Promises I Made My Mother By David Rensin

Amazon.com Review
Book Description
What would my mother say? How would she want me to handle this situation? How can I make this tough decision and stay true to myself?

What would my mother say?

Sam Haskell still asks himself these questions every day.

When Haskell was young, his devoted mother, Mary, instilled in her son the values of character, faith, and honor by setting an example and asking him to promise to live his life according to her lessons. He did, and those promises have served Haskell consistently from his Mississippi boyhood to his long career at the venerable William Morris Agency in Beverly Hills.

In this inspiring memoir full of touching stories and amusing anecdotes, Haskell reveals how he kept his pledge to his mother to live a decent life–even in the shark-infested waters of Hollywood, where he handled the hottest stars and packaged the highest-rated shows–by refusing to become the cliché of an amoral agent. Here is Haskell as a child in Amory, Mississippi (pop. 7,000), discovering the power of hope as he waits for an unlikely visit from the “Cheer Man” (a representative of the detergent company who gave ten dollars to anyone using the brand), learning humility after pursuing an eighth-grade “Good Citizenship” award he cockily assumed he’d win, confronting the complications of human character when a near-fatal car crash exposed his judgmental father’s true nature.

Years later, in Hollywood, Haskell would rely on his mother’s teachings–honesty, self-reliance, and belief in God–as he swiftly rose from the William Morris mailroom to eventually become the company’s Worldwide Head of Television. His capacity for friendship and his insistence on living his version of the Golden Rule (being “thoughtfully political”) allowed him to handle various client crises and the tense negotiations that nearly scuttled the last years of Everybody Loves Raymond and the entire existence of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Haskell has achieved success through self-respect, and from his story we learn how we, too, can maintain our dignity when faced with life’s challenges. This stirring memoir is a testament to mothers everywhere who instill in their sons the lasting values they need to become good men and devoted fathers.

A Look Inside Promises I Made My Mother

Click on thumbnails for larger images

Sam Haskell with Ray RomanoSam Haskell and his motherThe cast of Stars Over Mississippi

Review
“My friend Sam Haskell’s journey has taken him from rural Mississippi to the great cities of the world—including The White House and Buckingham Palace. This book will tell you exactly how he did it. He had an inspirational mother who taught him life’s lessons!”—Morgan Freeman

“My friend Sam Haskell’s Promises I Made My Mother is a portrait of character—something mothers and sons should read together while celebrating one of the greatest bonds that exist in the world today!”—Lily Tomlin

“Sam Haskell is an anomaly in Hollywood. He brings to this book his humor, his honor and his unique perspective on how to live life. He is a great friend.”—Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS

“I’ve always wondered how Sam Haskell survived in Hollywood, a viper’s nest that would make any asp jealous! Sam always treated everyone with respect and behaved with honor. Now having read Promises I Made My Mother, I understand that Sam found success by being true to himself and keeping his promises to his mother. It’s all in the breeding, and for you, it’s all in the reading!”—Doris Roberts, actress, Everybody Loves Raymond

“My friend Sam Haskell has revealed aspects of his life that even I didn’t know…Promises I Made My Mother is an eye opening read for anyone who has the capacity to dream.”—Dolly Parton

“It has been over 30 years since I signed on as Sam’s first client right out of the mail room at the William Morris Agency. He has kept his promises to his beloved mother and to all the rest of us who owe him so much. This book is a must read for anyone who hopes to find ‘true’ success in any field…the kind that lasts forever.”—Kathie Lee Gifford

From the Hardcover edition. –This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Why Buy A Promises I Made My Mother By David Rensin?
Book Description What would my mother say? How would she want me to handle this situation? How can I make this tough decision and stay true to myself?

What would my mother say?

Sam Haskell still asks himself these questions every day.

When Haskell was young, his devoted mother, Mary, instilled in her son the values of character, faith, and honor by setting an example and asking him to promise to live his life according to her lessons. He did, and those promises have served Haskell consistently from his Mississippi boyhood to his long career at the venerable William Morris Agency in Beverly Hills.

