Wendykenney.

At first I was cynical because I'm not a huge fan of business books disguised as fairy tales. But after just about 5 seconds I was engulfed in the story and couldn't wait to get to the end. Of course, real life success doesn't come as quick or as easy as it did for Joe at the end, but you get the picture. Enjoyable, inspiring listen!

Mark Kelly began documenting Gabby's treatment almost immediately after she was injured as a way to show her progress and to help encourage her when she was down. This book takes us behind the scenes and into the hospital room and even into his own mind as to what they were thinking and doing and why. It's been a hard road, but in spite of that, Mark and Gabby are taking this tragedy and turning it into something good. This book is sad at times, but also insightful and inspiring. Of course, the added bonus is that the book is narrated by the author. I can only imagine how difficult that was for Mark. So I hope you will cut him some slack as you listen and remember he's an astronaut, not an actor! . A worthwhile listen!

If you read just one book this year, this one has to be it. I've read some amazing stories in my life and this one ranks up there as one of the best.

As a young boy Louis Zamperini was a holy terror to say the least. At only 10 years old he began stealing, running away, smoking, drinking and fighting. His parents couldn't control him and were at their wits' ends. In high school, after getting in trouble and running away for what seemed like the millionth time his brother encouraged him to take up running as a hobby and he did, breaking record after record for the fastest mile, and earning himself a spot on the US Olympic team.

Next thing you know Louis ends up in World War II, and his survival is nothing short of a miracle.

Read the the New York Times review for a more complete synopsis, and then get this book.

If you're looking for an education in sex, drugs, and rock'n roll, then this book will not disappoint. Steven (please don't call him Steve) goes into all aspects of his over 40 years of "living the dream" and some of his recounts are very graphic.

This book isn't as much an autobiography as it is a response to all of the people who have written or shared info about him in the past. It's more of a "well yeah, but you were doing drugs too," kind of thing.

This book reads like a school boy's recount of the "good old days." The years of drug addiction, sex addiction and codependency (he says he's been treated for all of those) are recalled almost with a romantic fondness. And, unless I missed it, nowhere in the book is there a an expression of remorse over the lives that were affected or promises that were broken.

I do give Steven kudos for telling his side of the story. You get the sense of who this man is and this is what I see; enigmatic, funny, rebellious, egocentric, family-loving, contradicting, brilliant and more. I also give him kudos for voluntarily going to rehab as many times as he has. You can't help but love him though. I wish him all the best.

At first I wasn't sure I would like this book. It started out with a melancholy tone as Rob told about his childhood; about feeling like he never fit in, and about the break up of his parent's marriage. But a few chapters later it switched to a more neutral tone. Rob brought up many of his antics and relationships as a young man, but this wasn't a tell all. If you're looking to get any juicy details you'll be sorely disappointed because he doesn't elaborate much on the controversies or relationships in his life other than to acknowledge them.

What he does elaborate on, however, is how he got into the acting, and what it was like for him behind the scenes on the Outsiders and a couple of other movies. I especially enjoyed his accounts of meeting Liza Minnelli, and of his relationship with John Kennedy. These "rest of the story" vignettes are packaged like little surprises throughout the book and they are such a delight. Also, Rob Lowe is the narrator and he does some amazing impressions of Tom Cruise and Patrick Swayze; an added bonus for listeners of the ebook. Overall I enjoyed this book and am proud of the man that Rob Lowe has become today.

I'm not usually a critic but I found this book shallow. Each chapter was from the point of view of a different character; either a maid or the protagonist, "Skeeter." I found it disconcerting that regardless of whose chapter it was, the white characters were portrayed for the most part as timid, shallow, and without a clue. Is that a true representation of the women on the south in the 60's? I hope not. In any case, while I felt the book was an entertaining and interesting listen, I felt that it was lacking in the depth necessary to cover a subject so important.

This book is part autobiography, part inspiration. As a business owner I enjoyed every minute of it. You'll be inspired by the determination of these guys. As they will tell you, they weren't an overnight success, and, if it weren't for a little luck, they may not have made it at all. Very inspiring.

Love this book about Ms. T. Fey's life to date. You get the "rest of the story" about her time on Saturday Night Live and how she came to play Ms. Palin. Tina narrates this book herself and it's almost like a conversation with a friend, although this friend is funnier than hell. Very enjoyable listen. My only complaint, it was over too soon!! Thanks for sharing a little bit about your life Tina. You rock!

No practical advice or tips here. This book was an infomercial for Michael's venture, "The Dreaming Room." Don't get me wrong, I love the E-Myth. This just wasn't what I was looking for.

Same stuff, different package. He doesn't even sound like he's enthused.