Entrepreneur Books

Winning the net game is an excellent book for small businesses trying to develop strategies on the Internet. What I found interesting is how she used a story of a family business in an effort to apply examples to the real world. The information relates well to anyone that may not have a clear understanding of how the Internet can enhance their business. Winning the net game in my opinion is a must read. I'm going to contact Caroline Howard and see if she would like to consult my organization.

Harvey Sutton, CEO
Blayze Interactive

Winning the net game is an excellent book for small businesses trying to develop strategies on the web. What I found interesting is how she used a story of a family business in an effort to apply it to the real world. The information relates well to anyone that may not have a clear understanding of how the web can enhance a business' operations. Winning the net game in my opinion is a must read. I'm going to contact Caroline Howard is see if she can help my business.

This book is a "must read" for anyone thinking about starting a Web-based business. It is also good for those who currently have a Web-based business and want it to be more successful. Caroline Howard writes in a clear and concise style - and deftly covers such topics as choosing your domain name, competitive market analyses, developing an e-commerce business plan, e-tailing, peer-to-peer computing, the value chain, marketing and customer convenience. I highly recommend it!
Suzanne H. Montgomery, Ph.D.
President, Montgomery-Copley & Associates

Caroline Howard has managed to capture the absolute essence of on-line business in "Winning the Net Game". Her delightful, easy to read format packs tons of useful examples and tools into a comprehensive guide. As an entrepreneur and venture investor, this is highly recommended reading for everyone from neophytes to those seasoned at E-commerce.

I agree with the cover testimonial provided by Jim Amos:
"Winning the Net Game is an invaluable tool for the experienced or novice entrepreneur. Finally a book that presents the complexities of the Web in a comprehensive and easy-to-understand format."
I concur- this is an essential and enjoyable book for those doing or thinking about doing business on the Web.

Peter Krass has compiled 50 essays by different spectacularly successful entrepreneurs, among them Barry Diller, Michael Dell, Richard Branson, Harvey Firestone and Steve Case, in which they share lessons they learned in their life the hard way.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone thinking about a career as an entrepreneur, and to any parents wishing to plant the idea of being an entrepreneur in their children's' heads.

This book is a fantastic accounting of many famous business owners and their stories. It shows the would be business owner that through hard work, dedication, and commitment, dreams and goals can be reached.

This book is a collection of 50 essays and speeches by the world's leading entrepreneurs-from the past to the present.

Barry Diller, Michael Dell, Richard Branson, and Phil Knight are among the successful entrepreneurs who share their best advice and strategies in the pages of this book. Filled with insights on a wide variety of entrepreneurial issues, the book discusses such topics as how to set and meet personal goals, how to create the right image for your company, problem solving, generating ideas, going public, and effective management. Editor Peter Krass introduces each selection and provides interesting and relevant background information on each entrepreneur. He also highlights significant comments and advice from each entrepreneur.

This book features each entrepreneur's ideas in his/her own words. Informative and inspiring, this book will appeal not only to entrepreneurs, but to all general business readers.

Peter Krass is an author and editor. He is the editor of The Book of Investing Wisdom, The Book of Leadership Wisdom, and The Book of Business Wisdom (all available from Wiley).

Reviewed by Azlan Adnan. Formerly Business Development Manager with KPMG, Azlan is currently Managing Partner of Azlan & Koh Knowledge and Professional Management Group, an education and management consulting practice based in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo. He holds a Master's degree in International Business and Management from the Westminster Business School in London.