In this inspiring memoir full of touching stories and amusing anecdotes, Haskell reveals how he kept his pledge to his mother to live a decent life–even in the shark-infested waters of Hollywood, where he handled the hottest stars and packaged the highest-rated shows–by refusing to become the cliché of an amoral agent. Here is Haskell as a child in Amory, Mississippi (pop. 7,000), discovering the power of hope as he waits for an unlikely visit from the “Cheer Man” (a representative of the detergent company who gave ten dollars to anyone using the brand), learning humility after pursuing an eighth-grade “Good Citizenship” award he cockily assumed he’d win, confronting the complications of human character when a near-fatal car crash exposed his judgmental father’s true nature.

Years later, in Hollywood, Haskell would rely on his mother’s teachings–honesty, self-reliance, and belief in God–as he swiftly rose from the William Morris mailroom to eventually become the company’s Worldwide Head of Television. His capacity for friendship and his insistence on living his version of the Golden Rule (being “thoughtfully political”) allowed him to handle various client crises and the tense negotiations that nearly scuttled the last years of Everybody Loves Raymond and the entire existence of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Haskell has achieved success through self-respect, and from his story we learn how we, too, can maintain our dignity when faced with life’s challenges. This stirring memoir is a testament to mothers everywhere who instill in their sons the lasting values they need to become good men and devoted fathers.

A Look Inside Promises I Made My Mother Click on thumbnails for larger images

Sam Haskell with Ray Romano Sam Haskell and his mother The cast of Stars Over Mississippi

Customer Reviews & Opinions

THE GREATEST LOVE
I HAVE GREAT ADMIRATION FOR MARY! SHE HAD A SON WHO LIKED DIFFERENT THINGS THAN MOST BOYS HIS AGE WERE INTERESTED IN OR WOULD HAVE EVEN BEEN AWARE OF! HIS MOTHER NOT ONLY EMBRACED THESE DIFFERENCES BUT CELEBRATED THEM. SHE GAVE THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL AS SHE TAUGHT THROUGH HER LOVE TO ACCEPT, NUTURE AND BELIEVE THAT EVERYTHING WAS POSSIBLE. IT’S A HEARTWARMING STORY, TO SEE THAT THE BOY CONTINUED HIS MOTHERS TEACHINGS AND IMPLEMENTED THE VERY SAME BASICS INTO HIS OWN ADULT LIFE IN A MUCH MORE “CLUTTERED” WORLD. IT IS AN EASY FAST READ AND AN IMPORTANT REMINDER THAT WHILE MOST OF OUR LIVES ARE NOT SIMPLE LIKE YESTERYEARS, WE CAN STILL HAVE SIMPLE VALUES.

Promises I Made My Mother by Sam Haskell
As a mom of two boys, a wife, Christian, big dreamer, a penny finder and, an entertainer who also has a strong love for my precious mom who raised 4 children pretty much alone…”Promises I Made My Mother” truly touched my life in so many ways. We have always raised our boys, now teens, to live with strong integrity and character and to follow and love God. We have always helped them to believe in their dreams and that their visions can become a reality when done for the right motives. Sam Haskell shares his dreams, his love for his incredible mother and the many lessons of life he endured to make it to where he is today. His life style and way of living speaks volumes in todays world where wrong seems right. He inspired me to keep going for my dreams and to continue to encourage our children to become all that they dream of! This book reminded me of how very special it is to be a “mother” and how important it is to live our lives in a way that influences our children in a positive way. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who needs encouragement,hope,good laughs,tears and motivation and wonderful uplifting quotes.

