Lessons for Dylan: From Father to Son

Amazon.com

The day Good Morning America entertainment critic Joel Siegel brought his son Dylan home from the hospital was also the last day of his chemotherapy for colon cancer. Siegel began writing Lessons for Dylan two years later, when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. The result is a tender and entertaining "just in case" autobiography/tutorial for his son. Siegel's life is the curriculum; he instructs his son with vignettes from the family album, his battles with the "witch of cancer," his divorce, the death of his first wife, adventures as a reporter, and his star scrapbook including interviews with the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and Brad Pitt. He writes movingly of the Holocaust's shadow in his family. Yet the Jewishness he passes on to Dylan is more cultural--a recipe for brisket, a history of Judaism in four jokes, and a great introduction to speaking Yiddish.

Siegel's self-portrait has a Zelig-like quality: he registers voters in Atlanta, meets Martin Luther King, attends a Ku Klux Klan meeting, writes jokes for Bobby Kennedy, visits Haight-Ashbury during the Summer of Love and invents German chocolate for Thirty-One Flavors in Los Angeles. He is an engaging writer, stronger in storytelling than self-reflection. His occasional self-importance, saying for example, "that was before I was Joel Siegel," detracts from his wonderful intention of talking to his son. When his reporter's voice speaks louder than his newfound wisdom as a father, Siegel seems to be writing for a wider audience. --Barbara Mackoff

Book Description

Good Morning America's beloved movie critic shares with his son--and readers--what he's learned in fifty-eight years of an extraordinary life in this poignant, funny, wise, and entertaining memoir.

At the age of fifty-four, renowned movie critic Joel Siegel both became a father for the first time and learned that he had cancer. Now, in Lessons for Dylan, Siegel shares all the things he wants his son to know--in case he's not around to tell him--about his family history and Jewish heritage, life's pleasures and sorrows, the challenges of growing up (at any age), and, most important, who his father is and what he values.

Threaded throughout are stories from Siegel's extraordinary life: his path from an immigrant neighborhood to national television; his work in the civil rights movement, and his career as a critic. Siegel candidly addresses the more difficult passages of his life, including the end of his marriage to Dylan's mother and the experience of having cancer. But he also shares great stories from show biz (featuring Orson Welles, Marlene Dietrich, Paul Newman, Brad Pitt, Stevie Wonder, all four Beatles, and many more); lays out the History of the Jewish People in Four Jokes; and offers fatherly advice on sex ("ask your mother"), work, and what to cook for Rosh Hashonah (recipes included).

Full of humor and wisdom, common sense and self-revelation, Lessons for Dylan offers lessons for all of us about what really matters in life.

Customer Reviews:

A very gratifying book........2007-08-22

A man, approaching fatherhood late in life finds that he has cancer. What can he give his very young son that would impact the child's life. This book is Joel Siegel's legacy to his young son.

It could have been overly-sentimmental or morbid. Instead it is funny, profound, and deeply moving. Those of us who have faced the same eventuality that Joel Siegel has faced, will find great wisdom here, and solace.

The only quibble I have with the book, is that there are a few chapters that seem to have been added to flesh out the size of the book. A chapter on Yiddish phrases, for example, seems a bit "fluffy," though quite funny.

In all, a wonderful legacy for Dylan... and us all.

Excellent, heart warming story.......2007-08-11

Who ever suspected Joel Siegel led such an interesting life? I couldn't believe all of the experiences he wrote about and the funny insights into his family. He included a chapter on Yiddish words which was informative and amusing. Of course throughout the book was the touching message to his son.

A heartfelt humor filled memoir and charge to the next generation.......2007-06-30

There are no athiests in foxholes or in an oncologist's office. Siegel, an entertainment critic for ABC's GMA, faced a terminal illness, and created this story of his first 58 years of life. (He passed away on June 29, 2007 at the age of 63).

At the age of 54, Siegel became a father for the first time and learned that he had cancer. In "Lessons for Dylan," Siegel shares all the things he wants his son to know, in case he is not around to tell him, things about his family history and Jewish heritage, life's pleasures and disappointments, the challenges of growing up (at any age), and, most important, who his father is and what Joel values. As Joel and Rabbi Larry Rafael discussed, Joel wants his son to be normal (but not average).

