2 comments about Shaping the Skyline: The World According to Real Estate Visionary Julien Studley.

1. The author, Peter Hellman, walks us through Julien Studley's upbringing and professional life in a story-telling manner that is fun, engaging, and full of interesting details. His quotes from individuals and depiction of Studley are not imbalanced with ingratiating self-promotion -- like that of other real estate "tycoon" books. Rather he tries to portray a soft-spoken, strong-willed immigrant who's seen every kind of deal in NYC. Ultimately, one may not be entirely convinced that Studley was "Shaping the Skyline" of NYC, but that he is an unusual character that played a part in NYC's real estate history as a broker.
   
   In this authorized biography, Studley aims to demonstrate that amongst a crowd of boisterous competitive brokers he is sophisticated and honorable with some examples within the context of some deals. Because of his Holocaust-escaping experience, he speaks several European languages and immigrated to the US with a strong sense of purpose and survival skills. After decades of street-smarts and experience-led-wisdom, his rough edges may have been softened, but his skills as a negotiator and arbiter are amongst the best.
   
   Reason for a 4-star (rather than a 5-star) rating is the author tends to exaggerate the impact of brokers on real estate developments and outcomes. Although understandable because his sources are mainly brokers, one does question the reality of intermediaries -- even those as successful as Studley. Similar to why high-energy sales people may never make good CEOs, front-line brokers are unaware or uninterested in the complexities of how property developments materialize after the paper marked "sale" is signed. For instance, on pg 131, Michael Colacino, a high-performance broker, is described as completing Time Warner's innovative $1 billion synthetic lease. The analysis, due diligence, and decision to execute a synthetic lease involve a company's lawyers and bankers far more than its broker. And for a broker to claim a leading role on a synthetic lease deal causes the reader to wonder about the bravado during that particular interview.
   
   Another mild disappointment about the book is that it spends many chapters talking about Studley's company and not about him. Anecdotally, it talks about their company outings, offices, and managers but the reader is left wondering how does this relate to the "visionary" and his story. I would have rather seen chapters about Studley's homelife, how he invests, or evolving religious views.
   
   In sum, however, a good book and an entertaining read that can inspire a real estate professionals or not -- alike.



2. I would encourage anyone to read this book if you are interested in learning more about how Commercial Real Estate Brokerage works. Especially if you are currently a broker, this book is for you.
   
   However, if you want to learn about development of huge commercial real estate projects, this book might not be what your looking for. It goes in-depth on deals made over the last 40 years in NYC but speaks more on the sales/leasing end and less on the development end.
   
   However the man's story is a great American Dream turned true and will no doubt give you a great look into the Commercial Real Estate world.

1 comments about Benjamin Graham Classic Collection.

1. Benjamin Graham's ideas formed a framework of thinking about the stock market that has inspired the investment community for nearly a century." Graham's method of investing is as relevant today as it was when he first espoused it during the Roaring Twenties. For the first time investors have the opportunity to collect together Graham's seminal works on value investing, supply and demand, production and consumption, and cyclical inflation and deflation, as well as global economic structures. Ben Graham's autobiography and rarely seen personal photos allow readers to get a complete picture of the personal and professional life of Graham. Graham ranks as this century's (and perhaps history's) most important thinker on applied portfolio investment. Graham's theories are fully explained and illustrated in these three seminal works.

2 comments about Provolone in the Casket: Memoirs of a Mortician.

1. I graduated from Sussex Tech in 1999, proud to have had Mr. Montimurro as a teacher & a friend. He's seen some interesting things in his line of work, and told our class many a good story; the best I found out he saved for the book! Well written & enjoyable even if you're not invovled in mortuary science.



2. Yes, Yes. It is time for another raving (-ly mad) book review from the mind of Sussex Tech Sophmore, Tom Duff. Please use caution...this review may not make any sense, and may induce headaches, leg cramping, and paranoia. Dear fellow readers, I want to first start off by telling you that I have not read this book as of yet. I plan to in the very near future though, as I feel a strange connection to the authors. You see, Mr. Montimuro and Mr. Higbe are teachers at the school I attend, Sussex County Technical School, in Sparta, NJ. I feel that anything that is written by a person in my area is worth reading. By the title, "Provolone in the Casket: Memoirs of a Mortician", it seems to already titilate my senses. Please enjoy reading this book, and remember, though Sussex Tech may not be strong in Football, we make up for it in the culinary arts department's secret underground funeral home. Yum!