As a child witness to domestic violence with a parent who was addicted to substance abuse, this book refreshed my spirit. So get this book and grab a ham sandwich and some chips and enjoy…(you will have to read the book to find out what the ham sandwich is all about)a great lesson in life for everyone! I not only read this book, I studied it…so thank you Sam for sharing your life story and your precious mother with all of us. Joyce Glenn WagsterPromises I Made My Mother

A Must Read for EVRYONE!
i applaud mr. haskell on a magical, memorable and wonderful book. he has taken the life lesson’s his darling mother expressed to him throughout his growing up years and truly put them to work–both in his personal life and his professional life. from the moment i began reading this incredible book, i regretted the closer i came to it’s end. very rarely do you find such a book about a man, his character and his faith that leaves one wanting just one more chapter…and then…just another! (wishful thinking)

mr. haskell has realized the american dream by “staying in his light” (living truthfully to himself)…he has had the most incredible exchanges with some of the most incredible people in the entertainment business over his years at william morris….and has kept them as friends! he has kept his faith at the center of his life in a town that God is often prayed to for “things” and then God is often forgotten about when Sunday rolls around. he honors his mother by keeping her lessons alive each and every day….all this while also honoring the “man in the mirror” and not losing sight of his dream, his potential nor his passion!

i have passed this book on to my youngest daughter, she will pass it on to my husband and then it will be sent to my wonderful parents….i have recently purchased three additional copies…one for each of our other two children and one for a dear friend who, i know, will be as touched with each page as i was!

do yourself a favor…RUN, don’t walk to your nearest bookstore, purchase this book and start reading….i think it will be the most discussed, thought about and heartwarming book you will read this summer!

Must Read for all Parents
Just finished reading “Promises I Made My Mother” and suggest it as a must read for ALL parents, grandparents, foster parents, step-parents and anyone touching the lives of children. It is a true testament to how wonderful Sam’s Mother was as an influence and inspiration to he and his brothers. It really shows “the power of words” and how they can influence a young person’s life. Sam and Mary have touched so many lives and they continue to do so. I was truely blessed to have attended one of the Stars Over Mississippi and see their influence in this small Mississippi town and how the whole town embrasssed this event to support scholarships in the area. May they continue to be guided by their faith as they are used by God to do good works and influence lives! I’m starting my second reading of the book now!

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Prairie Tale: A Memoir By Melissa Gilbert

Why Buy A Prairie Tale: A Memoir By Melissa Gilbert?
A fascinatiating, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting tale of self-discovery from the beloved actress who earned a permanent place in the hearts of millions when she was just a child.

To fans of the hugely successful television series Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Gilbert grew up in a fantasy world with a larger-than-life father, friends and family she could count on, and plenty of animals to play with. Children across the country dreamed of the Ingalls idyllic life — and so did Melissa.

She was a natural on camera, but behind the scenes, life was more complicated. Adopted as a baby into a legendary show business family, Melissa wrestled with questions about her identity and struggled to maintain an image of perfection her mother created and enforced. Only after years of substance abuse, dysfunctional relationships, and made-for-television movies did she begin to figure out who she really was.

With candor and humor, the cherished actress traces her complicated journey from buck-toothed Laura Half-pint Ingalls to Hollywood starlet, wife, and mother. She partied with the Brat Pack, dated heartthrobs like Rob Lowe and bad boys like Billy Idol, and began a self-destructive pattern of addiction and codependence. Left in debt after her first marriage, and struggling to create some sense of stability, she eventually realized that her career on television had earned her popularity, admiration, and love from everyone but herself.

Through hard work, tenacity, sobriety, and the blessings of a solid marriage, Melissa has accepted her many different identities and learned to laugh, cry, and forgive in new ways. Women everywhere may have idolized her charming life on Little House on the Prairie, but Melissas own unexpectedly honest, imperfect, and down-to-earth story is an inspiration.