Siegel was born in East Los Angeles in 1943. His Romanian Jewish grandmother survived the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in March 1911. (Her father banned her from going that day.) His father, a Levite, was an electrician, and he got the first African American and the first Mexican American into his local IBEW union. In 1965, Joel delivered a bag containing $800 in cash to a minister named Martin Luther King at a UCLA luncheon. ("Dr. King, I've come with dessert.") He ended up spending the Summer working for King. Siegel says he invented the names of several Baskin Robbins flavors, including German Chocolate Cake (my favorite) and Pralines and Cream. Siegel was nominated for a Tony Award for his work on a musical about Jackie Robinson. Siegel was a joke writer Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, and witnessed Kennedy's assassination in the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. He is co-founder (with Gene Wilder) and president of Gilda's Club, a non-profit support facility for cancer patients.

Only Siegel can make the story of his chemo sessions and a colostomy funny. Siegel candidly writes about the end of his marriage (his third) to Dylan's mother and the experience of having cancer. The famous ad man and partier Jerry Della Femina bought pot for Siegel during his chemotherapy. Siegel also shares great stories from show biz (featuring Orson Welles, Marlene Dietrich, Paul Newman, Brad Pitt, Stevie Wonder, all four Beatles, and more); lays out the History of the Jewish People in Four Jokes ("Why make trouble?"); and offers fatherly advice on sex ("ask your mother"), work, what to cook for Rosh Hashanah (recipes included), and a list of movies he would like to see with his son.

One of his letters:
Dear Dylan,
One day you might remember--maybe triggered by a photograph, or a sense memory of a texture or a color--the soft, grey cashmere sweater I bought for you for your second birthday. As an adult you may wonder, "What kind of schmuck buys a cashmere sweater for a two year-old boy?"

The answer is: A schmuck who tempts fate.

This was a Delight........2005-06-02

This book is a treasure in the fact that a man who has a young son (who should have been his grandson) at that age realizes that he may not be around to share all of these stories and this valuable insight to Dylan in person, and he put in print the things he would have told him (maybe) had he been a young father. The last twenty-five (27) years were a trial for him, as they were for me, as a divorced woman with a son the same age at the time of the divorce. You feel that you've just got to be there to see that son grown, then get on with your life.

He is funny. The Jewish jokes were okay, and the one he had Bobby Kennedy tell about the price of meat was okay, but this whole book is written in the joking way he thinks. Serious times about lowering the flag to half-mast on the UCLA campus the day JFK was assassinated. He was there when brother Bobby died and heard the shots. He and Dylan's mother lived in an area of New York where they were able to watch the Twin Towers burn on 9-11. This is history he passes down to his son in intimate terms.

He writes fondly "some of my best memories of my father are of him laughing while he and I watched TV. We didn't go to movies much; most families didn't in the early '50s." My sister Evelyn took me to my first movie about that time (before she ran off and eloped, ending up spending the rest of her life up North) and I marveled at the beauty and splendor of Tennessee Theater. I don't remember the movie, but I will never forget how I felt looking up at the mural on the interior dome. In the middle and later Fifties, I went to many movies there and even sang in a local talent show on that stage. It was no big deal.

As a film critic, he explains that movies are a fraud and goes into detail about how they are made. But, those he chose for viewing with Dylan were a varied and motlely group, not my choices at all. He tells how old he was when he saw them and how he felt. He dishes the dirt about some of the big movie stars. The index is full of big names. You think of one, he has met him or her and has a funny anecdote to share. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, I can understand why he would want to explain to his son what is happening and why. Since he is such a funny man, I guess he would choose the Marx brothers' films. I did enjoy Groucho on the t.v. game show!

Of course, he wants 'I Love Lucy' and 'The Honeymooners' to be available for Dylan to enjoy and share a few laughs. His remembrance of live t.v. in Los Angeles, 'Time for Beanie,' brought back memories of 'Your Startime' hosted by Bob Lobertini for me as I was one of his regulars, and later he had a 'Popeye' show in Nashville where I took my sons. He told them on the air that he and I had appeared on t.v. together in Knoxville; that was stretching it -- he was the star, I the adorer.

During the 1958 Winter/Spring, one of my best friends was the young Jewish usher, Joe Feldman, at the Tennessee Theater. I had moved to the YWCA to finish high school and, that Easter, he took me to eat Easter dinner at the S&W Cafeteria on Gay Street. I still have his senior picture from Young High School.

