A well-written and insightful business memoir that informs with humor and thoughtfulness.
A longtime business owner shares methods and advice for entrepreneurs at all levels.
In this book, Howroyd (The Art of Work, 2009) discusses the principles and techniques that she used to build a multinational staffing agency. With a combination of anecdotes and exposition, the author guides readers through questions of leading, risk-taking, developing confidence, and networking, among other topics—some of which are unexpected, such as the importance of always having a fully charged cellphone. The volume discusses the significance of data-driven and strategic business decisions (“You’re dispensable unless you’re so necessary to the client’s business that they can’t function without you”) and encourages readers to take a holistic approach to making the most of both their professional and personal lives. One of the work’s particular strengths is its approach to diversity; Howroyd writes about being a black female entrepreneur while also urging readers not to define her by demographics. Sections on resiliency and respect in the workplace are particularly well done. The book’s easy, conversational tone makes for an enjoyable reading experience. The author’s voice blends down-home humor (many stories from her North Carolina childhood appear throughout the text along with descriptions of her high-powered work life) and professional sophistication (“Self-discipline you own. Self-discipline isn’t federally regulated. It isn’t taxed. You don’t need anyone’s permission”). Asides—“Mama Says,” featuring tips from her mother; “Janicisms,” delivering Howroyd’s key insights (“You lead people; you manage processes”); and “The Art of Bernie,” showcasing her husband’s advice—appear in callout boxes throughout the text. Several of the author’s mnemonics (“Our employees live by their F.E.E.T.”) may be too cutesy for some readers, but others will likely appreciate the structure for presenting memorable concepts. The volume will be most useful for readers in search of big-picture business counsel presented in an open-ended format that offers few concrete answers but plenty of inspiration, motivation, and starting points for self-awareness. Howroyd’s passion for work and well-defined voice combine to make an effective vehicle for valuable information.
A well-written and insightful business memoir that informs with humor and thoughtfulness.Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5445-0456-8
Page Count: 272
Publisher: Lioncrest Publishing
Review Posted Online: Sept. 11, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2019
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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