Book Reviews

The following book reviews are all from independent, non-biased readers and reviewers including those from Amazon.com and other retail sites.

Due to confidentiality agreements, many of the books Robert has ghostwritten cannot be included for obvious reasons.



Customer Reviews From Amazon.com for Robert’s Bestselling book:
The Golf Gods Are Laughing: The Confessions. Obsessions, and Insights of a Golf Addict

Every Golfers Survival Guide - The humor of the game !, August 4, 2000
By A Customer
As a avid golfer, I rather play golf than read about it! However, since I received this book as a gift, and I had some free time I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. The book is great, right from the start. Robert Woodcox is a golf genius, if there is such a thing. His accounts of what he has gone through so far in his "golfing career" is hilarious. Every golfer will be able relate to what he writes. However, this may not be such a great thing. Not everything a golfer does or thinks is something to be proud of.

If you golf, know someone who golfs, or just want to laugh at human nature, then buy this book. It is one of the best books I've ever read. If he played half as well as he writes, he'd be a scratch golfer.

Nobby Orens
(Encino, CA)
This is my second review because I enjoyed the book so much I read it again! It's even better the second time. Incidentally, I've now sent it to 47 of my friends because I wanted them to get the same pleasure out of the book as I did. Many of them have told me "it's the funniest book I've ever read" and "I felt like he was writing about me." I've told them, don't tell me.... send in a review. I've been checking the reviews and only a few of them have taken the time to send in reviews but I'm taking the time to do a second one for all my friends who are too lazy to do their own.
Nobby Orens, Golf Nut of the Year/ Golf Nut Society of America/ Guinness World Record Holder/ Director of Golf Research, Plaza Travel

J.S
(Long Beach, CA)
As a woman and a new golfer, I found this book refreshing and one that I could relate to. Not only was it funny and light, it was true. It allows you to learn and laugh at yourself and the game at the same time. It is nice to know that what I am feeling is not uncommon and that I will get over it one day. Thanks for putting it all in perspective for me!

Most enjoyable book on the experience of golf ever!, June 19, 1999
By A Customer
Robert has done a great service for golfers at every level. His book is entertaining, educational, funny, hilarious, offers helpful hints, all in one. I don't believe he has left out any aspect about the challenges of the golf game. You can pick it up at any point in the book and have a hard time putting it down. Definite thumbs up Robert.

GREAT BOOK!!! VERY FUNNY!!!, July 9, 2000
By "dougdome" (Agoura, CA)
I received this book as a gift and haven't been able to put it down yet. It is well written and very funny.

Excellent light reading, June 1, 1999
By A Customer
Great for reading at bedtime or when you can't fall asleep and are caught between a junk novel or high tech book. Also good for longer airplane flights- good humor and gives you the great feeling everyone else is having the same crazy things happen to them on the golf course. I finally read and finished reading 1 book instead of starting 10!!!!

The Golf Gods are laughing, July 7, 2000
By Nobby Orens
(Encino, CA)
I thought this was the most fun book on golf I've ever read and I've read quite a few. In many of the chapters I felt as if the author were writing about me, personally. (In one chapter, it turns out that he actually was.) I can't say enough good things about the way the book was written. It is down to earth, very, very accurate regarding the feelings that most addicted golfers feel, and just a real lot of fun to read.

I was so impressed with the book that I bought 24 of them (so far) and have sent them to a lot of my golf buddies. I think that there's not much more I can say without being reptitious other than this is the best golf book I have ever read.
Sincerely, Nobby Orens 1999 Golf Nut of the Year/Golf Nut Society of America, Guinness World Record Holder, Director of Golf Research/Plaza Travel

The Golf Gods are Laughing., August 7, 2000
By Joe Watters
(Los Angeles, CA)
This book was recommended to me by a real golf fanatic, Nobby Orens, as there is a bit of a fanatic in all of us that love the game of golf. This book has some very, very funny chapters. If you play the game of golf, you'll enjoy this book.