Dylan is a darling child and so much like Ken Young when he was younger. I sincerely hope they will share many good times as he grows up -- and away. That time will come before you know it.

Bittersweet Humor and Advice to a Young Son.......2004-07-22

You probably know Joel Siegel from his enthusiastic movie reviews on Good Morning America. But do you know the rest of the story? Here's a chance to find out.

Mr. Siegel became a father for the first time at age 54, and his son, Dylan, was born on the day Mr. Siegel finished chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. That cancer later spread to his lungs, and two more cancer surgeries and treatments followed. Mr. Siegel's marriage did not last, but his love for Dylan did. Realizing that his chances of living to see Dylan grow up are limited, Mr. Siegel decided to write down all of the wonderful things he wanted to share with Dylan over the next few decades . . . but might not be able to. The result is a touching memoir with a heart that will cause you to shed more than an occasional tear while appreciating Mr. Siegel's love for his son.

Mr. Siegel writes well, has had many interesting experiences, and retains his sense of wonder. He is open about many of his faults (which have led to failed marriages), but remains cautiously optimistic . . . and careful.

Dedicating the material to his son makes the memoir more personal and meaningful than almost any other memoir that I have read. Anyone with an open heart would enjoy and benefit from this book.

If you are like me, you expected to mainly hear about the movies . . . and you will. But there's much more in the book about Mr. Siegel's family, Jewish heritage (there's even a Yiddish dictionary with hilarious definitions), illnesses, past marriages, and advice for Dylan. The show business stories are almost all ones that I had not heard before, and will reward those who are primarily looking for this feature. Although you might think these are only about the movies, he also was a music critic and got to know the Beatles in the early days.

I was particularly interested by Mr. Siegel's first-hand accounts of working for civil rights in the South, helping with Bobbie Kennedy's campaign, and how he helped his wife, Jane, with her fatal illness.

One of the thoughts you will have as you read this book is how you would write a parallel one for either your children or your grandchildren to play the same role in sharing knowledge and love across the generations. I hope you will read this book and feel inspired to either transmit your own lessons in your own way . . . or to create the book you want to share with your descendants.

In any case, keep a hanky handy!

Average customer rating:

Great Fun!

Even Duke fans find it difficult to put down

To Hate Like This Is to Be Happy Forever: A Thoroughly Obsessive, Intermittently Uplifting, and Occasionally Unbiased Account of

Great fun if you're a Carolina fan

Laughingly great read

To Hate Like This Is to Be Happy Forever: A Thoroughly Obsessive, Intermittently Uplifting, and Occasionally Unbiased Account of the Duke-North Carolina Basketball Rivalry
Will Blythe
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | College & University | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0060740248
Release Date: 2007-01-09

Book Description

A thoroughly obsessive, intermittently uplifting, and occasionally unbiased account of the Duke-North Carolina basketball rivalry

Customer Reviews:

Great Fun!.......2007-04-10

Even Duke fans won't be able to put down this entertaining analysis of the Duke-Carolina rivalry. Find out what's behind the bad blood between the two schools.

Even Duke fans find it difficult to put down.......2007-01-19

I actually bought this book as a Christmas present for my husband who is a big Duke fan. I am the Tar Heel fan in the family and thus you see the method in my madness. However, he started reading it on Christmas day before all the wrapping paper was cleaned up and could not put it down for hours. He did make a number of comments disagreeing with various premises of the book, but it certainly kept his attention. I've just started the book and particularly enjoy the references to the author's family (I knew his father years ago) but it does bog down a bit in detailing the games during the season. Still, for any of us who have lived in Chapel Hill and been infected with the Tar Heel "bug" it is a 'must read.'

To Hate Like This Is to Be Happy Forever: A Thoroughly Obsessive, Intermittently Uplifting, and Occasionally Unbiased Account of.......2007-01-19

Great book, great price, great shipping.

Great fun if you're a Carolina fan.......2007-01-11

I don't give a d*mn about Duke University
'Cause I'm from Car-o-lina!