Peter Krass has edited the Wisdom Series series which includes this volume. Each anthologizes brief essays by various executives who are most highly regarded as leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, etc. Following an insightful Introduction, Krass provides a brief bio of each author which precedes her or his essay. Here we have "classic writings by legendary entrepreneurs" whose essays are organized by Krass as follows:

Part I: The Start-Up [eg Michael Bloomberg, Kim Polese, and Doris Drucker]

Part II: The Maverick Element and Other Qualities [eg Warren Avis, Andrew Carnegie, and Mark McCormack]

Part III: Venture Capital, LBOs, and Going Public [eg Tom Monaghan, Conrad Hilton, and Henry R. Kravis]

Part IV: Risk and Strategy [eg Richard Branson, Dave Thomas, and Steve Case]

Part V: Inventors Turned Entrepreneurs [eg Henry Ford, Steven P. Jobs, and Benjamin Franklin]

Part VI: Branding. Image, and Selling [eg Howard M. Schultz, John H. Johnson, and P.T. Barnum]

Part VII: Entrepreneurial Management [eg Alfred C. Fuller, Debbi Fields, and Anita Roddick]

Part VIII: Personal Stories [eg Herman W. Lay, Kenneth H. Olsen, and Samuel Goldwyn]

Krass has done a brilliant job of selecting and then organizing the 54 essays, many of which are otherwise unavailable or virtually inaccessible. (For example, Doris Drucker's "Mrs. Drucker Starts a Business." Yes, she is the wife of that Mr. Drucker.) If you enjoyed reading this book as much as I did, I urge you to check out each of the other volumes in the Wisdom Series, also published by John Wiley & Sons.

As a business major at Oklahoma State University I found this book to be an awesome resource for my research. It showed me how to start my own business, create a network, gain capital not only from my family and friends but from places that I didn't even know about. The book was quite straight forward and easy to follow. So many of the statistics used throughout the book really helped me to better understand how far men are ahead of women [or so it seems]. Card even threw somethings back into your face about how women are somewhat passive and aren't as straightforward as men are. I found many facts like that throughout the book and that is what held my interest. This book truely was insightful on many levels and tells it like it is. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to own their own business or is already in their business and is in the bind of possible closer.

Starting a small business has been very difficult for me. Finding the answers I need to my questions has been a challenge. This book provided me specific, step-by-step information about how to obtain the money I needed for my business. Surprisingly, money was available for me, but without this book, I would never have found it. If you want money for your business, read this one-of-a-kind book.

Starting a small business has been very difficult for me. Finding the answers I need to my questions has been a challenge. This book provided me specific, step-by-step information about how to obtain the money I needed for my business. Surprisingly, money was available for me, but without this book, I would never have found it. If you want money for your business, read this one-of-a-kind book.

From complicated terms such as "IPO's" to how to borrow from your family, this book takes you through the steps. The chapter on using networking to locate capital was really interesting, with little tips like marking the cards you get with the date and a note. My only complaint is that the book needs internet addresses. But the information in the back of the book listing resources is invaluable.

COPYRIGHT COMPANION FOR WRITERS is an extensive look at the things writers should know about copyright, plagiarism, public domain and, international copyright issues, all of which can help make or break a career. Many misconceptions will be resolved and information will be shared to save authors and publishers from literary heartache and financial losts.

The thirteen chapters are short but potent as Ms. Evans tells everything you need to know about copyrighting, but never asked. The thoroughness of the information is a testament to the seriousness of learning the ever changing laws of copyrighting. Whether you are a new writer or an experienced, published author COPYRIGHT COMPANION FOR WRITERS will give helpful information about copyrighting: how it is created, protected and licensed. Copyrighting today requires a legal reference guide because of new court rulings and legislative amendments that are continually emerging due to the many technology changes.

COPYRIGHT COMPANION FOR WRITERS is an essential guide for anyone seriously interested in avoiding the legal pitfalls surrounding writing and publishing. Understanding the laws relating to the publishing industry is a must for survival in today's literary and musical arenas.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This book, along with the attached CD-ROM is one of the best guides for an author when it comes to explaining in layman's terms about copyright issues. The author goes into great and useful detail about every aspect of the copyright process. Copyright forms in pdf form are included on the CD-ROM to help the author along. All of the possible traps and the danger of assuming your work is protected are covered. In all, it is a worthy companion of Literary Law Guide for Authors. Those of us who are serious writers should not miss getting both of these books.