The Golf Gods Laugh At Us All!, July 9, 2000
By Michael H. Noyes
(Fountain Valley, CA USA)
Robert the Bruce has captured us all since the Gods laugh and strike golfers down at will. A very funny account of the experiences we have all felt in learning this most rewarding and difficult game ever devised for the torment of man. This account was made even more enjoyable for me since the encounters Robert experienced in Orange County, California and surrounding counties are in my primary golfing venues as well. Every course, every shot successful or failed have matched my experiences with the same highs and lows! As a collector of golf books and a practicing Golf Nut I highly recommend this book to all who either laugh along with the Gods or who desperately need to start. The Golf Gods just won't quit laughing!

By George C. Knapp
(Virginia, USA)
The Robert Bruce Woodcox book The Golf Gods Are Laughing is the best golf book I've read. And I've read a good number of them. From a golfer's viewpoint, it's hilarious. My non-golfer spouse isn't as impressed. I'm looking forward to sharing it with my foursome, brother-in-law, sons, friends, etc.

Must reading for every golfer, March 2, 2000
Robert Schenkkan (USA)
Robert Woodcox covers the full spectrum of the golfing experience in a wonderful, acrid and hilarious potpourie of anecdotes, tips, and history. Robert manages to touch (or tickle) the deepest recesses of the golfing soul in a profound way. Read it and you will come away with a true sense that you are part of the aggregate soul of golf. Robert Schenkkan C.E.O. Black Sheep Innovations Inc. (Makers of the "Gbag"; the future of stand up golf bags)

"Must" reading for anyone who has ever played golf., February 4, 2000
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
The common denominator that binds all golfers together is experiencing the emotions, idiosyncrasies and flaws that are part and parcel of the game of golf. Robert Woodcox's The Golf Gods Are Laughing: The Confessions, Obsessions, And Insights Of A Golf Addict is an articulate, insightful, funny, and compelling treatise that will be read and enjoyed by virtually everyone who has ever hit the little white ball with a club, lined up a putt, slogged through a sand trap, drowned in a water hazard, or wandered aimlessly in the rough in search of the unfindable. Highly recommended.

fabulous and hilarious, July 7, 1999
By A Customer
Your book is fabulous and hilarious. It is a work of art, a masterpiece and funny, funny, funny. Thank you...thank you. J.W. O'Connor (Bill) Midlothian, Virginia

If you play, you'll laugh!, June 16, 1999
By A Customer
Purchased this book at the Orange County airport where the author was signing. He has a great grasp of the futility of the process and has great fun with it in the book. At least 5 good laughs in every chapter. I can relate!!! Benjamin-a fellow addict

Whatever your obsession, you'll relate to this funny book., June 3, 1999
By A Customer
Whatever your obsession, golf or otherwise, you will relate to this very funny book about one man's quest to understand his. The stories and details of the game make for interesting and terrifically funny reading.

great father's day gift and client gift, May 28, 1999
By A Customer
I recently purchased 25 copies of this book for my clients, all of whom are golf nuts. I love it and they all love it. It's very funny!

Hilarious. Lot's of laughs for the soul of the golfer., April 26, 1999
By A Customer
I recently bought this book at the L.A. Times book festival. I too am an addicted golfer. The confession, obsessions and insights of a golf addict is a most appropriate subtitle for The Golf Gods are Laughing. The funniest thing I've ever read about the game. JW. California.



Chasing Rubi: The Truth About Porfirio Rubirosa the Last Playboy

read it and discuss with your book club AMAZING!
Perfect Little Productions
Wow! This story is an amazing tale about a true life playboy. Influencing political leaders, FBI tagging his tale trying to figure out how he got the MOST POWERFUL AND RICH WOMEN IN THE WORLD to marry him, while sustaining his affairs with famous actresses. Menus carrying dishes named after him referring to a specific body part is pretty impressive. The fact that most people are not aware of this man's story is appalling. I hope Oliver Stone makes this his next project because as I was reading this book that I couldn't put down, I couldn't help visualizing this character on the silver screen. It's a biography of a true life fantasy. A man's man, a woman's dream, FBI files revealed, interviews, photos, and a sad ending!! What more can you ask for...oh, yeah, it's a TRUE STORY!! Bring it to your local book club, I'm sure you'll have commentary for weeks!!