Ah, if only the song were true. What a salutary effect it would have on my blood pressure if it were! But, like nearly every other North Carolina fan in the world, I do give a damn about Duke University. I give a damn frequently, vociferously, and ferociously. I often give quite a bit worse than a damn when the rodenty visage of Coach K appears on my television. Where does such vituperation come from? Why should a smallish Southern research university inspire such hatred in me and my fellow members of Tar Heel nation?

These are the questions that Will Blythe explores in To Hate Like This Is to Be Happy Forever, his thoroughly biased account of the UNC/Duke basketball rivalry from a fan's perspective. Blythe is clever and self-deprecating, and the book is fun to read, but I suspect that my enjoyment stemmed mainly from the fact that Blythe falls on the same side of this rivalry that I do. Blythe was born and raised in Chapel Hill, NC, and is a passionate and knowledgeable lover of Tar Heel basketball. He makes no secret of the fact that he lives and dies by Heels, and I couldn't help liking someone who shares my feelings in that regard. Blythe is also a good play-by-play writer; his accounts of specific games were gripping and suspenseful even though I remembered the results of most of them. I'm sure it doesn't hurt that the games he describes took place during Carolina's run to the national championship in March of 2005. Blythe's narrative gave me a great opportunity to relive my favorite moments of the season--Remember that torturous loss to Duke on the last possession? Remember that nerve-wracking game against Villanova in the Sweet Sixteen?--and to remember how much I miss Ray Felton, Sean May, and the other stars of the championship team.

But the book is not only about basketball. Blythe spends some time talking about his father's recent death and analyzing his relationship with his dad. He also occasionally gets sidetracked into philosophical discussions about the nature of hatred and its role in the life of the modern sports fan. Perhaps it's just the rabid fan in me, but I found these sections of the book to be less successful. I might even go so far as to say they were a bit boring. Forget your family, man, forget your philosophizing, and give me the basketball! Blythe is much more entertaining when he's indulging his hatred of Duke than when he's probing its depths.

This was a fun read, peppered with clever digs at the Duke students, players, and coaches, but I can't imagine that it would be very interesting for anyone who's not a partisan in the war between the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils. It would probably even be somewhat insufferable to that portion of the population who feel that this rivalry is already over-hyped by the media.

Laughingly great read.......2007-01-11

My wife informed me this was the first book I've read in years where she witnessed me laughing out-loud. Quick read! I've already passed it from my dad to my brother since Christmas.

Average customer rating:

Sweet little book
Blythe is BEAUTIFUL...
Blythe!
Ditto, it's a gorgeous, quirky-cute book! And..
Open your eyes to the world of Blythe....

This is Blythe

Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0811828239

Book Description

Produced for only one year in the '70s, Blythe is a moony waif of a doll coveted by a growing group of devoted fans. Photographer Gina Garan fell to Blythe's charms and unusual looks years ago and has shot her in settings around the world, from Greece to Soho to Hooters. Hilarious, mesmerizing, and just a little spooky, This Is Blythe is the result of Garan's offbeat passion and a photography book like no other. Here's mod Blythe pacing through an art gallery; a pensive Blythe in a tiny blue fur parka, the sun flaring orange behind her; Blythe emerging from a block of ice. Is that Blythe telling her Christmas wishes to Santa Claus? Like stills for a film that hasn't happened (yet?), these undeniably beautiful photographs create an entire world from each flawless frame. A no-explanation-necessary gift for that special someone, This Is Blythe will enchant fans of witty photography and pop culture with a taste for the unexpected.

Check out www.thisisblythe.com and www.chroniclebooks.com/thisisblythe!

Customer Reviews:

Sweet little book.......2007-03-08

I'm a collector and I love having a book with photos of Blythe that I can study for the endless possibilities the doll offers for dressing and customizing.

Blythe is BEAUTIFUL..........2006-01-02

I am several years (almost 5 to be exact) reviewing this book but after seeing a few of Gina's Blythe pics online, I ordered this book and ever since I've been hooked! BIG TIME. These pictures and all of Gina's are so beautiful that I had to get a collection of my own Blythes underway ASAP. Here I am 5 years later and more than 20 Blythes richer! Get the book! Like most people I know, you'll either fall in love or be creeped out.

Blythe!.......2005-07-04

Oh my gosh I love Blythe! She is the best doll ever. in this book, gina garan photographs Blythe so well that the dolls actually look real. i have a Blythe doll collection for myself and I don't photograph it but maybe I should! Blythe might be expensive doll-whise but she's worth every penny! (Or every...dollar!) Blythe, your eyes can change but the rest of you can't! Blythe, dearest Blythe......YOU RULE!!!!!!!!!!