Customer Reviews & Opinions

Insightful memoir
As a huge Little House fan, I couldn’t wait to read this book. I never pay full price for a book, but didn’t hesitate to purchase this one. I spent two days fully engrossed in Melissa’s memoir. I thought she was very honest. Like her mother said in the beginning of the book-she could’ve gotten it all out and then burned it…I’m glad she didn’t.I really would love to hear what Rob Lowe thought of it! We all have in our minds the “Half Pint” image of her. It was interesting to hear what actually went on behind the scenes. She has been through a lot trying to discover who she really is. I’m glad she is happy now. I really enjoyed the book and will probably reread it at some point.

Great Book!
This was a great book. I was surprsied to see how “America’s Sweetheart” wasn’t all wholesome growing up. This book reveals all the truths, warts and all.

Long Time Fan
I grew up watching Melissa Gilbert. I was nervous about reading this book and then being jaded about her, Michael Landon or the series. I appreciate the guts and honesty it took her to write down the words. She is a truly classy lady…

Who wouldn’t want to read Half Pint’s book?
I am only a few chapters in, and I am so amazed at Melissa Gilbert’s memoir. Unlike so many child stars she was just like her character that will always live in many of our hearts, “Laura”. I grew up watching Little House and was addicted to the re-runs, and now own some of the dvd’s of the series. I admire and respect when celebrities show us that they are no different than anyone else, and that is what Melissa seems to convey right from the start. To have loved the Little House series and every movie that Melissa Gilbert has starred in, and to now get a behind the scenes look at what was going on is really a treat. I have not finished reading the book, but love it. I would say more but I really want to get back to the book!

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The Mad Ones: Crazy Joe Gallo And The Revolution At The Edge Of The Underworld By Tom Folsom

From
Bob Dylan immortalized Joey Gallo in a lengthy ballad romanticizing him and his cohort, and breathless contemporary tabloids enthusiastically agreed. Not exactly out to counter Gallo’s lovable thug persona, Folsom chronicles Gallo in highly readable, almost lyrical fashion. Joey frequented cultural hot spots like the Village, rubbing elbows with boulevardiers, pop stars, and poets. He wrote poetry and sought the media limelight with unheard-of fervor for a working mobster. That didn’t sit well with other gangsters in general and senior members of the Profaci (later Colombo) Mob family in particular. His self-promotion worked, however, and his icon status was assured when, like Dutch Schultz before him, he was gunned down in mid-bite at his favorite restaurant. During his raucous career, he warred with godfather Joseph Profaci and may have had a hand in the assassination of Profaci’s successor, Joe Colombo. More celebration than condemnation, Folsom’s invigorating read recalls an odd chapter in American Mob history, but then the late 1960s–early 1970s constitute an odd chapter in American social history generally. A fitting tribute. –Mike Tribby

Review
In vivid style–part Puzo, part Kerouac–Tom Folsom takes the reader back to a time when the underworld and the counterculture seemed to be on parallel tracks. Brutal and elegiac, the story of Crazy Joe and the Gallo brothers is one for the ages. The Mad Ones belongs on a shelf alongside the best of Breslin and Pileggi. –T.J. ENGLISH, author of Havana Nocturne and The Westies

Why Buy A The Mad Ones: Crazy Joe Gallo And The Revolution At The Edge Of The Underworld By Tom Folsom?
A POWERFUL COLLISION OF TRUE CRIME AND POP CULTURE, THE MAD ONES CAPTURES THE REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT OF THE SIXTIES AND BRINGS TO LIFE ONE OF THE MOST VIBRANT ANTIHEROES IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

The Mad Ones chronicles the rise and fall of the Gallo brothers, a trio of reckless young gangsters whose revolution against New York Citys Mafia was inspired by Crazy Joe Gallos forays into Greenwich Village counterculture.

Crazy Joe, Kid Blast, and Larry Gallo are steeped in legend, from Bob Dylans eleven-minute ballad Joey to fictionalizations central to The Godfather trilogy and Jimmy Breslins The Gang That Couldnt Shoot Straight. Called the toughest gang in the city by the NYPD, the Gallos hailed from the rough Red Hook neighborhood on the Brooklyn waterfront. As low-level Mafiosi, they were expected to serve their Don quietly, but the brothers stood apart from typical gangsters with their hip style, fierce ambition, and Crazy Joes manic idealism.