Copyrights are a matter of international law. That means that not only are they complex (as all laws are) but that there are several US laws, and even more foreign laws that might apply. This book is a concentrated description of copyright laws as they apply to writers. As such it leaves out a lot of points like those that might apply to individual or to a publisher.

For the writer, this is clearly written and covers the information that he needs to protect himself before he starts sending out his masterpiece. The book also includes the forms to be used for copyright registration and more. The forms are also repeated on a CD-ROM included with the book.

To illustrate the complexity, however, of copyright law, a question. These forms are US Government forms, therefore they are in the public domain. But these forms are also on a disk at the back of the book. The disk is marked Copyright 2007 by Legal Write Publications. How can you copyright public domain Government documents. And it is obvious that the intent of the CD is for you to extract the forms, print them out and use them to register for copyrights. But nowhere do I see a statement that says you can do that. As I said, copyright law is a mess.

I thought I knew everything about copyright but I didn't know what I didn't know! I have been a professional writer since 1989. I have published three books and written over 400 columns for a major daily in Texas. I've even served as an editor for two magazines. Yet, I learned more by reading this one book than I did in all the books I've read on publishing. The information is current, practical, and priceless. Kudos to Ms. Evans-Walls for making legalese interesting and affordable. [...]

I enjoyed the book. Barreto's insights were fantastic and it gained a lot from the stories and experiences told.

The Engine of America: The Secrets to Small Business Success from Entrepreneurs Who Have Made It! was written by former Administrator of the US Small Business Administration, Hector V. Barreto. I found Barreto's book inspiring and full of useful information. With the stories of some of the most successful small-business entrepreneurs, he teaches the keys to successfully start up a company or grow an existing one.

The Engine of America gives a lot of the same advice that you hear all the time about running and starting a business. Therefore, it is a great book for someone just starting out. Additionally, the advice, although repetitive for those entrepreneurs who have been in business a while, is given in a way that keeps you entertained. Stories of successful entrepreneurs remind us that anything can be done, and help us keep an optimistic point of view.

Barreto gives sound advice about studying to learn what you need to know and planning your business venture to increase likelihood of success. Then he addresses the need to take risks, but to take calculated risks rather than just a shot in the dark. One aspect of business I don't think of a lot is employees. I am far from that point, but Barreto addresses how to share your vision with your employees and how the people around you are a critical key to your success.

A large portion of The Engine of America is dedicated to specific tools for success that every entrepreneur can benefit from. From how to contact SCORE for free advice from successful businesspeople to how the Small Business Administration (SBA) can help you obtain financing to what government programs are available to small businesses. From his insider's point of view, Barreto helps unlock the mysterious process of dealing with government organizations and programs.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's an easy read, but it contains a wealth of useful information. I especially enjoyed the quoted advice from successful entrepreneurs such as Earl Graves, founder and publisher of Black Enterprise magazine, and Tom Stemberg, founder of Staples.

--
Cat Cromar
www.astartuplife.com/category/book-reviews

There are two kinds of books to read if you're thinking about starting a small business. There are the books that tell you, step-by-step, how to proceed. And there are the books that offer you insight, wisdom and ideas.

The Engine of America is in the latter group and it's an excellent example of the genre. The author is Hector Barreto who grew up in small businesses, ran some of his own and wound up as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

There's lots of good advice here. Some of it comes from entrepreneurs you've heard of. Fred Smith of FedEx and Tom Stemberg of Staples are two examples. A lot of it is embedded in the stories of entrepreneurs you've probably never heard of.

One example is Linda Alvarado who was one of the few women to found a construction company and make a success of it. She's now part owner of the Colorado Rockies. There's Thanh Quoc Lam and Earl Graves and Mitchell Rubinson, all people I'd never heard of until picking up this book.

And there were Steve and Lori Leveen. I'd never heard of them either, though I've bought things from their company, Levenger, for years.