Amazing character!
Rebbeca Toribio
It is amazing to read about this guy, Porfirio Rubirosa, it's like reading the book for a James Bond movie. The women, the political interests, the luxurious lifestyle, and his unique charm make this book very appealing and interesting. Not only for entertainment, but even historically, Rubirosa was an important part of many world events. Highly recommend it!

WILL READ IN ONE SITTING!
Breanne Pace
Chasing Rubi is extremely powerful with such a unique voice, you can't put it down. I am an avid reader, and have not experienced a story so intriguing and refreshing in awhile. It left me wanting more, therefore I hope they publish a second book! I would recommend this book to history buffs, womanizers and anyone with a thirst for thrills!! Well done.

Fantastic!
Michael Southworth
Once I started reading "Chasing Rubi, " I couldn't put it down. The authors have done an extraordinary amount of research and produced a captivating portrait of a man who led a truly unbelievable life. It's a crazy, pedal-to-the-metal journey with glamorous highs, heartbreaking lows, intriguing plot twists and more close calls than you can imagine! Just when you think Rubirosa's story can't get any more amazing, it does. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

What a fun, wild ride
J. Hardwick
I love how this book details one of the most amazing people in our history, yet many may not have heard of him, which only adds to his mystique. His accomplishments and exploits outweigh those of 10 men combined. The authors did a great job of showcasing Rubi. If you want to find out what life could be like if you were to mix James Bond and Hugh Hefner along with the adventures of Richard Branson all in one person -- you have Rubirosa. Entertaining and historical. A great read.



Mindfield by John Egbert

By Lizzie (DC)
john egbert surely knows how to write a detailed story! imagine if 3 million americans went deaf from a bacteria- spinal meningitis. would the situation be far worse than you think? love, love this book!

By University Student "Novel lover"
(Minneapolis, MN) Excerpts from student's book reflections of MindField at a University.
Each quotation below is from different students

"MindField has absolutely helped me to better understand the deaf culture and really made me happy for choosing to take ASL course."

"This book was written in a style that made it easy and enjoyable to read, I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know more about the deaf culture or get an idea of what it would be like to become deaf."

"You don't have to hear anything when someone you like or love smiles at you. That one simple visual says volumes and warms up your soul like words are hard to pressed to duplicate." (page 244) that is my favorite line in the book. I now understand that ASL is a language that is completely full of emotions. One simple facial expression can speak a thousand words."

"Although MindField was difficult to begin, once I got started, it flew by. The writing style was notably more expressive than most other works of fiction, especially with regards to vocal tone."

"This book has definitely helped me understand the deaf community and American Sign language better."

"Overall the book MindField is a creative way to introduce speaking students to the deaf culture and community. I enjoyed reading this book and took away a lot of facts and thoughts that I think will help me appreciate ASL and the culture a lot more than I used to."

"I think the book was filled with great metaphors for what is really going on in the world and how a lot of things go over looked and unseen if you allow them to. It is clever and insightful with a fictional story line that keeps your interests."

"The book was inspiring to me. I think overall this book has many underlying messages about the society, government, the deaf and what it really means to be human with what ever senses we have. It was a very well written and empowering book."

"MindField is a novel that gives a reader useful information while keeping them entranced in a beautifully put together piece of fiction. There is so much that I have learned from this test that I have never really thought of before. I have been very humbled by my ignorance of the complexities of deaf culture"

"MindField was a wonderful piece of very plausible fiction with a very powerful message. This book shows the deaf community in a light that I had previously never seen. I felt that the book was very well written and organized, the large number of chapters made it easy to keep up with the multitude of characters and events happening all around the world."