Joey aspired to be more than a common hood and immersed himself among the Beatniks and bohemians of the Village. Yearning to live the life of an artist, Joey wrote poetry, painted, and got his kicks devouring existential philosophy. Celebrated as the king of the streets by Dylan, Joey was embraced by the citys leading cultural figures as an antihero straight out of Camus.

Here, for the first time, is the complete story of the Gallos war against the powerful Cosa Nostra, an epic crime saga that culminates in Crazy Joes murder on the streets of Little Italy, where he was gunned down mid-bite into a forkful of spaghetti in 1972. The Mad Ones is a wildly satisfying entertainment and a significant work of cultural history.

Customer Reviews & Opinions

Mafia History
I have not read this book as yet, but I give it a high rating based on what other reviewers have said about it. In Nicky Barnes book (Mr Untouchable), he spoke about some of the conversations he had with Joe Gallo in prison. He said that Joe Gallo said that African Americans criminals should organize like the way the Italians were organized in the Mafia. He said they should control their own communities and not let the Italians control it. I have read that Joe Gallo believed that African Americans should become members of the Mafia. It has been said that Joe Gallo was responsible for the shooting of Joe Colombo. Colombo was shot by an African American man who was then killed by someone else who escaped in the confusion. Was Joe Gallo trying to organize a new mob with Italians and African Americans members?

Mad About the Mad Ones
Tom Folsom’s writing captures in riveting detail the madcap story of Crazy Joe and the Gallo brothers amid organized crime families and the sixties counterculture. Absorbing prose: tight, atmospheric, hard boiled, Stylish.

GREAT BOOK FOR ANY MAFIA ENTHUSIAST
I’ve been a Mafia enthusiast for years and have always been fascinated by Joe Gallo. This book goes in great detail about the life of him and his brothers. I am excitingly awaiting the movie to come out! Great book and recommended read!

Kirkus Starred Review … on the money
The Mad Ones … Tom Folson, a writer, director and producer of television documentaries for A&E and Showtime, has written a compelling bio of (subtitle) Crazy Joe Gallo and the Revolution at the Edge of the Underworld. It’s written in the staccato style I favor and is loaded with some interesting tidbits about the Gallo brothers (Larry, Joe and Kid Blast) and the celebrity/angst they experienced during the height of the mob’s power in New York. The book revolves around “Crazy” Joe Gallo, the Tommy Udo-looking middle brother, whose mob resume was something brought to Hollywood through Jimmy Breslin’s The Gang that Couldn’t Shoot Straight, an offensive (to the Gallo brothers and other discerning wannabes) depiction of the wild crew from Red Hook, Brooklyn (in which actor Jerry Orbach portrayed Joe like a buffoon–a role that almost kneecapped the great actor, but would eventually lead to a genuine lifelong friendship with Crazy Joe. Hollywood would take another stab at some of the Gallo mob history with several scenes in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather (adapted from the novel by Mario Puzzo). Joe Gallo is portrayed as something more than just another thug (although that’s a tough one to swallow based on his actions, reputation and what landed him in jail). Gallo read Camus, Sartre and wrote poetry. He took up painting and was about to write a book. He was fearless and wily, but too often paranoid to the point of self-destruction. The Mad Ones is a quick study, but a good one. Folson doesn’t make excuses for the Gallo brothers, but he does point out some of the hypocrisies of New York politicians and how they sometimes welcomed the efforts of the Gallo brothers in calming the mean streets of New York (the same mean streets they would engage in a decade long war with the Profaci (later Columbo) family and the people who set up Larry Gallo for an attempted garroting (made famous in The Godfather when the Frank Pantangelli character is nearly garroted in a bar by the fictional Risotto brothers). It’s a highly recommended read as true crime mob books go. What was behind the attempted Joe Colombo assassination at the 2nd annual Italian-American rally shortly after Joe Gallo was released from prison suggests the start of the final war that would bring down Crazy Joe at Umberto’s in the heart of Little Italy the same night he was celebrating what would be his final birthday. He was 43 when he was gunned down. For mob and/or true crime enthusiasts, The Mad Ones is well worth the investment.