Ditto, it's a gorgeous, quirky-cute book! And.........2004-09-03

..I just had to add that I picked this up not knowing that my 30-year quest for a beloved doll that was taken from me was about to end until I turned to the page (near the end) where the two dolls are wearing that famous green dress (the only part of my doll I was able to salvage).

Gina Garan, thank you!!

Open your eyes to the world of Blythe...........2004-01-09

Blythe is a wonderful doll, with a personality all her own. Blythe has been caputured in these photos beautifully by Gina Garan! Check out one of Gina's lovely photobooks, like this one "This is Blythe", or try "Dear Blythe Love Gina" or "Dear Blythe, Love Gina II"

For 30 years, Blythe was like a forgotten child, that no one seemed to remember. Gina saw in Blythe what no one else did... a quirky, yet charming inner beauty, and a distinct personality.

Once you own a Blythe doll, you will find that she somehow becomes your obesssion!!

Average customer rating:

My first review was pulled

This Is the Star

A must have for the holiday season, December 2000

Beautiful Art Showcases Poetic Verse

beautiful book

This Is the Star
Joyce Dunbar
Manufacturer: Corgi Childrens
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0552528226

Customer Reviews:

My first review was pulled.......2006-02-19

I love the idea of this book but it was not edited properly. "These are the shepherds watching by night that saw the star in the sky (should be who saw the star...)" " This is the child that (should be who) was born."

Since this is a poetic book with repeated verses these two grammatical errors are reinforced by repetition.

Also, the word "ass" is repeated. The grammmatical errors and the curse word do not belong in a book directed at elementary school kids.

Were it not for these two (major) flaws this book would be a great addition to any library.

This Is the Star.......2001-02-03

This book is, without a doubt, one of the most wonderful books on my child's bookshelf. The text is a beautiful poem that winds its way through absoulutely riveting, gorgeous illustrations. The book is a work of art, and tells the Christmas story the way it should be told. Young or old, this book grabs your heart and stays with you all year. My three year old still points to the sky and asks "Is THAT the star, Mommy?" -- In a word, this book is PRICELESS.

A must have for the holiday season, December 2000.......2000-12-23

I do not ordinarily write book reviews, but reading this book has compelled me to send this message. I have never been so moved by a book. The verse is amazing in how it builds you through the story until the beautifully simplistic and meaningful ending. The illustrations are also breathtaking. In a time where Christmas has taken on the symbol of Santa and a sleigh full of toys, this book gives back the true meaning of Christmas. I would recommend this book to anyone. Happy Holidays.

Beautiful Art Showcases Poetic Verse.......2000-10-02

This is a wonderful Christmas book. The verse builds as each stage of the story of Christ's birth unfolds. It has a song-like cadence that marks true poetry and is excellent for reading aloud.

The accompanying art is breathtaking. Each page is beautifully illustrated by fine paintings that evoke their own feeling of the awsomeness of the sacred birth. All of the pictures are bathed in the shadow of night which lends stark beauty to their drama. The artist represents angles in a magnificent form that is truly inspiring.

Children will love this book and adults will treasure it.

beautiful book.......2000-05-06

the reviews convinced me to order this book-after reading it I ordered 10 more copies for Christmas gifts for all my fellow "Grandma" friends-it is wonderful. text & pictures are perfect.

Average customer rating:

This Is The Day
Daniel Blythe
Manufacturer: Allison & Busby
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Product Description

To the outside world Tom and Ella Barclay have everything -- two beautiful children, a lovely home, great jobs and, of course, each other. But after fifteen years the lines of communication have become blurred and with fortieth birthdays not quite as far away as they'd like, both are wondering if life might not have more to offer.

