Don't miss "The Millionaires"
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It's been a heck of a long time since I've enjoyed a modern novel as much as I did "The Millionaires."

Inman Majors takes a generation that hasn't often been explored in American literature (the so-called "squeezed" generation that came of age between the Greatest Generation and the Baby Boomers) and examines how those folks made the transition from the family farm to the small town to the suburbs, in this case of the so-called "New South." He has merged that approach with a fresh, new technique that experiments with punctuation and narrative. His use of language is second to none.

But, best of all, through this tale of politics, greed, ambition and sibling rivalry, he creates interesting, flawed, three-dimensional characters whose very humanity -- in the best and worst of what that means -- leaps off the page.

Don't miss this one, folks.
1883651
I purchased this DVD on the recommendation of a friend.
I have watched it 5 times and taken it to family and friend get togethers.
Everyone who has watched this DVD has raved about it. It is incredibly entertaining.  You won't be disappointed.
I can't wait to purchase the latest Hit Man Returns.
4753590
SOME DEGREE OF SPOILER ALERT HERE...

I loved this peek into the lifestyles of the rich, and there were jaw-dropping twists and turns everywhere.  Maybe other viewers saw these things coming, but I sure didn't!!!

I don't think it is even the first movie in history about a hustler after a woman's money, but it was so good! Meg Tilley is PERFECTLY cast as the preppy heiress and Rob Lowe ALWAYS does a good hustler (see Bad Influence...different kind of hustle, but also a fun rise). His acting is not fantastic, but he sure is pretty in this one!

The sex scene goes down as one of the sexiest I can ever remember, and I don't mean to be crass here but Meg Tilley did THE most realistic onscreen orgasm I have ever seen. I am not kidding; VERY convincing. You've got to see this. it shows all the others you've seen as a total joke. I don't know how she pulled that off. Wonder how many takes it took! The music during that scene (and others) is exquisite...sinister music played during "the seduction for money"...brilliant (although at this point I don't think it was about money anymore...which makes the ending that much more sad).

It's a really, really sad film on so many levels, and lonely Olivia (Meg Tilley) just cannot seem to catch a break in life. Every time she does...tragedy ensues.  A reminder than money cannot buy happiness.

I don't want to give stuff away here; just check it out!

P.S. Have fun looking at some of the most atrocious set decoration you've ever seen. I know it was the 80s and a beach setting, but the NYC apartment, which should have looked like Studio 54 (though not Olivia's style) looks like  the bedroom of a six year old. Then it again, it underplays Olivia's nave nature on some levels.
602931
This book is first of all, very original and very entertaining as well as helpful in understanding the mindset of people not like those that I know.  The author has a full grasp of the rich and the poor.  It's so worth an afternoon's reading.  It is easy to read.  Well written and clear.  Do yourself a favor and buy this book and then:  relax and enjoy.  Also it's reasonably priced!

mainstreaming clues 2 u
3387312
There is something about the very rich that fascinates.  I must admit that one of the things that drew me to A Gilded Grave was the chance to spend time with some extremely rich people in Newport, Rhode Island, during the 1890s.

To be specific, this book is set in 1895, and the book stars Deanna Randolph, who is looking forward to her summer season in Newport, having had a mostly successful debut season in New York over the last few months.

Her first major ball of the season is in honor of Lord David Manchester and his sister Madeline.  The two are from Barbados, and they are in Newport to work out a deal with Deannas father and his business partners to sell them sugar from Barbados for their sugar refinery business here in America.

However, the night ends in tragedy when one of the hosts maids is found dead on the bottom of a nearby cliff.  The maid was friends with Deannas maid and the intended of Joe Ballards apprentice.  Joe is one of Deannas lifelong friends who was briefly Deannas intended.  With accusations flying, Deanna must reluctantly team up with Joe to find out who the killer really is.  Can the two work together to learn the truth?

The characters in this book are wonderful.  Joe has given up his familys money, at least briefly, to follow his dream of inventing, more specifically to invent machines to help the family business.  Deanna is a strong and independent young woman, or at least as much as she can be for this time in history.  Even Deannas maid gets into the action quite a bit and proves to be a lot of fun.

I did feel the book was a bit too long.  While I always enjoy getting lost in another time and place, at times those details slowed things down.  Chopping about 50 pages would have helped keep things moving along at a brisker pace.  I did find the climax logical and satisfying, and Im quite curious what life has next for our main characters.

I must say I enjoyed spending time with the extremely wealthy.  Since one of the main characters is a maid, we do get to see the great divide between the two classes at the time.  I think part of the reason I enjoyed living with the rich is I can only imagine ever living that way, so its a bit of a fantasy escape that I enjoy.

The book is narrated third person, and we get scenes from both Deanna and Joes perspectives.  This is mainly Deannas story, with two thirds to three quarters of the book told from her point of view, but the times we switched to Joe really did help the story unfold, and I truly enjoyed that.

So if you are looking for a trip back in time, A Gilded Grave is for you.  Savor it during your own summer season.

NOTE: I was sent a copy of this book in hopes I would review it.
123702
You will definitely enjoy this show!  It takes place in the highlands of Scotland.  The scenery is amazing.  the DVD features extras which tell you about the surrounding towns where the show was filmed, what the local real shops look like, what the towns really look like, the casts bio, etc.

This show follows the path and lifestyle of the young Laird: Archie, the main character.  He is the laird who runs the estate.

SPOILER ALERT:  DO NOT READ FURTHR IF YOY DO NOT WANT TO KNOW:

Archie, the Laird, eventually marries Lexie, the housekeeper.  The story has a cast of colorful characters.  My favorite is Gollie.  He is a little more serious, loves and respects the land.