Kirkus gave this baby a *starred* review … not sure why amazon doesn’t show it, but it sure should.

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The Education Of An American Dreamer: How A Son Of Greek Immigrants Learned His Way From A Nebraska Diner To Washington, Wall Street, And Beyond By Peter G. Peterson

Review
For years, Pete Peterson has performed with distinction on the worlds stage-both in finance and public policy. But he still remains the same Nebraska boy who counted change in his fathers café. His journey is a remarkable story and his book is an entertaining and refreshingly honest account of his education in business and life. (Warren Buffett )

The name Peter G. Peterson brings to ones mind the word success. From advertising to finance to politics, Peterson has proved to one and all that he has the ability and foresight to lead a generation of thinkers. His ability to say no to things that would tempt even the strongest of us, he has made choices in his life based on his own ideals and the ability to look forward. He is definitely not a man who lives for today only. He has always been a forward thinker, even today, as he wrote this work, he worries about what leaving a mess for our children and grandchildren .. . . This was a good read. It provided a good analyst of todays problem areas while telling the story of a young Nebraskan man who made his life one that everyone will find interesting and motivating. In todays economy, $34.99 is a hefty price to pay for elective reading. However, I will go as far as to say, It may be one of the best investments you make this year. (The Midwest Book Review )

Dire economic times have left many people wondering if the American dream is just a fairy tale. In his autobiography, The Education of an American Dreamer (Twelve, $34.99), Peter G. Peterson offers a refreshingly credible, often cautionary tale of his own classic rags-to-riches rise — and a few glimmers of hope, inspiration and guidance for the rest of us . . . At 83, Mr. Peterson is a child of the Depression, but his resume puts most modern-day multitaskers to shame. He is a self-made billionaire and philanthropist as well as a former ad executive, manufacturing mogul, Wall Street financier and secretary of commerce. What distinguishes this book from most memoirs by business titans is Mr. Petersons ability to mix insider tidbits with humor, painful self-revelation and candid skepticism of the Eastern establishment that eventually welcomed him as a tuxedo-wearing member . . . Mr. Peterson recounts his private life with self-effacing candor . . . Mr. Peterson may be among the last of a dying breed, but it is still uplifting to be reminded that the son of Greek immigrants made his American dream come true. (The New York TImes Harry Hurt III )

Why Buy A The Education Of An American Dreamer: How A Son Of Greek Immigrants Learned His Way From A Nebraska Diner To Washington, Wall Street, And Beyond By Peter G. Peterson?
With insight and refreshing candor, Peter G. Peterson describes his remarkable life story beginning in Kearney, Nebraska as an eight-year-old manning the cash register at his fathers Greek diner through his Mad Men advertising days, to Secretary of Commerce in Nixons paranoid White House, to the tumultuous days of Lehman Brothers, and to the creation of The Blackstone Group, one of the great financial enterprises in recent times.

In THE EDUCATION OF AN AMERICAN DREAMER, Peterson chronicles the progress of this journey with irony, humor and, sometimes, painful honesty. Within these pages are stories of marriage and family hardship; lessons in political gamesmanship; thoughts on his obsessive desire to succeed; and, finally, learning the meaning of enough. From his advertising days in Chicago in the 1950s to becoming the youngest CEO of a Fortune 300 Company, he shares with us his rise to the top and the price paid along the way. As the youngest Cabinet member in the Nixon administration, he describes his survival techniques in a hubris-driven and paranoid White House, including his turbulent turf wars with Treasury Secretary John Connally leading to Petersons abrupt and highly publicized firing. His stewardship of Lehman Brothers is a Shakespearian tale of a CEO who struggled to deal with partners who were plotting his demise and, at the same time, turning an institution on the brink of bankruptcy to one with 5 straight years of record profits.

