

Many blog evangelists talk about blogging like it's something new and revolutionary. Psh. It's old technology with a facelift! I've heard that "blogging is all about having conversations!" Someone in Bly's book said this very thing. This same guy spoke of blogging in a weird Jack Kerouac-ish way that made me want to reach for an air sickness bag. I envisioned him wearing a tie-dyed shirt, a grateful dead headband, and little John Lennon glasses--typing furiously with two fingers in some off-campus "Café Nervosa."

A great read, Bly's book. I'd recommend it to anyone contemplating blogging so that they can avoid the hype and not be taken in by dewy-eyed blog-angelists.

I enjoyed reading this book. It confirmed what I already knew about blogs and blogging. I highly recommend anyone interested in exploiting blogs for financial gain get a copy of this book and read it.

The overall message of the book is that blogs help increase a marketing-focused Web site get favorably ranked with search engines. Therefore, indirectly they help in marketing. But blogs are not a marketing tool in and of themselves unless one treats article writing as a marketing tool.

Building Web sites has always been pretty easy. And blogs are Web sites. What has always been somewhat hard is designing a Web site and filling it with content so visitors to the Web site will be inclined to buy a certain product or service. Since blogs by definition are not seriously researched or planned, their ability to convince visitors to buy is limited. And, as a result, their marketing value is not that great. However, Web sites do not exist in a vacume. They rely to some extent on getting traffic from search engines on the Web. And blog entries help in a few ways with getting a Web site some traffic. First, they provide content in a Web site that search engines index. At least this is the case when the blog entries are stored on Web pages within the blogger's main Web site for marketing purposes. Second, blogs are possible "hit pages" surfers will click through to when trying to find information. Such pages will then direct the surfers to "marketing pages" in the blogger's main Web site set up for marketing purposes. And third, if the blogs are freestanding, then they can provide external links directing Web surfers to the blogger's main Web site which has marketing umf. Search engines rank a Web site more favorably when other Web sites direct traffic its way.

The book also points out that the best blogs from a business' standpoint are "topical blogs." And the businesses that usually benefit are service oriented (as compared to retail oriented). For example, a consultant who counsels small business owners might have a blog that only includes entries about small business. A life coach might have a blog that only includes entries regarding life coaching issues. Or a bankruptcy attorney might have a blog that only includes entries regarding Chapter 7 personal bankruptcies. The blogs will probably help boost surfer traffic to their main Web sites, but they will also help build credibility for their respective services. Assuming the blogs have accurate and timely content, then the bloggers arguably will be viewed as "experts" even though they haven't gone through the hassle of getting a book published or passed some professional exam.

But there are many blogs out there that are not topical, are not accurate and timely, and don't really say anything worth reading. Those are the blogs that the author says are not worth producing. And I agree. 5 stars!

Finally a business book that is unpretentious. Blog Schmog is not one of those books that takes one good idea and then tries to stretch it beyond its boundaries just to get a specified page count.

Bob Bly is a direct mail copywriter and by his own admission does not buy into the blogosphere hype. But he decided to delve into the world of blogging and find out what it was all about (probably so he could write a book). The fact that Bly is not a blogging expert is exactly what makes this book valuable to someone thinking of starting a blog.

This book gives you an unbiased view of starting a blog from scratch and leaves out the sales pitch you would get from a blogging guru trying to sell you the latest patented system for starting a blog.

BS is short on technical advice but does give you resources and plenty of website addresses to get you started. What you will get out of this book is why you should start a blog (if you should) and what is the most effective way to write a blog. If you are already a seasoned blogger, this book is probably not for you.

If you are thinking of starting a blog, or just trying to get more comfortable writing one, I recommend this book. You won't be an expert after you read it, but you will have a better perspective of blogging.

Robert Bly's BLOG SCHMOG is a balanced, openly honest, "no pie-in-the-sky" assessment of the craze which has swept across the internet, namely blogging. In short, the book's subtitle "The truth about what blogs can and can't do for your business" tells the buyer exactly what to expect if they buy and read this book. In fact, that is exactly why I purchased this book because I am on the cusp of setting up my own blog. I was not disappointed.

In conceptualizing and framing his book BLOG SCHMOG, Robert Bly has targeted a wide audience: new bloggers, blog enthusiasts thinking about designing and launching their own blog, and internet surfers who have been blogging for awhile.

