So much fun -- and ultimately a great lesson on getting advice ...
920971
Read it while shopping for a children's book to give.  So much fun -- and ultimately a great lesson on getting advice and solving problems.  What a great story, neat illustrations too.
3167820
Reading Huckster on the plane yesterday, I was reminded of so many important business lessons, while trying desperately not to laugh out loud. Ron's approach is both unique and engaging  a wonderfully down to earth voice delivering shockingly insightful nuggets. And while he consistently tries to convince the reader that hes a real as**ole, he comes off as one of the most genuine, endearing ad guys around. A highly entertaining read for advertising alums, with business tools that anyone can employ. Enjoy this guilty pleasure of a business book.
2330011
I'll admit it: I'm a fan of the how-to. It's a great concept, isn't it? But all too often, how-tos contain disproportionate amounts of encouragement and facts. Not so with Career Renegade. Jonathan Fields provides equal amounts of heart and real-world advice in this quick-yet-meaty read. He also provides tons of resources. I'm recommending this book to all the entrepreneurs and creative types I know; in all seriousness, it's already helped me.
3623379
The Secret Drawer Club is entertaining and includes a lesson that can apply to anyone, regardless of age.  Accepting people for who they are, not judging others by how they look, and being the best YOU you can be are just a few of the key themes.  The characters come alive and the story line is so much fun.  It also shows how a teacher can make a HUGE difference!  Overall a great read
3079375
Press Here is great fun! It's as much a game as it is a book. Not every child, of course, will find it entertaining, but their enjoyment in the book depends, in part, on your own enjoyment and emphasis and excitement in your reading. This, admittedly, can be difficult after one reading, as the book suggests at the end to read again ("oh boy!"). I can't say how many times I've read that last taunt to "do it all over again?" without meaning to (d'oh!), but I assure you your kids most likely will want to. It's magical, packed with fun, and you can incorporate some basic math and counting as the story goes along and dots multiply and change ("how many red dots are there now?" the reader can interject). It requires that the child interacts with the dots on the pages (yes, each page!) and carefully listens to instructions (one example from the text: "rub the dot on the left...gently." And the dot turns red on the next page). See what they did there? They asked your kid to follow directions and both be gentle and find left from right and center (though two pages later, they don't use the word 'center,' but "yellow"). At the same time, the author made your child feel powerful, in following these playful directions (what a concept), as they joyfully interact and follow along. The reader can talk about the middle or center, as well, or any other concept presented in the simple illustrations, according to the child's interest level. But it's not all about being careful, it also requires the book to be shaken, and the dots to be pressed hard on another page. It's a great and simple language builder, something that I as a parent greatly appreciate in a book. I think this applies as much to native speakers as much as it does to second-language learners. It requires the child to build listening skills and carry out the simple instructions. I have had this book for a couple years now, and it still greatly interests my youngest kids, now four and five. Too many children's books are great read once or twice, but Press Here is one that will find its way off the bookshelf time and time again. Perfect as a gift. I recommend it for ages 3-5, give or take.
2287560
"Huh?" is a fun and witty romp through the joys and sorrows of miscommunication...in a most entertaining way. Ellis not only warns us and educates us on what we miscommunicate, but he also gives hilarious examples (with REAL LIVE QUOTES - ha!)...from conversations, like...between Snowden and Obama to eavesdropping on an Angel and "Buttinsky". I would say that "Huh?" appeals to all ages - as the new bible of how (and why) we miscommunicate. I whole-heartedly commend Ellis' latest work to those with a love for great humor and a desire to grow personally in improving the communication...er, miscommunication, in their world.
Darrell Gaul, San Diego, CA
130162
I read Bill McGowan's book because I'm interested in communications, but after I finished it, I realized that its lessons can be applied to so many different situations, both professional and personal.  As a teacher, I am looking forward to trying them out in my classroom.  Many of the strategies for effective communication that McGowan identifies can be taught to students at the middle- and high-school levels, which is when they learn to write and speak persuasively.  The book is also helpful for teachers themselves, since communication and engaging students is what we are all about, and many of the tips McGowan offers speak directly to that.  The Conviction Principle (Chap. 7) is a perfect example.
I would definitely recommend this book to colleagues as well as people in any field.  The format is user-friendly, and I like the personal stories and anecdotes that illustrate the key points.  McGowans style is entertaining as well as being informative, and I laughed out loud at some of the gaffes he described  mistakes that we know we all are capable of making (or even worse  we have made!)  The Glossary is a helpful tool, with entries that are punchy and memorable.  Overall, this is a book worth reading and referring back to frequently.
4575612
As a long time marketing professional, I am always skeptical of the latest "how to" book on branding, advertising, etc. But Bang! quickly won me over with its witty style and realistic portrayal of what it takes to succeed in today's business world. The authors' ability to take a fresh look and tread new ground seems so simple and yet in today's risk averse world it is both rare and courageous.  And it's fascinating to learn the real story behind the duck.  If you let them, ideas really do pop into your head like the sudden illumination of a cartoon lightbulb!  Additionally, I kept highlighting sections as if I were a college student.  The book has blessed me with at least a 12 month supply of great quotes and amusing anecdotes for my staff meetings and presentations. Here's one of my favorites. "By defintiion rules are backward-looking.  Rules anticipate that history will repeat itself.  In today's business climate, however, if you keep repeating yourself, your company is history."  A quick and very worthwhile read.
3120732
For those of us who are professional advisors (I happen to be a small business lawyer), we have long since learned an important lesson ... it takes a good sense of humor to get us through the tough times. And that's exactly what Michael Katz does for us in his new book, "It Sure Beats Working"...he shares humor (and teaches us how to find it everyday), he imparts practical advice (yes, while laughing, you will actually learn something you can put to work right away), and he generously gives that useful something called life experience. Practical advice...humor...life experiences you will recognize immediately... how can you go wrong?! Answer...you can't, so get your dose today, and put Michael's business lessons into practice tomorrow.
2558131
This book was well-written and engaging throughout. A unique blend of story telling, reflection, and teaching makes this book very easy to read, and yet full of great lessons to be learned. The style of the book reminds me off a fireside chat with a parent or grandparent. Nate doesn't try to put himself in the position of an expert. Rather, he shares his life with the reader, in hopes to simply make life easier for them.
As a person who almost never reads for fun/leisure, I can say this book was well-worth the time! Would recommend to anyone looking for some wisdom, and some encouragement for self-reflection.
1026875
Selling Fearlessly is both a fun read and a really  helpful book, which is often not a common combination. Bob shares his wisdom through engaging and memorable stories. Because of his use of stories, he can take principles that you might already know intellectually, and make them hit home at a deeper, more visceral level...so they impact you in a more profound way.