Barreto mixes the entrepreneurs' stories with his own story and the story of his family's various businesses. He blends in advice from others, a financial planner here, an academic there.

The result is a well-written book that's loaded with excellent advice and helpful examples. It's also structured sensibly.

In section one, you're introduced to the author and his family and his reasons for writing the book. Section two is about the principles of success, things like "Plan, don't just wing it" and advice on finding a niche and surviving the inevitable mistakes and nasty surprises.

In section three, the author offers up "Tools for Success." For me this was the weakest part of the book. There's a bit too much about how the government and big business want to help you and not enough about how they often seem to hide it well.

As is usual for books written by Small Business Administration people, the SBA sources of information and help are described and hyped far out of proportion to their usefulness to small business owners I know. But even so, there's a good list of available government programs here that will be helpful to many small business owners.

The Tools section has several good chapters. One is on overcoming intimidation. And, there's some good, clear advice in the chapter on "Demystifying Capital."

The Summing Up section has a wonderful chapter on the "ABC's of Success." It's a little hokey, but it's good. You may be tempted to skip right there. Resist that temptation. There are too many good stories and too much you can learn from reading the book through.

In E-Myth Mastery, Michael Gerber cites some chilling statistics: "Of the 1 million U.S. small businesses started this year [2005], more than 80% of them will be out of business within 5 years and 96% will have closed their doors before their 10th birthday." Most of these business failures will receive little (if any) media attention which tends to be limited to much larger corporations. It is also worth noting that in 2001, 257 public companies (with a total of $258 billion in assets) declared bankruptcy. In 2002, another 67 did so. Go back even further to the 43 companies which Peters and Waterman quite properly praised in In Search of Excellence (1982). Most no longer qualify according to the criteria by which they were selected...and several do not exist at all.

I mention all this by way of suggesting how difficult it is, especially for small businesses, to succeed. Hence the importance of sources of assistance provided by the Small Business Administration that Hector Barreto headed for five years while leading the SBA's $60-billion support system for entrepreneurs. The subtitle of his book correctly indicates that he shares in it "secrets to small business success from entrepreneurs who have made it!" Barreto points out that, at the time he wrote his book, there were 25 million small businesses in the United States and they produced 52% of the gross domestic product of the U.S. economy. "Small businesses represent over 50 percent of the employee payrolls in the economy, and somewhere between 60 percent and 70 percent of the new jobs our economy produces annually. We are simply losing too many of the newly started businesses each year. It is damaging to the economy and to its long-term growth." That is why no many governmental agencies (at the federal, state, and local levels) and so many large corporations are committing substantial resources to help more small businesses succeed.

After reviewing his life "in and around small businesses" in the first chapter, Barrett shifts his attention to a series of seven "Principles of Success" in Part II (Chapters 2-8) and then discusses various "tools for success" in Part III (Chapters 9-12). The final part offers a summation of what he calls the "ABCs of Success," followed by his heartfelt reassurance to entrepreneurs that they can, indeed will succeed. Alas, a high percentage of them do not (especially starting a business for the first time) and the reasons vary from one situation to the next, of course, but the most common include:

Not knowing what they do not know (but think they know)
Not knowing how to use technology effectively
Often unaware of the regulations or potential restrictions they will face
Failing to comply with the restrictions and/or accommodate the restrictions

As Barreto explains his book, the SBA attempts to "arm" small business owners with the tools to address these and other problem areas by providing various programs that address "(1) access to capital, (2) technical assistance/entrepreneurial development, [and] (3) procurement/contracting. Small businesses are usually challenged in all of these areas: They don't have enough money; they don't have enough customers; and they don't know what they don't know. These deficiencies sum up why so many small business start-ups fail." I especially appreciate his personal accounts of real-world situations in which he and his SBA associates worked with specific entrepreneurs and their companies. He identifies them by name and examines the challenges that each one faced. Those who are planning to start a new business for the first time or have only recently done so, as well as those who now head a small business beyond the start-up phase, will especially appreciate the wealth of information available to them concerning sources of support in various forms. (For example, Barreto explains where to get help at 73 Web sites from organizations such as SCORE and the Small Business Development Centers.) They will also learn a great deal about errors in judgment to avoid, and, how to recover from such errors, once made.