BLOG SCHMOG is a three-tier crash course in how to realistically analyze blogging application and effectiveness, how to measure the effect of blogging on current marketing and media trends, and how to create your own effective blog that will lure in readers and participants. The back matter or appendices of BLOG SCHMOG contain invaluable information: detailed notes from each chapter, blogosphere rules & etiquette, a comprehensive list of blogging books & guides, blogging consultants with their emails and phone numbers, blog software, blog search engines, a litany of successful business blogs covering an array of topics, and a glossary of blogging terms so the newbie does not remain a newbie.
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A word to the wise should be the mantra for this book. In other words, underscoring all of the above is a golden thread that runs through his book, namely, do not miscalculate or overestimate the effect that your blog will have on your business. Do not live in the fantasy world of blog. Be very clear about what your blog can do for you, in terms of a return on your investment ROI, whether it is financial, advertising, or just broadening your reputation via the web. Your ROI is always a balance between weekly time invested in your blog versus what do you get in return for giving up that time. What Robert Bly makes clear in BLOG SCHMOG is that blogging is a new phenomenon whose long-term effects are yet to be measured in the commercial marketplace. He does cite instances where bloggers have influenced politics; they have fanned the flames of a sweeping news story; and, through the mainstream media, blog designers and analysts have attempted to alter the path of the meandering river of public perception.

All-in-all, though some critics view Robert Bly's perspective and tone more akin to a parent who negatively discourages his child by undercutting his child's goals, I found Robert Bly's BLOG SCHMOG to be an informed primer that encourages the newbie blogger by giving him all the tools he will need to succeed, but Bly does so with words of caution. BLOG SCHMOG reads with experience and careful consideration. In short, it informs. As a writer and businessman, Robert Bly blends his knowledge of writing, marketing, advertising and persuasion into a most pleasing and rewarding work. BLOG SCHMOG is worth every penny.

John M. Weiskopf
Author, The Ascendancy
[...]

This book is a must have for any sea-faring enthusiast. The photography is extradinary and enhanced by the superb layout and design. This has solved my 2002 holiday gift dilemma!

This is an incredible book that has some very stunning photography It is hard to believe that one woman could travel to so many exotic places and still capture the feeling and personality of each local.

This is a very unique book that is more than the title sugests it has a way of carrying you into the sea.
The writings that accompany each photo are both eloquint and pleasureably to read. I love the variety of photos not the same angle with a different boat page after page.

This is a very unique book that is more than the title sugests it has a way of carrying you into the sea.
The writings that accompany each photo are both eloquint and pleasureably to read. I love the variety of photos not the same angle with a different boat page after page.

You don't have to love boats to love this book. The international subjects, the dramatic angles, the unexpected elements--all add up to great photos. On top of that the quotes that accompany many of the photos wonderfully enhance the pages. Just a beautiful selection of nautical "sound bites." A wonderful gift book.

Martin Lindstrom is the new, young, energetic marketing guru that the world has been waiting for. Fabulous information. Infectious energy. Saw him recently on Bloomberg Television -- he looks like a kid himself but has thoughtfulness and brillliance way beyond his years. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

This book is inspired. And it's not just for 'ad-folk', but anyone who appreciates how much influence kids has on the future of branding. The message in BRANDchild is super-powerful. Just see how beautifully the examples in this book elucidate the idea, taking it beyond ideology to reality backed by tons of data and research. If you want a how-to manual on the future of kid's communication, you've found it. If you're anywhere near business, you'd better wake up and listen to Lindstrom's advice in BRANDchild.

This is an excellent book about marketing to children. Based on extensive research into the attitudes, perceptions, emotions and preferences of children around the world, it tells you in no uncertain terms how to target one of the biggest and most influential consumer populations on earth. Children between the ages of 8 and 14, dubbed "tweens" ("tweenagers") by the authors, are a curious group. They are also a lonely, insecure group with an engaging mix of naiveté and sophistication. Devilishly hard to capture, they are a rich economic prize, controlling an enormous amount of money of their own, and strongly influencing their families' purchases, even of major appliances. This book shows you what matters to these kids and what false notes to avoid if you want to tap into their buying power. We acknowledge that some readers may be uncomfortable with such tactics as setting up a web site that pretends to belong to a friendly child in order to attract kids and start buzz about some brand, but the book's reporting is accurate, practical and forward looking, for good or ill.

This book is the secret weapon for anyone who markets to kids or wants to. Lindstrom manages to make the subject entertaining and engaging while teaching you a pile of indispensible techniques to capture a kid's heart.

Not only does the book teach you how to market products better, it gets you thinking different. Suddenly, you're developing products and strategies with kids in mind, and you understand why certain products are big hits with kids.

Another funny thing about this book...it helps you to understand kids better. For readers with their own kids, this could be the greates value of all.