In fact, when I read his Mound Road story, which is an amazing story of courage and perseverance, I found myself appreciating a lesson that I teach: "You are stronger than you think" at a deeper level than ever before. It was funny to know the truth of that message, and....feel the truth of it at a whole new level after reading the Mound Road story and absorbing  Bob's take away message.

The way Bob communicates the message that once you go through your own "Mound Road experience" you can never deny that you have that capacity in you, is truly unforgettable.

Reading Selling Fearlessly feels like you're sitting across from the table at a restaurant with Bob as he shares what he's learned over many decades. You sense his kindness and desire to help others as he spins his yarns and shares his wisdom.

It's a great book by a great guy.
3289263
I really enjoyed this book and I learned a lot from the lessons taught in this entertaining, fictitious book.
1994710
This is a wonderful book with lessons taught in an entertaining and memorable way. Very clever title and illustrations. However, I find this to be a 'very busy book.'  There author goes above and beyond to show some vital life lessons such as kindness, thinking before acting, treating "otters the way we would want the otters to treat us. This focuses on manners, being polite, not testing other people--often an early step in "bullying." Filled with great content such as  KEY CONCEPTS-HONESTY, COOPERATION, SHARING, remembering  to say THANK YOU, and much more. There are key words listed in 5 languages. This is a separate lesson in its self, and wonderful, in my opinion. There are some large illustrations with priceless illustrations. I am not exactly sure what age group could be best served in a classroom of numerous children-some able to focus and follow the flow, a child experiencing ADHD issues, and more. I automatically think of a classroom because there is a Kindergarten teacher in my family. I realize it is not a perfect world, and there also are parents and home for a great experience. I believe children will remember the concept of "Treat Otters the way you would want to be treated," I find this wording to be very creative for any person. Also, Mr. Hare is so cute. I would love too see a board book for young children with basic illustrations, clarity, and  a few basic concepts as a building block to interpersonal skills.  The good thing about a book is that it can be read many times, and as the child matures, so will emphasis on different aspects. Quotation by Socrates  is found on the back cover of this book. Very wise words, in my opinion!
4971339
OK, I'll admit it.  I bought this book only because Jeff Crilley appears on our local TV.  And he's cute and competent and fun.

I never gave much thought to the skill that lies behind the fun, good-natured reporting.  And I never expected a book packed with so much useful information.

There's craft behind the fun, and craft to getting reporters' attention.  Craft to planning events, craft to developing a killer story.

Ahhhhh, I get it!  And you should get it too if you need a bit of a boost getting the very best kind of publicity -- free, of course!

Phyllis Staff, Ph. D.
author, "How to Find Great Senior Housing"
and
"128 Ways to Prevent Alzheimer's and Other Dementias"
1517280
This book is very engaging - flows smoothly and effortlessly for the reader.  The style is also quite entertaining, holding the reader's interest throughout.  I especially enjoyed the explanation of the 6 "stepps" illustrating why things catch on.  I found the "rule of 100" to provide practical guidance for marketing strategy.  If you have a product to roll out or promotion scheduled, read this first!  The advice is invaluable to improving your chances of success.
1655475
I've browsed my share of my daughter's college application books, but this one I read cover to cover. It not only makes you look at writing in a new way, but it was a fun and breezy read. I especially liked the emphasis on the right things -- not on selling yourself, but on expressing who you are. I found the section "The Power of a Small Story" refreshing and liked the many, many techniques of effectively telling that story -- including the use of white space, even. I just recommended this to my neighbor with a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old and urged them to read it now, in June, to let the ideas percolate a bit. Excellent book!
2682457
I loved this book!  I enjoyed it even at my great advanced older-than-dirt age, but it would especially be great for high school age girls and as a graduation gift for any girl.  It is lots of fun, but also gives sound advice as well as good moral advice without any preachy talk ... just the facts in a storyline that will enrapture them and maybe make them think twice about consequences of actions.  I particularly like that whenever casual sex entered the picture, the characters reflected their feelings of cheapness and disappointment afterwards.  That says volumes to girls who might think they are missing something by not "giving in".

I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel to these four girls' adventures.