... and then there are books where people recount what happened to them.
For those of us who have trodden similar paths, or who plan to take those paths, these can be fascinating.
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Diary of an Adman, by Chris Epting - 2003
Toward the end of Chris Epting's book, he muses as to whether the reader will come away with any kernels of knowledge or wisdom regarding what he's input, in diary form, of a copywriter, author, photojournalist, historian, lecturer, star gazer, husband, father, mentor and friend who has struck out on his own, after 20 some years under the corporate thumb.
By then it's too late to wonder.
By then the reader is so filled to overflowing with enthusiasm about the possibilities in his or her own life that finishing the book and having at it is the prime concern and goal.
This is a fast, thoroughly enjoyable read that mixes the balancing act of intertwining family and work life with a road not taken first hand account of a trapeze act without benefit of net. And in between the day by day account of Mr. Epting's own first year, we get juicy tidbits of corporate gossip, historical ad biz references, and a forty year old's Doogie Howser-like philosophical musings on all manner of life's bits and bobs.
To buy via Amazon.com, click here
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Flat Earth News, by Nick Davies - 2008
"Absolutely fascinating read for anyone interested in the media. I always thought that the media could be manipulated, but never did I think that it was to this extent and with such malice and cynicism."
"A truly disturbing investigation into how the modern media has been corrupted to provide a distorted view of the 'news'. If you read any of the non-red top papers it provides a fascinating insight to what has happened to the whole concept of journalism in the last 30 or 40 years and it's not what you may think."
"As he mentions in the chapter `The Private Life of Public Relation', PR firms inject falsehood into the British media so surreptitiously which the weekly columnists are completely oblivious to."
"He cites a Cardiff University study of four quality papers which found that 60% of their home news stories were wholly from wire agencies, mainly the Press Association, or PR material, 20% partially so, 8% from unknown sources, and just 12% generated by reporters. The Press Association reports only what is said, it has no time to check whether it is true. There are now more PR people, 47,800, than journalists, 45,000."
To buy via Amazon.co.uk, click here
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Sliced bread, by L. W. Martin - 2007
Sliced Bread is a collection of humorous, entertaining and educational stories gleaned from years of experience in wholesale and retail, commercial bread sales.
Here is a glimpse of how things were and how the industry evolved over time. Sliced Bread provides the reader with a bit of history that has been taken for granted. How does bread get from the bakery to the rack in your favorite market? Is one brand really better than another?
Meet a special breed of men who were willing to start their work day at 4:00 AM and return home after dark- six days each week. Join in their antics and pranks and gain an understanding of their motivations.
L.W. Martin is a charismatic storyteller who lived these stories. In this book he has opened a window to views you have never seen before. unless you were a "bread man."
To buy via Amazon.com, click here
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Trials and Tribulations of a Real Life Private Eye, by John M. Lajoie - 2007
When John Lajoie approached a bank for a loan to start his private investigation business in 1989, he had trouble convincing anyone he could turn the operation into a success.
Less than two decades later, Lajoie owns one of the largest investigative agencies in central Massachusetts and is regarded as one of the nation's leading private investigators.
Now, in Trials and Tribulations of a Real Life Private Eye, Lajoie tells his story, explaining the decisions and actions that allowed him to turn a struggling one-man operation into a successful agency.
From the details of his work on high-profile homicides cases and as a member of elite criminal defense teams to the death threats and personal struggles that come with success in a dangerous business, Lajoie describes the reality of the world of private investigation as only an expert can.
To view extract and/or buy via Author House, click here
To buy via Amazon.com, click here
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My Life as a Corporate Goddess, by Jane C. Rosen - 2006
Using intelligent satire, Jane Rosen brings new life and insight to the ongoing dialogue for women in leadership. She takes a daring, sacrilegious approach to the issues of what women have accomplished, what hurdles remain in the climb up the corporate ladder and, how to overcome those hurdles in heels.
Women in business need a good laugh and this book hits that funny bone chapter after chapter. An entertaining read that will inform, uplift and inspire.
After all, if the Goddess could share the Acropolis with the great Gods of Greek mythology, then why can’t she share a seat alongside the mere mortals of the corporate boardroom?
To view extract and/or buy via Author House, click here
To buy via Amazon.com, click here
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31 Months in Japan: The Building of a Theme Park, by Larry K. and Lorna Collins - 2005
From the very first chapter, "31 Months in Japan : The Building of a Theme Park" by Larry K. and Lorna Collins, immerses the reader in a fascinating discovery of Japanese culture and the ingenious secrets that make the magic of a theme park real. This detailed and personal account of the trials and surprises involved in creating Universal Studios Japan is told in a warm familiar voice that many times had me musing that I would have reacted the same way as the narrators.
The Collins embark on their adventure with enthusiasm and open hearts, and this attitude enables them to make meaningful contact with their Japanese hosts, not just in the workplace where they face the challenges of turning dreams of an exciting theme park into smoothly-functioning reality, but also on the busy and often confusing streets of Osaka. If you wish to experience a view of another culture that goes beyond rapid tourist impressions or the surface veneer of international negotiations, this book is for you.
To buy via Amazon.com, click here
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Jakarta Journal: Confessions of a Software Road Warrior, by B. Abraham - 2001
How many so-called “road warriors”, the traveling foot soldiers of today’s global economy, are out there right now in an airport lounge, or alone in a hotel room with nothing but a notebook computer?
Jakarta Journal is the spontaneous diary of one of them.
"If you've ever been on the road, alone, away from home and your family -- on assignment, selling, taking classes -- then you will be moved by Abraham's reflections on two tough but intense weeks in Jakarta.
The book is made up of a series of e-mail messages home. By sharing these messages, Abraham lets the rest of us get a glance of a world we do not know (and a new way of looking at a world many know all to well).
To buy via Amazon.com, click here
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Antidotal Poetry for Career & Personal Success, by Marilyn Carroll - 2007
Antidotal Poetry for Career and Personal Success is a must read for anyone who has ever gone through an organizational downsize, corporate restructure, career or leadership challenge.
Whether one is contemplating career or personal changes or trying to regain footing during an organizational transformation, you will benefit from the insights and personal introspection generated by this work of self.
The poems call for change, the betterment of mankind, and organizational success.
Antidotal Poetry is the first of its kind focusing on career and personal success while creating a new poetic genre. It is an easy read, and those not normally drawn to poetry are sure to develop a new found appreciation for this form of knowledge exchange.
To buy via Amazon.com, click here
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