Wes Locher's Blog, page 10
February 7, 2010
Book Review: Guerrilla Marketing for Writers
Guerrilla Marketing for Writers: 100 No-Cost, Low-Cost Weapons for Selling Your Work by Jay Conrad LevinsonMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I had a book that was soon to be published so I starting picking up and consuming as much information as I could regarding book marketing. This was the first book I grabbed (on a long list) and read the majority of it during a flight.
Now, don't get me wrong, there is some good information in these pages and I picked up a couple of good tips, however, this book makes a dangerous assumption: It assumes that you know over a thousand people that you can easily tell about your book, and thus they will buy it, and you will become a best-seller. Don't know 1,000 people? You might be in a predicament.
On the positive side, there is a website companion to this book that has all sorts of good book marketing ideas supplied by the authors of the book, along with many writers who have read the volume and give feedback on how their campaigns worked out. They also include feedback on the techniques discussed in this book, both good and bad.I can see myself re-reading this at some point in the future when I'm a bit more knowledgeable, however, this may have not been the best place to start when attempting to learn about marketing with little to no previous experience.
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January 24, 2010
Book Review: Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need
Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need by Dave BarryMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of those books that I read in just one or two sittings. It was that good (and that short). Anytime a friend or loved one of mine is going on vacation or traveling for business, I encourage them to read this book prior to their departure. They almost never do, but that's their loss.
Most critics will agree that this is Barry's best book (followed closely by "Greatest Hits"). Of the Barry titles that I have read, I would tend to agree. It's very cohesive and contains illustrations that add a dash of extra hilarity to his writing.
The section where he details every state in the USA (They're Progressive!) is worth the cover price. The way he details foreign countries that he has (and hasn't) visited are hilarious as he tends to play a lot on stereotypes, but I would read the designated section for visiting any of them to see if I agree.
If you've read anything by Dave Barry before, you know what you are going to get. A quick read, a lot of laughs, and a desire for more.
Also recommended: "Dave Barry's Greatest Hits" & "Dave Barry is Not Making this Up."
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January 23, 2010
Book Review: Barrel Fever by David Sedaris
Barrel Fever: Stories and Essays by David SedarisMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
Even though this is one of David Sedaris's earliest offerings, I did not read it first. I came onto Sedaris's sardonic wit through the fantastic essay collection "Me Talk Pretty One Day." After laughing my way through those 200 plus pages I was hungry for more by the author. Being a completest, I usually read everything I can by authors that I enjoy.
Coming from the high that was "Me Talk Pretty..." I was a little put off by "Barrel Fever," the next title I attempted from the author. Where as "Pretty" contains mostly true stories about Sedaris's life, the first section of Barrel Fever (and the largest chunk of the book) was made up of fictional essays. The essays are still hilarious and after having re-read them since, they hold up as some of the craziest writing that I've read to date. It's clear that the earlier Sedaris was a bit more daring and willing to go for some shock value within his writing.
In fact, upon re-reading Barrel Fever, I find the true stories, which make up the second half of the book to be almost lackluster compared to the zany writing up front.
Overall, a solid collection of stories, but not his strongest work, in my opinion. Will you laugh while reading it? Oh, yes you will. Will you remember these stories after checking out some of his other works? Eh, it's not likely.
If you enjoy the first half of Barrel Fever, then I recommend following this book with Sedaris's "Holidays on Ice" which also contains several essays that are just... well... out there.
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January 19, 2010
Book Review: Dave Barry's Greatest Hits
Dave Barry's Greatest Hits by Dave BarryMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of those timeless humor books that holds up just as well today as it did when it was initially released 15 years ago! Dave Barry's mastery of the written word is at peak performance with this collection of columns. When they stuck the words "GREATEST HITS" on the cover, they were absolutely not lying.
Sure, some of the events and people discussed within these pages may be dated, but if you were alive for those times (or took a history class in school) then you'll still appreciate a fresh and hilarious perspective.
This book contains my all time favorite Barry column titled "Molecular Homicide" which tells the tell of the author having the flu and what happens when he is unable to get out of bed to monitor his young son's activities. This column alone is worth the price of the book. If you enjoy that column then there are plenty more that will tickle your funny bone.
This is a good starting point for anyone getting into Barry for the first time. It's a book that's easy to pick up whenever you have a few minutes and since each column is only 2-3 pages in length you can always come back to it later without having to worry about remembering what you read previously. Though don't be surprised if you find yourself reading some columns numerous times! It's a perfect book to keep in the bathroom for those quick visits, or in the kitchen for when you're microwaving some food.
If you make it through his "Greatest Hits" then I highly recommend "Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need," followed by "Dave Barry is Not Making This Up."
You can't go wrong with any of his books, but I found the 3 mentioned to be the funniest.
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