Average customer rating:

This Is the Star
Joyce; Blythe, Gary Dunbar
Manufacturer: Harcourt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJI4J6

To Hate Like This Is To Stay Happy Forever: A Season In The Life Of The Duke-north Carolina Basketball Rivalry

Average customer rating:

To Hate Like This Is To Stay Happy Forever: A Season In The Life Of The Duke-north Carolina Basketball Rivalry
Will Blythe
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NE20KQ

Customer Reviews:

A Spiritual Viewpoint On Gambling.......2002-03-14

Miron Stabinsky has done a great thing with this book. He's illuminated another way of looking at gambling, as a spiritual quest for self-development and self-experience. The book includes many interesting anecdotes gleaned from his long experience in the casino industry and as a professional gambler. Also, there is a considerable emphasis on looking at the whole casino experience and its components in spiritual terms. The book also includes all the basics of the casino table games, slot machines and video poker with strategies and money-management rules. It also has advice on getting along with casino staff, tipping, and how the casino works. I can't recommend this book more higly. Not only is it well-written, but it is truly a pleasure to read, and it's one of my favorite how-to books.

Fantastic.......2001-07-10

This book was just the sort of book I was after. It wasn't too technical but wasn't lame like others I have read. The only down-side is that it doesn't tell you anyway of counting cards (even just a simple method).

This book and another on card counting will suit me just fine. I highly recommend this book as it contains lots of interesting facts about many games.

Average customer rating:

Sold Our Own Home in 10 Days

Best book on selling by owner

If you have sold a house or bought one forget this book!

Beware

Be aware of the pitfalls

How to Sell Your Own Home: The Practical Homeowner's Guide to Selling by Owner
Ph. D., William F. Supple Jr.
Manufacturer: Picket Fence Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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Sell It by Owner and Save

ASIN: 0965391108

Book Description

The reference book on selling your own home and saving thousands by avoiding commission fees. This book teaches you how to price the property, show it, and close the deal using a simple step-by-step approach.

Customer Reviews:

Sold Our Own Home in 10 Days.......2007-02-11

Followed the tips for preparing our home, setting a price, advertising, and making appointments with prospective buyers. The sign went in the yard on a Wednesday and 10 days later we had a signed purchase/sale agreement. The book is very encouraging and right on the money. A nice home at the right price pretty much sells itself. There's no magic to it, but the process only works if you have the time and sense to apply the steps in the book. If you're too busy, too lazy, or too confused, then get yourself an agent and give them a big chunk of your hard-earned equity.

Best book on selling by owner.......2005-10-11

I noticed that the only negative reviews on this book are from REALTORS. Of course, they haven't read the book they only want to discourage people from selling by owner, saving money and cutting them out of the deal. Realtors think that they are entitled to a commission, they should think again.

It's easy to see who the realtors are here writing 'reviews'.

The people who sell their own homes by following the advice in this book are the right and true reviewers.

I highly recommend this book, and it's unique information to anyone who is thinking of selling their own home...it will save you a fortune in outrageous real estate commissions and save you time and effort!

If you have sold a house or bought one forget this book!.......2004-12-01

I was really looking forward to this read - however greatly unsatisfied when I finished (within an hour). Most of what is inside would be common sense for anyone who has sold or bought a house in the past using a good agent. This is not to say that I like using an agent - I don't and won't. What I do mean is that if you have had past experience with this kind of transaction and had a good agent that walks you through the process than you have already covered much of the content of this book- like home inspections and appraisals and oh ya duh get a good lawyer. Save your money for the lawyer and your ads!

Beware.......2004-06-09

Do not believe this book. Hiring a realtor is the BEST way to sell your house. I tried to use this book and lost thousands of dollars and ended up hiring a realtor anyways. The keys to selling a house are advertising and having a way for buyers and their realtors to see your house at all times of the day. This book does NOT provide adequate information on this, and you do need a realtor for the advertising and access to your house for showing.

Be aware of the pitfalls.......2004-03-31

This book is readable and nicely planned out, but it may oversimplify selling by owner. It reads like a Tony Robbins/Up With People/Judy Garland-Mickey Rooney let's-put-on-a-show MGM musical. I wanted an MLS listing to help with advertising but the flat fee listers don't do it in every state. This book makes it sound like there are many advertising avenues available to FSBO listings (without being very specific), but I couldn't find any in my state, and the Internet listings aren't much good in areas where many people don't have computers. (Yes, there are such places even in 2004.) Plus, the FSBO sites I found were connected with flat fee listers, so prospective buyers aren't necessarily going to find them. I had to give up and list with a realtor. If you want the book for general information and/or you live in a state with a hot real estate market, it isn't bad, but don't expect selling to be as easy as the book makes it sound.

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