Martin Lindstrom does a great job letting the reader know that the root of success when communicating with kids is understanding kids, their lives, dreams and hopes. He not only analyzes data from 7 countries, but includes his own experiences with working with kids and with kids related brands. He is able to get his point across without being boring, looking at the subject form different angles.
I also checked out the MartinLindstrom.com site. I think it is a great site, with tons of brand info related to kids and general brand trends. Well done!

First, let me say that Sara Holtz is a friend and law school classmate of mine. But that is absolutely NOT why I'm writing this review. I am not one to give false praise - EVEN for a friend. (Just ask anyone who knows me.)

That disclosure made - this book is just fabulous. ANY lawyer in private practice - young or old, female or male - would benefit from following Sara's marketing strategies.

The book is a distillation of the stuff Sara gets paid beaucoup bucks to share with women lawyers around the country. Yes, it is a slim volume - but its conciseness is a major PLUS for "too busy to market" lawyers. The book is an absolute STEAL at $30.

"Bringin' in the Rain" is clear, concise and presents a WIDE VARIETY of ways to market. It is well-organized, practical and realistic.

One of the book's best features is that it provides the reader with many helpful "scripts" to follow in various marketing situations. Sara puts words in your mouth - words that are true, sincere and easy to say. But words that will advance your marketing so much more than the unhelpful scripts most lawyers follow.

I'm something of a devote of self-help books, and this one is first-rate. It never requires the lawyer to do anything that he or she doesn't enjoy doing. Don't like golf? Not required. Would prefer not to do public speaking as a marketing device? No problem.

Sara also assures women that it's fine for them to have PERSONAL relationships - and personal CONVERSATIONS - with clients and other people to whom they wish to market. She even has a fascinating discussion (complete with script) about how to market your services to people (especially other women) with whom you are already personal friends.

If lawyers will just TAKE the steps Sara sets out, their "book of business" will grow.

Sara Holtz provides invaluable and pragmatic advice for attorneys, not just women lawyers. Her book is an enjoyable read and provides excellent insight into how to expand a book of business and establish long lasting relationships with clients, potential clients and referral sources. You have to read this book -- it will result in more business for you.

Wow! Finally an easy to read book on business development that provides practical advice and a clear pathway to building a book of business. I have found the book insightful and impressive. I think Sara Holtz's experience as general counsel for a large corporation likely helped her develop the keen insight she has into business development strategies. More than that, she has done a major service to women lawyers. Kudos and gratitude to Sara Holtz for this remarkable compilation of business development tools.

Whether you are seeking to develop a book of business or to grow your existing book of business, Sara Holtz has written a clear and concise guide to assist you. Bringin' in the Rain is full of specific action steps and real life success stories. Sara has condensed her years of experience into this helpful, easy to use guide. Her sense of humor and common sense approach demystify the rainmaking process.

Sara Holtz has drawn on her extensive experience, insights and acumen as a business development coach for lawyers to write the quintessential guide for growing a book of business. Whether you are a woman or a man, novice or an accomplished rainmaker, mentoring someone who wants to become one, or endeavoring to build a practice group or a firm full of them, Bringin' in the Rain is a must read. Bringin' in the Rain will undoubtedly become the most dog-eared book in your library, as you repeatedly turn to it for practical steps in finding, winning, and growing successful and profitable client relationships.

Of all MLM books I've read, this has got to be one of the most detailed and practical in so far as launching your own start up company is concerned. Whether you're the entrepreneur or a distributor learning the ropes, this book has all info you need to succeed.

"Finally! A credible and definitive guide to the inner workings of network marketing that demystifies the whats, whys and hows of the corporate side of the industry. Angela Moores Building a Successful Network Marketing Company effectively lays out the crucial concepts, components and systems that separate the here-today-gone-tomorrow schemes from the long term successful network marketing companies. The approach is professional, the content rich and it provides an invaluable resource to start-up and mature direct selling businesses and executives. This book is a must to put the form and function of network marketing management into perspective. It is at the head of my client "required reading" list.

A number of books have been written by networkers and industry executives that address the subject from varying perspectives and degrees of experience. Each of them add their contribution to the literature base, but none gives a more complete treatment and clear picture of what it takes to establish and operate a successful MLM business. This book can save readers immeasurable time and expense. The thoughtful reader will find the breadth of content makes this a vital resource reference book for every department and executive/staff member of their business.

Ms. Moore writes from a wealth of personal experience, yet judicially accesses the experts in those areas where here experience can be strengthened by collaboration. Her access to the industrys top advisors and executive professionals further speaks of the breadth of her experience and understanding of the operational elements of the business.