Each of the "oak trees" on Fortune magazine's annual list of the largest companies was once an "acorn" and all of them are now challenged to contend with much smaller competitors. This is precisely what Jack Welch had in mind when, during a GE annual meeting, he explained why he admires entrepreneurial companies: "For one, they communicate better. Without the din and prattle of bureaucracy, people listen as well as talk; and since there are fewer of them they generally know and understand each other. Second, small companies move faster. They know the penalties for hesitation in the marketplace. Third, in small companies, with fewer layers and less camouflage, the leaders show up very clearly on the screen. Their performance and its impact are clear to everyone. And, finally, smaller companies waste less. They spend less time in endless reviews and approvals and politics and paper drills. They have fewer people; therefore they can only do the important things. Their people are free to direct their energy and attention toward the marketplace rather than fighting bureaucracy."

Barreto reveals himself to be a relentless optimist even as he knows better than most others do that the mortality rate of start-ups remains high, and, that those small businesses that do succeed face more severe competition now than ever before, not only between and among themselves but also, as Welch's comments suggest, from the largest corporations that develop many of the same strengths (e.g. speed, flexibility, and resilience) that had been competitive advantages for small businesses in the past. I share Barreto's hope that his book will help to increase the "horsepower" and "fuel efficiency" of an "engine" so essential to the American economy.

Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out Bo Burlingham's Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big, any of Jason Jennings' books (notably Less Is More and Think Big, Act Small), Founders at Work which consists of Jessica Livingston's interviews of 30 men and women who share their "stories" about the early days of the start-ups they founded, and Steven Feinberg's The Advantage-Makers: How Exceptional Leaders Win by Creating Opportunities Others Don't.

The author of this book is intelligent and thoughtful in her approach to starting a business. This book is completely different than other books I have read on this topic. Instead of espousing the standard "so you're starting a business" rhetoric, Ms. Bulger helped me to evaluate my goals from a point of view that is more realistic for my particular life. She provides plenty of exercises to help you get through the planning steps of starting a business, and she has many other references that are quite helpful. I really liked this book and will continue to use it as a reference.

This book was an excellent source for inspiration on many levels. It challenges the reader to think outside of the narrow path that the step-by-step business development plan suggests. The author provides insightful exercises for the reader to contemplate the desires behind a developing business idea. She also suggests as she believes that there is a greater power out there who has a hand on the successful and sometimes not so successful outcomes that should always be chalked up as learning lessons or blessings in life. It is an amazing and easy read that would be an excellent course requirement for any university business program.

The author has provided an excellent framework for examining one's goals and personal beliefs, and will help in creating a cohesive strategy to keep their life in balance. This book is a must read for anyone interested in starting up a business they feel passionate about.

The Enlightened Entrepreneur, by Grace Bulger, is not your ordinary "how to" book. It starts with the simple premise of creating a business from the "inside out", from one's passions. Developing a business is not simple, but with Ms. Bulger's advise, insights and poignant questions, you can mold your passions into a successful business. From experience, I highly recommend her book.

This is the best book of its kind, and, as we all know, there are thousands of books on finance and money matters available. It has Suze Ormond beat hands down. This book is informative, amusing, and well written. It deals with a topic that can at times be dry, but because of the breezy style and frequent use of personal anecdotes and quotes from other well-known financial people, this book is a fast read. One of its great features is that each chapter deals with a separate and specific topic, so that one can read the chapters out of order as one's interest dictates, or skip chapters altogether that are not of particular interest. Another excellent feature not found in other books of this kind is the workbook which allows you to assess your level of understanding. In conclusion, this woman really knows her stuff. I thought I knew a lot about money, but I knew a lot more after reading this book.

