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STAY DRIVEN

Name: STAY DRIVEN
Author: Archie J. and Cheryl Ludlam Smalls
ISBN: 978-0-595-41254-8

INSPIRATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS

by Archie J. and Cheryl Ludlam Smalls ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 14, 2007

Unadorned, but savvy, business acumen.

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Faith-based motivational advice on conducting business, and life, from an auto dealer.

Smalls, an African-American who opened the first minority-owned major auto dealership in Berkeley County, S.C., is a deeply religious individual. He may not be Rev. Ike, but he believes that â€œif we tell God, our Father, about our dreams of career success or financial freedom, will he not bless us in ways that we could not have imagined?” The author’s God has been a steadying, inspirational force in his life, but the decent, down-home business advice he imparts will put any reader in good stead, religiously inclined or not. Through biblical parables, Smalls explains the rules by which he runs his dealership: focus, diligence, humility, preparedness, being a good neighbor and trusting his gut instincts to do the right thing. Stern but reassuring, he keeps his staff on their toes while making sure they feel integral to the operation. He also provides enriching opportunities out of his own pocket, like schooling that may take employees away from his business but adds to the common weal. Through interviews with Smalls’ family members and associates, co-author Ludlam shows an individual who cherishes his integrity and principles above all else. Smalls may be driven to succeed financially, brimming with diligence and confidence, optimistic and spirited, but honesty and good works never take a back seat to making a buck. As a foil to the hardworking Smalls, the authors created a fictional character, Frank Byggs, a man burdened by regret, self-doubt, defeatism, temptation and negativity. Sure, Frank is an obvious straw man, too easily confuted, but where his weaknesses lead him may be all too familiar to many readers.

Unadorned, but savvy, business acumen.

Pub Date: Feb. 14, 2007

ISBN: 978-0-595-41254-8

Page Count: -

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.