While the treatment is focused on the corporate side of the industry, direct selling distributors and network marketing leaders will find the information enlightening and will be better able to form the field to company partnerships that supercharge their own and the corporations success and longevity. Field leaders will do well to study the text to better understand the critical support service dimension of the business to better create the synergy of field and corporate relationships.

Thanks Angela. Building a Successful Network Marketing Company will undoubtedly help many companies do just that."

The first truly professional look at network marketing as a corporate business. Ms. Moore's book is full of information and "must-knows" about building a successful long-term business that can grow into a global company. Easy to read, full of insight, with step-by-step guidelines from someone who has built and led successful sales teams and business organizations.

This is probably the best book I have read on the multilevel marketing industry to date. Although small in size, it is absolutely packed with valuable information.

Despite the title's name, this book is valuable to everyone who is involved in MLM, not just those contemplating starting their own MLM company. Its straightforward writing style and well researched text are a refreshing change from the many mindless motivational books available in the MLM industry today.

Although the book is pro-MLM in general, it does not gloss over any aspects of the industry, or try to sell it as a get-rich-quick panacea. It mainly seems to be aimed at businesspeople new to the industry, who are trying to understand it for the very first time. It's not written for "MLM junkies", but for professionals who actually want to learn the real ins and outs of the business. An informative background of MLM's history is included, as is a look at what differentiates MLM's from traditional business models.

Probably the most fascinating aspect of the book is the insider's view it gives on how MLM's are formed. It lays-out the requirements for an MLM to be successful, as well as explain the elements that all (successful) MLMs have in common. It practically gives you a blueprint of how all MLM's are formed, and how they are successfully run. This isn't the type of information you will find in typical MLM books.

Other valuable parts of the book include a look at the legalities of MLM, most common mistakes made by MLMs, structuring the sales organization, compensation plans, product selection and more.

If you buy only one book on multilevel marketing, this should be it. It is well written, well researched and contains a treasure trove of valuable information.

Angela Moore's book, Building a Successful Network Marketing Company is a MUST for anyone who is, or is thinking of, supplying products or services to Network Marketing companies. Understanding the critical components of how successful network marketing companies operate as well as identifying the characteristics of a sound, well run company is crucial to more effectively screening prospective clients and allocating resources toward companies with the highest probability of success. We seek long term vendor/client strategic partnerships and this one book is helping us redefine our target prospects and qualifying criteria.

This book is successfully accelerating the knowledge base of members of our Network Marketing Services Division. From compensation plans to legal issues; from product selection to marketing and educational issues, this book will increase your knowledge base and industry savvy. This increased knowledge base is providing us the edge in understanding and proactively serving the communication solution needs of Network Marketing Companies. Ms. Moore is helping us become a valued partner to our clients rather than simply a supplier.

Ms. Moore's knowledge, energy and enthusiasm for the Network Marketing Industry shine through in this wonderful book. Let Building a Successful Network Marketing Company help you and your company be more successful.

I've enjoyed this cookbook so much have purchased 4. Two as gifts and two for myself. Having lost all my cookbooks to hurricane IKE, was one that I simply had to replace. The recipes are fast, easy and tasty.

This has been the greatest book for me. I am a college student, and I use this book all the time to make food for my roommates. They totally love it and think I'm a great cook, when actually I haven't had that much experience. I usually make mistakes in my cooking, but this seems to be fool-proof! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants genuine good cooking the quick and easy way.

I wasn't much for cooking...BEFORE I bought this cookbook!
Now, my family ALWAYS wants me to cook, and brags about how good I am! Little do they know, that I have this secret cookbook! All of the recipes are very "homemade" tasting! It has appetizers, classic recipes, tex-mex, everything! I highly recommend it, any dish I've made out of it, has been quick, easy, and a crowd favorite!

When I got married I got several cookbooks and found either the recipes called for ingredients that were too "out there" or hard to find OR the recipes took a really long time and a lot of preparation to make (30 minute prep time was really more like 2 hours prep time). I'd find winners in these other cookbooks sometimes, but it felt like a hunt with only occasional winners.

As a then working wife with a working husband and no kids, I didn't have time or energy to do anything too exotic for dinner. This cookbook solved my problems. It has color pictures on every page and "normal" ingredients, and I've never made a recipe in this book that wasn't great. Prep times and baking times are pretty accurate and listed at the top of each recipe. And most recipes made enough for four, so after we ate, we had enough left for 1-2 servings of leftovers, but not tons. Even my husband whose cooking experience was limited to bachelor fare like frozen burritos and Pasta Roni could make these recipes and enjoyed being in the kitchen because the recipes aren't too elaborate.