Lorayne's financial advice parallels that of Warren Buffet! She is adament about gaining control of your personal finances and suggests simple yet extremely effective ways to accomplish this. Her stories are as comical as witty, and to imagine this city gal off in the midst of the bucolic backwoods is as comedic a senario as on could imagine. Although I have never met her, Lorayne's vivacious personality pours out through every page and her motivation and love of finances becomes very infectious. It is my civic duty and fiduciary responsibility to implore you to take charge of your finances by leanding her an ear! Get one hell of a financial workout with her! If you seek financial freedom-this is the information that will send you sprinting to the bank, laughing all the way!

This is the best book of its kind, and, as we all know, there are thousands of books on finance and money matters available. It has Suze Ormond beat hands down. This book is informative, amusing, and well written. It deals with a topic that can at times be dry, but because of the breezy style and frequent use of personal anecdotes and quotes from other well-known financial people, this book is a fast read. One of its great features is that each chapter deals with a separate and specific topic, so that one can read the chapters out of order as one's interest dictates, or skip chapters altogether that are not of particular interest. Another excellent feature not found in other books of this kind is the workbook which allows you to assess your level of understanding. In conclusion, this woman really knows her stuff. I thought I knew a lot about money, but I knew a lot more after reading this book.

I found this book very informative and helpful. It is well written and keeps you interested. It is not just a bunch of boring financial dribble. I would have given it 5 stars but there were some sections in the book that did not apply at all to me so I skipped a few chapters. Overall a good book especially for those who want to head a certain direction financially but just don't quite know how.

Buyers beware!!! This book is huge... Amazon should give its dimensions, but I am guessing more than a foot long and 3/4 foot wide. Great reading about history -- if you have strong arms and a sturdy table.

If you thought the TNT "Pirates of Silicon Valley" was good, this expounds so much the TV show left out. This story held me spellbound as it encompassed the whole history of the modern computer. It starts with a young college professor who dwells on the binary numbers taught to him by his mother. He makes a drum with paper capacitors that when spun, the drum would charge the paper and he could perform calculations.

You will understand why Bill Gates is a billionaire - he is probably one the most ruthless & resourceful people ever. Learn how his unkempt appearance is part of his strategy to destroy his competitors.

The whole book read like a mystery novel. Anyone in the IT world will realize that they only had a few pieces of the story - this book fills in the blanks. The insights of the author are amazing. I've read hundreds of books - this is the best secular book I've ever read.

After buying the book I was a little scaptic about this book keeping me intrested but rather than being too technical and 'professional' the book is more like a drama with alot of winners and losers.It was a great inspiring experience-reading stories like the ones about bill gates,steve jobs and his body 'woz'.The book floats along the evolution of the computer industry,the IBM empire,the Microsoft phenomenen throght the stories of the people who made it and those who couldn't stay in the top.A must read for every person who has some computer background who wants to know how it all started and also for the not-yet computer fan who just wants a good read.

These really are "stories" rather than commentaries. A born storyteller, Young presents what he calls "inspiring tales of the entrepreneurs and inventors who revolutionized modern business." They include the "pioneers and pirates" who developed the prototype for the first commercial computers as well as Thomas J. Watson, Jr., William Shockley, Jack Kilby, Jay Forrester, Edwin De Castro, Douglas Engelbart, Bob Noyce, Andy Grove, & Gordon Moore, Edward Roberts, Steve Jobs & Steve Wozniak, Don Estridge, Lew Eggbrecht, Bill Gates & Paul Allen, Tom Carter, Bill McGowan, Craig McCaw, Bob Taylor, Steve Case, and Marc Andreesen.

Perhaps at least a few of these names are unfamiliar to you. That is one of the great benefits of this book: It introduces a "cast" of literally hundreds of different "characters", most of them probably unfamiliar to most readers. I was fascinated to learn how important their "roles" were...how significant the impact of their work has proven to be.