5 comments about Fabric of Dreams: Designing My Own Success.

1. This is a story all young men and women should read...it is truly the story of "the American Dream" come to life...it demonstrates what tenacity and chutzpah can accomplish in the very competetive fashion world.
   I'm fortunate enough to own several of Mr. Hankins' designs, and knowing the story behind the clothing is wonderful.
   I was very pleased with this book.



2. This book is outstanding! I reccomend this book to anyone who can get their hands on it. It is a true story of hard work, determination, strongness, and much more. This book is written in such a way that you feel as if you know Anthony Mark Hankins personally. I loved it!



3. In response to Kirkus Reviews, why wouldn't consumers want to know about a designer of such determination and talent? It's like your saying because AMH is young and not yet as common a household name as Calvin Klein that his life and accomplishments don't deserve recognition. His story has given many aspiring designers, myself included the confidence to reach for their dreams.



4. With today's society, it often seems that we have little to do with our destiny. In this book, Hankins descibes a clear interpretation of his life. He also shares his commitment to success without compromising his integrity. This is a rare find in the world of business!!! The book is written from a sincere and personal aspect which allows the reader to feel as if the opportunity to know Hankins is contained in these pages. Delightful and inspiring describe the overall feel of the text. Highly recommend to read if you desire to make a career of design your goal. Hankins set the goal and achieved it, thus proving his participation in creating his destiny. He continues to 'raise the bar' in his career from what I have seen. Look forward to the sequel!!!!



5. A remarkable story of success in the ever competitive fashion and corporate world. Anthony is a definite inspiration and envy of many young and struggling. Follow your heart and your dreams seems to be the theme of this book. We all need that fabric of dreams talk every so often in our lives. I could not help but conclude this book with a big old smile!!!!

No comments about From Foot Soldier to Finance Minister: Takahashi Korekiyo, Japan's Keynes (Harvard East Asian Monographs).

2 comments about Life in the Pinball Machine: Careening from There to Here.

1. For years I have looked for a credible book that traced the lineage of human and organizational performance improvement. All others had biases and lapses. This book written by one of the Masters who helped define and develop this field has written the best account of our lineage I have ever seen. It is beautifully written--clear, concise, accurate, and human--and meets (no, exceeds) my expectations.

   It is a must for any student (senior or starting) in our field.




2. Although I selected Dr. Mager from all of the experts in the early 1960's to work with a major management consulting firm to introduce programmed instruction into European countries, and have stayed in touch since then, I learned more about him and his genius as I turned each page of this book. It is essential reading for everyone in the fields of education, training and management.

1 comments about From Fargo to the World of Brands: My Story So Far.

1. On the surface, a light and fun book about growing up in the fifties and sixties, much like my parents, aunts and uncles and generally being pretty "square". Again much like my family....unless they aren't telling me something. Especially intersting because I know many of the characters (Dave is the Father of my very close friend.)
   
   Underneath that is fascinating insight into Dave's profession, which I knew very little about and his leading role in its evolvement. I Recommmend this book.

5 comments about Nothing to Fall Back On: The Life and Times of a Perpetual Optimist.

1. At first , I almost put this book down , because the first chapter did not grab me. Im glad i read this though because it is an excellent account of makiing it in the business while failing in the buisiness at the same time, confronting internal politics, office nemises, and personal crises. A good book and especially relevant to anyine who works int eh publishing industry.



2. Betsy Carter's autobiography is truly interesting and a joy to read. You'll laugh and sometimes you'll cry, but you will never be bored. If you want to know what it's like to live and work the high-paced New York life in a unique and personal way, this book will give you the feeling.
   
   Betsy shows us what it was like to grow up in the 50s and 60s, from New York to Miami and then on to being "a journalist in New York." She blithely details the trials and tribulations she's been through without wallowing in them, showing her true optimism and connectedness to life.
   
   I fell in love with Betsy's sister, Miriam, and Betsy's amazing mother. Don't miss Betsy's mother's comment upon learning Betsy had been secretly going to Bible school. Even with tough times, Betsy Carter is a truly blessed person.
   