Then we had kids and I had to start cooking for pickier palates. Again this cookbook has saved us! These recipes are kid-pleasers (with the exception of recipes that call for salsa or something a little spicy that is easily adapted to their tastes) and as a mother of two little ones, the feature that shows prep time and cook time helps me plan better. It also has suggestions for substitutions or different ways to make some of the recipes.

I give this now as a wedding gift and recommend it to everyone looking for easy, delicious, simple recipes. However, this cookbook is not for the serious cook looking for artistic creations - it's a down-to-earth cookbook for sensible family meals. You've gotta try it!

This is a great cookbook for the time pinched who still want to at least give the impression of homemade. The book uses premade, canned, frozen ingredients in all the recipes. Also good for amature cooks. Easy!

This "Cars of the Faboulas Fifties" book, is part of a series(50's, 60's and 70's cars). I saw all 3 at Costco, years ago. I, being frugal, only bought the 60's one. I enjoyed it so much, I tracked down the 70's and recently 50's version.

These 3 are, IMO, a must for any "car guy" (or Gal). Lots of NICE photos, and illistrations,mostly factory images, I believe. All are unmodified, stock appearing cars.

One drawback to looking at these books, you'l long for days gone by, when American Cars were KING and the factories offered SO MANY models and bodystyles!! Buy an AMERICAN CAR, today and restore our manufacturering base!

The Fifties was a great time for Detroit and the look of their products reflected the carmakers optimism for the good times that were sweeping over the middle classes during the decade. Never mind racial tensions and the Cold War didn't everybody deserve to drive around in a flamboyant dream on wheels.

Books about autos of the period are steady sellers but I think this volume can't be beat. To get over sixteen hundred color photos and graphics in one book is pretty impressive. I like the editorial format, too, with each model getting a page per year. The mix of car company PR shots, period ads and graphics, dealer showroom and gas station photos plus the captions makes the pages sparkle. There is a very comprehensive index in the back, which makes Cars of the Fabulous 50s probably the best reference book available.

I see that this 416 page all-color book is available at some amazing low prices. Clearly a bargain.

Another book (by the same publisher) 'American Cars of the 1950s (ISBN 1412711568) covers the same ground but has an interesting twist in only using car graphics from ads and brochures for the picture content. It's also a square, chunky 320-page book. This publisher has also put out the same two books covering cars of the Sixties.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

My whole family is enjoying this book very much, brings back a lot of memories too. Thats why we also ordered a copy of the "Sizzling 60's".

Basicly you get a hugh book full of lush high qulity pictures , each picture has little commentry text attached and all are arranged by year , make and model . Most of restored cars but also b&w oldies , advertising , promo etc. I would have liked to see more interior pictures of the cars as well as all round view of the same car and not many image of differnt cars ,but still this is a really great book for 50's cars and you'll surely enjoy browsing it .

I bought this book as a gift for my dad, so I can't say whether or not I personally liked it. I thought it was a perfect gift for my dad because it has lots of pictures and not a lot of text (my dad isn't big on reading). The most text it has is captions under the pictures. He seemed to enjoy it - he spent an hour or two rummaging through it, and he still pulls it out every now and then (which is something he doesn't usually do - once the book gets put away, it stays put away).

So, if you prefer looking at pictures of cars from the fifties instead of reading about them, then this is a good book for you.

If you like Cary Grant, you'll love this book. The photos are among the best I've seen. Jenny does a great job of summarizing Cary's life, sticking to the facts and leaving out the controversial rumors . I find my self constantly picking up this book just to gaze at the photos. This book will look great on any coffee table.

This is a must own book! It is so full of photos of Cary Grant and details so much of his life. I would call this a picture book, and promise you won't be disappointed! I had the privelege of meeting the author and having her sign my copy. She is a fellow eMail Warbride, is funny, witty, and a wonderful person. She has written several other books that are well worth owning as well. Do youself a favor, buy this book today! ...

Jenny does an excellent job showing off the magnificent CG. This is a must for all interested in Cary and his films. There are beautiful publicity shots and movie stills. Great Job Jenny!

P.S. Hey Brian Thanks!!!!!!

I received this book as a gift. It serves as an excellent guide to one of the most graceful and wonderful men of Hollywood. The pictures are beautifully arranged and capture the essence of who Mr. Grant was. Even the youngest Cary Grant fan will want to own this book.

Indeed, this book is one meant to be displayed. I was immediately struck by the slick, high-quality paper used to enhance the many, many photos of the dashing Cary Grant. Ms. Curtis leads us through Grant's life with comprehensive, yet concise captions beneath each photo. The dignity and charm in her writing reflect the beloved characteristics that personified Cary Grant.