by Marc Demetriou ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 16, 2018
A highly readable motivational book derived from the wisdom of one humble man.
A grandson applies the lessons of his grandfather to the world of business—and life in general.
Demetriou’s nonfiction debut starts out by focusing on his grandfather Haralambos Georgiou Pistis—known as Charlie—an immigrant to America from a small village in Cyprus. Charlie came through Ellis Island, as thousands of others did. He died a very old man when the author was in his 30s, and he imparted many life lessons about humility, faith, courage, independence, responsibility, duty, decency, compassion, goodness, and pride that Demetriou not only treasured and remembered, but also later applied to a long career in business. The book’s first section—an exuberantly affectionate stretch that could easily have been three times as long—is a biography of Charlie, complete with smile-inducing old photos of a handsome young man very obviously intent on seizing whatever opportunities the New World had to offer. This section flows immediately into the 15 core principles Demetriou distilled from all of his grandfather's advice. Although these principles will likely offer nothing new to readers of business-advice books—take big risks, remain humble, go the extra mile, never be afraid to chase your dreams, etc.—the transition from period biography to motivational rhetoric is handled smoothly. The author expands outward from echoing his grandfather to quoting the more or less standard array of inspirational heroes in this kind of literature, from Albert Einstein to Jeff Bezos. As with most motivational writing, Demetriou’s own personal desire to help his readers believe in themselves can sometimes lead him to make statements that are obviously wishful thinking (as when he tells them that “the lazy and uninspired will never inherit the earth, nor even the slightest speck of it” while a glance at any day’s news headlines will show them otherwise). But the overall tone of buoyant optimism—“You are invited to change the world”—should carry most of those readers along and make them wish they’d had the chance to meet Charlie.
A highly readable motivational book derived from the wisdom of one humble man.Pub Date: Jan. 16, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-9989840-0-1
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Highpoint Life
Review Posted Online: Feb. 10, 2018
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
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
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
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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