His lifes story is about doing well by doing good. In the wake of Blackstones highly successful public offering, Peterson found himself an 80-year old instant billionaire, on the verge of retirement. And like many lifetime workers and over-achievers, he suddenly confronts an unexpected, depressing identity crisis. His solution? Committing a great bulk of his net proceeds to establish the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, his philanthropic endeavor to do something about Americas politically untouchable challenges that threaten Americas future, among them massive entitlement obligations, ballooning health care costs, and our energy gluttony.

Ultimately, this is a mans account of his legendary successes, humiliating failures, and personal tragedies – a testament to a remarkable life and, indeed, to the American Dream itself.

Customer Reviews & Opinions

Smart, Insightful Read
Born to Greek immigrants and raised in Kearney, Nebraska in the 1930’s, Peter Petersen learned the meaning of thrift and hard work from his father, who ran a 24-hour diner. From a young age, Peterson practiced his sales skills by selling meal cards to the diner’s patrons; he did exceptionally well in his studies and set his sights on something bigger than the small town of Kearney. After a short stint at MIT and figuring out that he was not cut out for engineering, Peterson enrolled at Northwestern University.

His first post-college job was arguably the only dud of a job in Peterson’s career, and he quickly realized that his “comparative advantage” did not lie in retail. What followed was a string of positions that led to Petersen being labeled as the “wunderkind” and the “economic Kissinger”, among others. He was the youngest Vice President of an advertising company McCann-Erickson at age 27, the genius CEO at Black Bell & Howell, the commerce secretary under Nixon, CEO of Lehman Brothers, co-founder of the Blackstone Group, served on numerous boards and foundations and advised presidents on a variety of topics.

What sets Peterson apart is his lack of “preachiness”. He does not pretend to know everything about building a career and he is the first to admit that he had no plan for his own. Throughout the book, he often refers to his promotions and achievements as just “dumb luck”. What Peterson does do is bring attention to many worthwhile issues – some of the discussions sprinkled throughout the book focus on economic foreign policy, Cold War, U.S.’ relationships with hostile countries, the Nixon administration and most importantly, U.S.’ burgeoning budget deficits. Peterson is a strong believer that unless we make significant changes, our fiscal irresponsibility and the country’s growing debt will significantly jeopardize future generations. His commitment to this issue has led to his latest project, the creation of the Peter G. Peterson foundation, to which he donated $1 billion of his own money.

If you’re never picked up an autobiography before and even if you’re not really interested in business and politics – try this book anyway. I doubt you will regret it. Peterson’s candid writing interspersed with stories about his parents, his wives (he had three) and children (five) is very personal and enjoyable. His life is very compelling and there are many lessons to be learned in The Education of an American Dreamer. If nothing else, you will appreciate the story of a true American dream, of pulling oneself up from meager beginnings to a position of influence and privilege.

Extremely Relevant Book to Read Right Now
Pete Peterson’s “The Education of an American Dreamer” is a summer reading book with extreme relevance to the worlds of business, finance, and public policy in the summer of 2009. One of the last true “lions of Wall Street,” and one of America’s most concerned public citizens, Peterson here tells his life story with serious introspection and often searing candor. From his origins in a Greek immigrant family in Nebraska, to becoming a billionaire with the success of The Blackstone Group, Peterson has never lost his ethical and moral bearings. For anyone thinking about the major issues faced by American business and by the Obama administration as we rebuild the American economy and the American dream, this is required reading. For any young person thinking about a career in finance or in government, this is a book that should be read before you go to your next interview.