   The book is extremely well written and edited, in fact, this may be the best edited book of its type I've ever read. She manages to convey whole chapters of converesation with just a line or two of dialog.
   
   I will immediately, if not sooner, pick up the two fiction books Betsy has written since this autobiography. She's just that good a writer
   
   Rading this book made me feel like I was reading something written by a good friend. Highly recommended, especially to women.



3. I didn't realize that this was an autobiography. It reads like fiction. I know very little about the magazine world, but I have a distinct feeling that Carter really showed us an inside peek into it. I had a little trouble keeping up with all the friends, colleagues, loves, etc., so I just concentrated & listened beyond that. I really enjoyed reading Carter's upbeat attitude on life. Yes, she's definitely an optimist and no, that doesn't automatically classify you as silly or stupid. All the curves that life has thrown this woman, it'd be easy to let them all blanket her in despair. Yet, Carter only gained strength & wisdom at each point.
   A few people have mentioned they had a hard time following b/c of the way she moves from past to present so frequently. If you can relax & really immerse yourself in the book, you won't even notice that. Obviously, she did that for affect & wanted readers to get the "full circle" feel of her story.
   I liked the book very much. A real slice of life. I love the way she has handled everything. I wish Ms. Carter much happiness & hope readers pick this book up & are inspired by her as I've been.



4. I haven't finished this book yet, but I am very hesitant in doing so. I'm about a quarter of the way into it and am totally bored. I saw the ad in a magazine and it sounded interesting. The details she gives in some parts are just not needed as someone else stated. I hope it gets more interesting. She definitely makes me want to write a book about my life because it is way more interesting than hers. I figure if she can publish an autobiography than I definitely could get a deal in a second. Sorry I just find this book not worth reading anymore.



5. While her resume sparkles, Betsy Carter does not live up to the promise of her editorial credits. The facts of her story are certainly interesting, but Carter's observations of her own fate are removed and somewhat clinical, rather than compelling and empathetic. Her story weaves back and forth between her childhood, young adulthood and careerhood in a poorly structured manner that is confusing to the reader and does the story no favors. My hopes were so high for this book and I was sorely disappointed. Readers are tired of the "woman overcoming adversity story." This one could have stood out with more emotion and less antisepticism.

2 comments about The Steinway Saga: An American Dynasty.

1. Get Lieberman's book (or Susan Goldeberg's) if the subject matter interests you. If you're hungry for more Steinway lore, I suggest you read Lieberman's book again, because this one is a mess. What appears on the surface to be a well-researched biography of the Steinway family becomes an excuse for telling various sordid scandals of the day, some of which are totally unrelated to the subject matter at hand, and many of which are purely speculative on the part of the author (I cannot count the number of times the words "possibly" and "perhaps" appear in the text.)

   Worse yet is the author's "creative" writing style, in which every third or fourth sentence is twisted into some obscure metaphor. Every time the story threatens to take flight on its own, Fostle steps in with an inappropriate comment, awkward analogy, or meaningless statistic (he likes to count the number of days between events and the number of words within speeches.) I felt as if I were trapped in an elevator with a second-rate creative writing workshop student.

   Underneath all of the stylistic effluvia lies an on-again, off-again biography of William Steinway. If Fostle had simply gotten out of the way and told the story, we might have had something here. But as things stand, this is a tiring, tedious read. If you're a true Steinway aficionado, you'll probably seek this out regardless of what I've just said. Just don't say you weren't warned. If you're new to the subject matter, the true "Steinway Saga" begins and ends with Lieberman's book.




2. A long book to be read unhurried and thoughtfully. The 19th c. period is an overview of commerce "red in tooth and claw." Concerns were often different but methods much the same as now, perhaps even rougher. The last 50 pages or so hits you like a waterfall of bad decisions, bad management, and incredible lack of understanding of what pianos were and are. A very rich book indeed.

1 comments about The Molsons: Their Lives and Times: 1780-2000.

1. A must for biography lovers. The story of the Molsons - their businesses, their family - comes alive thanks to the author's style, which draws us into the private world of the Molsons. There is drama and charm in a book that chronicles the history of Canada along with one of the country's foremost families. Excellently researched; extremely readable. Loved the photos too. A very satisfying book.