This a charming non-materialistic story.  It begins to fall short when SPOILER ALERT AGAIN:!  DO NOT READ FURTHR IF YOU DONT WANT TO KNOW!!!

Archie leaves and never returns.  A new additional cast of characters arrive, including a long lost bastard/brother of Archie.

At about season 6 the story goes downhill.  Even more new characters are introduced and the old good ones disappear.

RESUME HERE:  You won't be disappointed with the first 70% of the series.  But don't waste your time with the last two seasons.  If you watch, you will know why.  It falls short of the appeal of the first several seasons in many ways.  The cast of characters for one is SPOILER ALERT:  DO NOT READ IF U DONT WANT TO KNOW!!

mostly new and some annoying new stupid twists to the storyline.

RESUME HERE:  This however, overall is wonderfully entertaining, each episode something happens which is resolved by the end of the episode.  So, you don't have to watch the entire series if you don't want to.

Enjoy!
836296
I dragged out reading the final few pages, because I just didn't want the story to end.  I was captivated with the excellent prose and wonderful story line.  It was like taking a trip back to the mid-50's and Williamson has it down perfect in bringing back memories of TV shows, food items, etc. of that time.

Finely drawn characters made me feel like they were next door neighbors.  Williamson is a skilled author and this is one of the best books I've read in a long time.  Uplifting, entertaining and poignant....do yourself a favor...don't miss reading this one.
3977640
The book captivated me and allowed me to glimpse the life of poor immigrants. the US is open now to immigrants with investment money. The Statue of Liberty should now read send me your rich yearning for more and I will give you a chance to win or lose it.
1023572
This series was a must at 10pm on Thursdays as part of the star studded Thursday lineup. It was a do not miss commitment. It continues to be a joy to watch, fast moving, complex characters, great music - it has it all!!!
2786677
I saw the story of "Amal" on PBS several weeks back and dutifully noted the author's name when I saw it was based on a short story. I bought this book, the collection of short stories from the author, from Amazon and read the short story "Amal" as soon as it arrived. The author's story is just as touching as the video version on PBS. Amal, the tiny-taxi driver's run-in with the Indian millionaire, will touch your heart and cause you to laugh in amazement at the twist at the end of the story.
1465203
This was a very compelling story of an eccentric multi-millionaire and her immediate family of characters. I had never before heard is Huguette Clark but I am very glad I read her almost unbelievable story.
2918500
I felt that Dr. Stanleys book was sensational. This text was very well researched and complete. It can take you off that "poor mans" treadmill and onto the road to wealth. I think that the Millionaire Mind is a great program to jump starts my financial life. Besides, it let me get a more understanding on what is the different between the millionaires and the lower-class people and start to learn to learn the millionaires life style such as cannot enjoy life if I am addicted to consumption and the use of credit, choosing honest spouse. being courage and money is not my god.
1605277
Married couple, Edwyn and Katherine, live the good life full of riches, money, expensive cars and a large home. When Edwyn loses his high paying job, the stress between the two gets out of control. They have grown accustomed to their lifestyle and will do anything in their power to keep it that way. Anything.
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I normally don't read books like this but I was glad to step out of my comfort zone and was pleasantly surprised. There were so many different characters, all revolving around the main characters of Edwyn and Katherine, that kept this book fast paced and intriguing. 'The Club' has everything. It's thrilling and full of murder, robbery and deception. You definitely want to add this book to your TBR list!
259535
This is great if you are a millionaire. Lol
3538011
thoroughly enjoyed The Millionaire Fastlane, the book has got my mind working and thinking and I continue learning. I am almost sad that its over.

The chapter the really resonated with me was CHAPTER 44: CHOOSE MONOGAMY OVER POLYGAMY. All my life I have been jumping from one venture, opportunity, and even scheme to another in order to Be My Own Boss and Make $5,000 a Month from Home. I now realize to do something worthwhile and provide value you need to first focus on one thing and pour all your energy, efforts and passion into that.

I am going to re-read the book again and I also will make reading The Millionaire Fastlane an annual event.

I highly encourage everyone to read this book it will most likely jump start your brain and your passion!

Thanks for Listening.

- Jesse "DB"
1574795
If you haven't watched Hawaii Five-0, then you're missing out on something really great. I couldn't resist buying the first four Seasons and I have not regretted it once. There are so many special episodes. I love all the characters; not only are the men strong but the women are, too. They all work so well together and bring those excellent stories together. The writing is fabulous and I enjoy the humor that's interjected and also the holidays they celebrate. The "history" lessons are great, too; they make the show even stronger. I have enjoyed watching the guests, famous stars who will be remembered again because they performed beautifully on Hawaii Five-0. (I hope Carol Burnett makes another appearance before she "dies.") I'd like very much to see Michelle Borth remain a permanent member of their elite force.  And how can one not enjoy seeing Hawaii, Oahu in particular. I visited that Island about six years ago and have been wishing to return. Now I have, vicariously through watching Hawaii Five-0. The scenery is breathtaking and interesting. Not to mention educational. Everything about the show should make one want to tune in every week to watch it. And if you've missed it from the beginning and would like to catch up, don't forget the DVDs you can purchase as I did. (Hint: they make great gifts!)
314289
Jeff Daniels is brilliantly riveting, as he captivates you from the first episode all the way to the last.  I strongly recommend Newsroom, even for those who previously may have not liked Daniels' work; you will not be disappointed.