For whom will this book be of greatest interest? Probably for those such as I who enjoy a story well-told, who have a keen interest in knowing more about various "entrepreneurs and inventors who revolutionized modern business", and who appreciate having what amounts to a frame-of-reference within which to understand current and future developments. Also, Young's book will suggest additional readings such as full-length biographies of the major "characters" in the "tales" he has told so well.

I recently took a business class at a top university in Los Angeles. I found this book to really help with the class and with my ideas for expanding a small business overseas. I'm sending this book to some college student friends in Business who will really benefit by using this book. I liked the way Foley made use of the Internet.

I have read several books on the export industry and this is by far the very best. In fact, it is actually the most enjoyable text book I have ever read---and I have read a lot. It is organized in a logical and progressive method, the writing style is clear and engaging, it breaks down complicated issues into bite-size paragraphs, it is chock full of great examples and the author includes real-life export industry illustrations from a personal standpoint. At also includes some humor, which is rare for a text book.

Global Trade is a complex world. Understanding it is not easy and needs practice. James Foley has done an outstanding job in detailing in simple language what we need to know to thoroughly understand the nature of Global Business! I have seldom read a book that is so well written on the topic and I believe he has done a tremendous service to the International Community!
Having been an educator in Global Trade for the past almost two years, I feel that this book is indeed the genuine article for anyone who wants a well rounded knowledge about several aspects of our complex Global Business World!
Bravo, James! You are a benchmark for future authors on the subject!

This book is by far the most comprehensive and practical look at entering international trade I've found. When seeking to educate yourself in a particular subject, many books discuss What you need to do, few actually delineate How to accomplish your goals. Mr. Foley's book presents a definitive real-world and clear picture to help individuals and growing companies enter the global marketplace. Upon seeking to develop an export trading company, I have found this book a vital companion in my quest, and the reason why I have the CGBP (Certified Global Business Professional) credential today. 5 stars is not enough!
-B. Ingram, S.A., Texas

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Philliber for RebeccasReads (12/08)


There are love letters, and there are works of love. Arlene Klein has given us a work of love with "The Grandfather of Possibilities: Inventor - Entrepreneur - Athlete". This little, 98-page piece, is truly an inspirational biography about the author's husband, Ron Klein. There is no doubt that Arlene Klein adores her husband, and there is no doubt that Ron Klein is a brilliant and resourceful man.

Better than any stone memorial or statue, Arlene Klein has skillfully written of the achievements of her husband, bringing out the radiance of his can-do attitude, his inventiveness, his love for her, their children and grandchildren, their Wilshire Terriers, and life itself. "The Grandfather of Possibilities: Inventor - Entrepreneur - Athlete" is a short read that would take the average person no longer than two hours to accomplish, but it will be a fun, stirring, uplifting two hours.

If you're looking for a break from the plastic novels, depressing news journals, and brain-crushing technical material, then I would recommend taking a short jaunt into the peaceful waters of "The Grandfather of Possibilities: Inventor - Entrepreneur - Athlete" for a little R and R for your soul. And the next time you use your credit card, you'll happily remember Ron Klein, and his sunny "Yes I can" outlook. Thanks Arlene.

For me, Ron Klein has and always will be an inspiration. Arlene wrote beautifully and with such love about her husband. Anyone who knows them, are aware how inspirational Ron is. Those who are looking for inspiration in their life, Arlene's book of Ron's life shows what "positive attitude" can bring to one's self and family. DMT

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and truly kept my attention. What an inspiration Ron Klein is to others! His positive attitude and thirst for learning enables him to achieve whatever he sets out to do. I felt his "Lessons for Life" can be beneficial information for anyone.

I have known Ron for many years. He has inspired and taught many to succeed in spite of their problems. Arlene has done an excellent job in telling his story. George Renner Retired NYSE