"Overall I am very grateful to have read this book, MindField, because I feel it gave me the best possible chance to be able to relate to the deaf culture. I feel like I understand it a little better now and understand a bit more how they perceive the world. I also really liked the plot. It had a hidden message that you didn't even realize you picked up on until the very end of the book."

"The novel MindField, provided me with such an important message about communication. This story provided me with a better understanding of the needs and desires of deaf people and caused me to have such a strong desire to learn sign language."

"I was most impressed with how much I enjoyed this book. Honestly, when reading the information about the book, I didn't think that I would be interested. However, after the first chapter I was hooked. I literally would not put the book down for hours on end. The book was very well researched as well as written."

"What impressed me most about the book is that not only was a captivating read with a great plot and believable characters, behind it was the stores and experiences of what people face every day of their lives. Making this realization gave the book much more depth and substance."

"I believe that this book has helped me to better understand the deaf culture as well as ASL. I had never really learned about either before taking this class and I think this book was a perfect supplemental reading."

Better Deaf culture expositions exist, December 15, 2008
By David Phillips
(Austin, TX USA)
John Egbert seeks to creatively help his Deaf community in a novel of pandemic-spread-by-terrorists plot, where historic abuses to the Deaf community, common misconceptions, and on-going failures in deaf education are revealed in a palatable way by wrapping the message in a thriller. As a member of that community I wish I could recommend it, but it doesn't thrill, and its antiquated views of technology annoy.

It is a story with a point tidily summed up by the four and a half page "Author's Notes" (written by daughter Stella Egbert) at the end of the book. The 1880 Milan Congress fostered abuse and substandard education on generations of deaf people by insisting that they be taught only by oral methods. Even today school districts suppress the native language of the Deaf community by requiring that S.E.E. instead of ASL be used in classrooms.



Nine Famous Artists Your Children Will Love

September 30, 2003
By Per Bak, Jr.
(California, USA)
This book is a wonderful read! It should serve as a "blueprint" for parents to introduce their children to art. Napoliello captivates his audience from the beginning. I strongly recommend this book to anyone.

An excellent art appreciation guide, September 15, 2003
By Midwest Book Review
(Oregon, WI USA)
Written in collaboration with the Pasadena Museum of California Art, Michael Napoliello's Nine Famous Artists Your Children Will Love: An Art Discovery Primer & Handbook For Parents And Their Children is an engaging and informed introduction to appreciating wonderful abstract and modern artworks by distinguished creators. The nine artists presented are Alexander Calder, Red Grooms, Wassily Kandinsky, Fernand Leger, Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Miro, Claes Oldenburg, Jackson Pollock, and David Smith. Full-color photographs of memorable pieces are presented with biographical notes on the artists, ideas for activities to share with children, questions to ask and discuss, insights into the heart and soul of the creations, and more. An excellent art appreciation guide, Nine Famous Artists Your Children Will Love is most especially commended to the attention of parents and grandparents wanting to instill an appreciation of modern art into the minds and lives of their children and grandchildren.

By Wes P. Jessup
(Pasadena, CA)
9 Famous Artists Your Children Will Love takes a user friendly approach to introducing children to concepts of 20th century art. This book is easy to understand and enjoyable to read. It is a great buy for your family or as a gift!

By "a_different_jason"
(Palos Verdes Estates, CA)
Mr. Napoliello's recent title "Nine Famous Artists..." was an incredibly inspiring read for me. Not only did I enjoy the stories and great colorful artwork, but I actually took my kids to the museum and an art gallery shortly afterwards. My head exploded watching how much fun and interest the kids had. I thought baseball and TV was the way to go, Mr. Napoliello has genuinely inspired me to try harder. I did try harder and the results were staggering. I plan to make galleries and museums a regular part of my kids life.



Murder at the Office

A gripping and shocking story that will make you laugh and cry, December 19, 2006
By D. M. Schimming
(Newport Beach, CA)
From the beginning I was drawn into "Murder At The Office" and found it very hard to put down. It's a compelling story that's shocking and true, with a wonderful tone of strength and grace through adversity, that thankfully most will never know first hand.

