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Gini F. (passionforbooks) - - Reviews

1 to 12 of 12
Dear Senator : A Memoir by the Daughter of Strom Thurmond
Review Date: 7/20/2009
Helpful Score: 3


I really enjoyed this autobiography of Essie Mae Washington-Williams. She lived through many disappointments but came out a winner in life. The rejection she feels by her father's lack of public acknowlegement of her existence comes through loud and clear. She is generous in her praise for him in the one area where he never let her down - in his financial support. In spite of the many challenges in her life, Essie Mae was a successful woman in her own right - which her father was proud of.


Disconnected: How Six People From ATT Discovered the New Meaning of Work in a Downsized Corporate America
Review Date: 7/20/2009
Helpful Score: 1


This book is very timely condsidering the numbers of people who are facing downsizing in their companies. Although all of the people profiled were different, they were also similar in the way that they experienced discouragment but eventually found satisfying work. The book should be an encouragment to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation.


An Eye for Winners: How I Built America's Greatest Direct Mail Business (Audio Cassette)
Review Date: 7/20/2009
Helpful Score: 1


What an inspiring story! Any entrepreneur would find it interesting because this woman built her company from the ground up. The book details the process of building the company as well as some of the details of her personal life.


How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else
Review Date: 7/20/2009
Helpful Score: 6


I really enjoyed this book. Michael Gill is brutally honest about his reduced circumstances and the subsequent trials and tribulations he suffers as he searches for work and learns to cope in a job he is over qualified and unprepared for. His candid evaluations of himself as well as others was very interesting. The story has a happy ending even though we can't predict his future. You come away knowing that his attitude is what makes him successful.


Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time
Losing It: --And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time
Author: Valerie Bertinelli
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 54
Review Date: 7/20/2009
Helpful Score: 1


This book emphasizes Valerie's personal life journey more than her recent successful weight loss strategy. Although it was interesting to read a biographical account of her life, the title made me think that she would share more information about her actual weight loss experience and maybe even a few menus and recipes.


Mini-Mart A La Carte: Tasty Recipes For The Convenience Store Connoisseur
Review Date: 7/20/2009


This book is small but quirky and fun. It has actual fast-food type recipes and lots of pictures of the food items. It would make a fun gift for a high-school or college graduate.


More Than a Hobby: How a $600 Startup Became America's Home and Craft Superstore
Review Date: 8/31/2009
Helpful Score: 3


I really like the business principles of this CEO. He believes in keeping things as simple as possible while constantly watching the bottom line. He makes no apology for his old-fashioned rules of running his company that seem to work amazingly well in comparison to his competition who embrace high-tech and high dollar expenditures which boosts the cost of the merchandise to the consumer. His style of management is people-oriented in that he does everything possible to please the customers, but does not forget to value, encourage and reward his employees. The high integrity and the simple faith put into action of this man is inspiring. The book was a refreshing change from the usual more worldly "get all you can at any cost" style of doing business.


O Ye Jigs and Juleps!
O Ye Jigs and Juleps!
Author: Virginia Cary Hudson
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 7/20/2009
Helpful Score: 1


This book has very cute short stories that uncover a different generation. But be aware that the book itself is small with not too many pages. It would be suitable to be tucked into a gift basket or given as a small gift.


Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen
Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen
Author: Bob Greene
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 27
Review Date: 7/20/2009
Helpful Score: 5


I really liked this book. Although this true story takes place in my parent's generation rather than my own, I was definitely inspired to be more aware of the fact that a little bit done well can bring blessings to those around you who are in need. It was inspiring to read about how so many people in this small town pulled together to make a big difference and a lasting impression on thousands of American soldiers who passed through the area, coming and going to serve in the war. The citizens of North Platte should be proud of this accounting.


Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish
Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish
Author: Mark R. Levin
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 125
Review Date: 7/20/2009
Helpful Score: 3


Maybe, for some, the writing style isn't up to Mark's usual excellence, but the book came across to me as an emotional outlet for the grief he felt over his beloved pet's decline and subsequent death. His memories of the acquisition of this dog, and of the new dog are precious. The struggles of properly caring for a dog despite the schedules in a busy household was delightful. And most of all, Mark nails it on the head when he describes the anguish you feel and the steps you must take when you make the difficult decision to end the suffering in the life of an animal that you dearly love.


SPAM: A Biography: The Amazing True Story of America's "Miracle Meat!"
Review Date: 7/20/2009


A fun, quirky book that would be a great gift for a spam lover or a child of the 60's.


Wake-Up Call: The Political Education of a 9/11 Widow
Wake-Up Call: The Political Education of a 9/11 Widow
Author: Kristen Breitweiser
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 7
Review Date: 7/20/2009
Helpful Score: 3


Kristen courageously shares the minutes, hours and days after the shock of losing her beloved husband in such a tragic way. The bulk of the book is her journey to make a difference in the lives of all of the victim's families through political action.


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