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Into Thin Air By Jon Krakauer

Why Buy A Into Thin Air By Jon Krakauer?
A bank of clouds was assembling on the not-so-distant horizon, but journalist-mountaineer Jon Krakauer, standing on the summit of Mt. Everest, saw nothing that suggested that a murderous storm was bearing down. He was wrong. The storm, which claimed five lives and left countless more–including Krakauers–in guilt-ridden disarray, would also provide the impetus for Into Thin Air, Krakauers epic account of the May 1996 disaster. With more than 250 black-and-white photographs taken by various expedition members and an enlightening new postscript by the author, the Illustrated Edition shows readers what this tragic climb looked like and potentially provides closure for Krakauer and his detractors.

I have no doubt that Boukreevs intentions were good on summit day, writes Krakauer in a postscript dated August 1998. What disturbs me, though, was Boukreevs refusal to acknowledge the possibility that he made even a single poor decision. Never did he indicate that perhaps it wasnt the best choice to climb without gas or go down ahead of his clients. As usual, Krakauer supports his points with dogged research and a good dose of humility. But rather than continue the heated discourse that has raged since Into Thin Airs denouncement of guide Boukreev, Krakauers tone is conciliatory; he points most of his criticism at G. Weston De Walt, who coauthored The Climb, Boukreevs version of events. And in a touching conclusion, Krakauer recounts his last conversation with the late Boukreev, in which the two weathered climbers agreed to disagree about certain points. Krakauer had great hopes to patch things up with Boukreev, but the Russian later died in a avalanche on another Himalayan peak, Annapurna I. Krakauer further buries the ice axe by donating his share of royalties from sales of The Illustrated Edition to the Everest 96 Memorial Fund, which aids various environmental and humanitarian charities. –Rob McDonald

Customer Reviews & Opinions

read this book if you want to gain or break an Everest obsession
A cannot put it down real life tale. BUY THIS BOOK. You will never regret it. You will never forget it either.

First-person account of Mt. Everest tragedy
Jon Krakauer was asked to go along on a climb of Mt. Everest as a journalist who could report some problems which were arising as a result of too many inexperienced climbers being guided up the mountain by greedy companies who coveted the large fees paid by their clients. Instead he found himself in a life-and-death experience when a terrible storm struck shortly after he had reached the summit. Krakauer reports the dark side of Mt. Everest climbs such as the ecological damage which results from too many climbers, to the serious health threats which are posed by climbing above 25,000 feet. He writes of the greed of the host countries, as well as the companies which guide the expeditions. The book is like a climb up Everest, with the excitement and anticipation of the climb up, contrasted to the disappointment and disillusionment when things go terribly wrong and the participants are face with the disheartening climb down. The survivors of the expedition, including the author, are left with depression and survivor guilt which might lead one to question the wisdom of continuing the Mt. Everest climbs. Whether the expeditions should be stopped or more closely regulated is a good subject for debate, but Krakauer clearly illustrates the tremendous physical and mental risks which all climbers face. This is a close-up and suspenseful look at one of the most risky adventures that anyone could participate in on the planet.

Great read – sparked my interest in Krakauer and Everest
This is a great read. This was the first book that got me hooked on Jon Krakauer’s writing, and I have not looked back since. Very gripping, hard to put down, and well worth the time. Read it!

Awesome, riveting, eyewitness account of high-altitude disaster
I listened to this on audiobook several years ago, and was completely riveted. I was on a long drive through the hot desert southwest at the time, but I felt chilled! It is an added plus that it is read by the author, who was actually present during most of what he recounted. A must read!!

Into Thin Air vs The Climb
I’ve read all the accounts of the 1996 season, not just these two.

I’ve also climbed three mountains including Mt. Kilimanjaro to 19,340 feet.

At no time in any of my mountain experiences were my guides ever out of my sight if not roped directly to me.

Fisher’s attitude was, “we have Big E wired” and it fueled Boukreev’s oxygenless scamper to the summit and back. But Boukreev’s “freshness” at the South Col couldn’t save Fisher or the others. He later saved several lives but it didn’t help Fisher.

I’m with Jon and others, guides should be with their clients and breathing O2.

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