The story made me laugh and cry more then once, as it took me on a emotional ride of highs and lows. However it's also a story of survival and not just the heinous act that the book is based on, nor what I expected. Additionally the Christian undertones are refreshing in this day and age, with several events reminding me of my reasons for faith, because they could not have been just simple coincidences.

The book also offers professional insight into the personality issues that make some people snap. It tries to explain what should have been detected in retrospect and those ending chapters a worth the cover price alone.

Typos aside, this book is perfect for the thrill seeker and mystery lover. Plus I would recommend that all believers purchase a copy to read as inspiration and to strengthen their faith.

Great book - riveting, profound message., April 24, 2006
By Philip J. Doran Jr.
(Dallas, TX)
Great book - riveting, profound message. The book leads you through an emotional roller coaster ending with a message we all need in life. Kept me reading from start to finish.

  This is a great read!!!, January 20, 2008
By Kristal Baker "kristal"
(Omaha Ne)
This is a great book The author Brent Doonan does a great job decribing this tragic day. If you are a true crime fan this is a must read. This book is unique since it is told by a survivor. Do not have any plans when you start this book because you will not be able to put it down. This book will make you feel good about life!!



Hope Heals: How One Man Conquered Parkinson's

By reader "writer"
(Santa Cruz, CA)
William Hansen tells his heartfelt story, but the conclusion remains unwritten. Since he declares that he's taking Sinemet, which is standard PD therapy, the claim of "conquering" Parkinson's seems empty. And, since he hasn't been on Sinemet for more than five years, he hasn't entered the period in which the on-off cycle common to dopamine replacing protocols becomes problematic. Regarding his nutritional sprays, if they would enable him to be symptom free or even symptom reduced without Sinemet, he'd be onto something.

When Life hands you a lemon, make lemonade, February 27, 2006
By Bani Sodermark
(Karlstad, Sweden)
This book is a classic depiction of the above adage. When an illness like Parkinson's Disease strikes you and your body refuses to obey your wishes as you have been accustomed and prospects of getting better, seem bleak, it is easy to give way to passivity and depression. This is one thing William Paul Hansen refused to do. He began to work on his disease at several levels. His malady has prompted him to read and expand his frontiers and this book contains an impressive reading list on mind body healing. He adopted a strict spiritual regimen, meditating regularly for hours each day. At the physical level, he took off from his job and 'began my research odyssey', with a new exercise and diet routine. He also ended up developing the Parkimin sprays, a device which were aimed at conveying drugs for Parkinsons and other neurological diseases, more effectively to the brain. In this book, he describes the story of his long drawn out struggle with the disease, his realizations along the way, as to the connections between his mind, body and spirit, to his winning a final control over his dis-ease. It is probably the first time anybody has talked of actually conquering this dreaded disease that affects several million people over the globe every year. Most books on the subject, deal with people who have managed to live with the disease without its affecting their lives too negatively. The content of this book is inspiring to say the very least. Highly recommended to anyone, afflicted not only by PD, but any life-threatening disorder.

His inspirational testimony of hope and perseverence , October 12, 2004
By Midwest Book Review
(Oregon, WI)
I'm Dancing Again Because Hope Heals: How One Man Conquered Parkinson's is the personal story of William Paul Hansen and his personal triumph over a chronic and debilitating disease. Seven years ago, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer. He attributes his miraculous recovery to his use of nutraceutical sprays, intense spirituality, and a daily physical training program. His inspirational testimony of hope and perseverence is touching and memorable, recounting his struggle against fears and his search to find meaning even as he strived to learn more about the medical conditions that threatened him.

Seeing is believing!, August 23, 2004
By Avid Investor "Ron Rathi"
(Pittsburgh, PA)
I've known Bill Hansen for months now, and everything Bill says in his book is absolutely true. He has rebuilt his life after being diagnosed with Parkinson's and his book is an inspiration to anyone stricken with a neurological disease. Anyone who has Parkinson's or knows someone who has Parkinson's, which is practically everyone, should read this book.


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