Rating: 
Summary: This book has no soul
Review: I picked up the book because I love the man's music but my expectations were not high. But I was thrilled at yet another masterpiece (in words - this time) from the maestro.In this completely honest introspective autobiography you are informed,entertained, at times saddened but above all inspired. A look into what makes music,creativity and an inspiring life. In Yanni's words "Dive in, and let the magic begin."
Rating: 
Summary: Another Masterpiece
Review: I picked up the book because I love the man's music but my expectations were not high. But I was thrilled at yet another masterpiece (in words - this time) from the maestro.In this completely honest introspective autobiography you are informed,entertained, at times saddened but above all inspired. A look into what makes music,creativity and an inspiring life. In Yanni's words "Dive in, and let the magic begin."
Rating:
Summary: So candid so Yanni !
Review: I really liked this book! I can't believe how openly he has spoken about himself. I have listened to his music and felt his passion, but now I can feel where it is coming from. The book let's you know a person this truely magnificient doesn't just get there they earn there way to the top and become a little more wiser along the way. He is a true example of hard work paying off. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know about his soul, passion and feelings. PS. I really liked the photos also.
Rating:
Summary: His story, a truly motivational one....
Review: I was fortunate to receive a copy of Yanni's book, "Yanni in Words". I have always enjoyed his music and now I was able to read his story.
His story, a truly motivational one:
He was born and raised in Greece. His upbringing was a simple one, to quote Yanni, "though our family life was simple, I wasn't aware that we were poor. Maybe we didn't have many possessions, but we never went hungry, were cold, or lacked love."
At age 14 he set a national record for breaking the fifty-meter freestyle swim. However, you should be aware that he never had a coach nor did he have any formal personal training. He beat swimmers that had coaches and trained every day for many years. How did he do it? In his book he states, "I believed that anything was possible, or at least because I didn't put together everyone else's 'facts' and believe that winning was impossible."
His parents wanted their children to receive an education in the United States. They sold their house and moved into a rental apartment in order to come up with the money to send their children to get a better education. So at 18 years old, Yanni found himself on a plane to the United States. He arrived speaking very little English. He got a part time job as a dishwasher. In university he struggled as he states in his book, "Every fifth word was unfamiliar. I'd never been so frustrated, but as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I studied with the book, a notebook, and a Greek/English dictionary". He persevered and graduated with a psychology diploma in 1976.
But he then his passion for music took over. While he had his ups and downs, worked with different bands, he had a desire to create his own music. But it was a music that was unlike others. Throughout the book you will read about the challenges he faced. But you will also see his determination. He put it all on the line. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, "We are all capable if we have faith and passion." While he did have faith and passion he had many challenges to overcome. It was not an easy ride to success, but his through his faith and a passion he did make it.
A happy ending, not exactly! When he reached success, he had a setback. One, which he overcame, but one which made him look at life and all he had accomplished and made him realize he had to take care of himself.
The story of Yanni and his success is one, which is motivational and inspiring. Thank you Yanni for putting your experiences "in words" so many of us can learn and be motivated by your experiences!
Rating:
Summary: Yanni has found a new medium along with music!
Review: I wonder why MARY from Long Island have it 2 stars...I've read many biographies, but this one is by far the best. This isn't one of those "I wish this was shorter" or "*Yawn*" type books. In this book, Yanni is very articulate about his emotions, but even more, it's exciting. It covers everything from his childhood in a picturesque seaside village to his historic concerts at the Taj Mahal to his insights on creativity. Words aren't quite my medium either, i'm an introvert, but I feel that people need to know about this book. Even if you're not a Yanni fan, this book teaches many valuable lessons, which has begun to make my life better believe it or not. And more than often, I've laughed my head off at some wonderfully hilarious moments. This truly is the man behind the music, or even more the spirit behind mankind.
Rating:
Summary: Yanni has found a new medium along with music!
Review: I wonder why MARY from Long Island have it 2 stars... I've read many biographies, but this one is by far the best. This isn't one of those "I wish this was shorter" or "*Yawn*" type books. In this book, Yanni is very articulate about his emotions, but even more, it's exciting. It covers everything from his childhood in a picturesque seaside village to his historic concerts at the Taj Mahal to his insights on creativity. Words aren't quite my medium either, i'm an introvert, but I feel that people need to know about this book. Even if you're not a Yanni fan, this book teaches many valuable lessons, which has begun to make my life better believe it or not. And more than often, I've laughed my head off at some wonderfully hilarious moments. This truly is the man behind the music, or even more the spirit behind mankind.
Rating: 
Summary: Pleasantly Surprised
Review: I''ve been a big fan of Yanni's over the years, but not so much where I knew his life story. After seeing his most recent concert for his new CD Ethnicity, I was inspired to read his book. I was pleasantly surprised that the book kept me glued from page to page. There were things I learned about Yanni I never knew. It's easy to conjure up an image of a famous entertainer based on interviews, media coverage, etc. His "story" was actually very enlightening -- like, I always thought Yanni was a health nut. I find out he's a big smoker and coffee drinker. (I think he's since quit smoking.) I thought he had help along the way in building his amazing career. He did not. He had to do it all on his own. The book reveals the amazing battle he had convincing the music industry of the appeal of his music. Yanni had to make everything in his career happen himself - including gambling millions of his own money to make the Acroplis, Taj Mahal, and Forbidden City concerts happen. It paid off for him in spades. I also got insight into his relationship with Linda Evans. Linda participated in this book.
In the end, I now look at Yanni a little differently. When I listen to his music, I "hear" more -- I know his story from whence these songs come.
Yanni fans will not be disappointed with this book. It's a very candid and honest account of Yanni's life.
I can't imagine anyone other than a Yanni fan or one who appreciates the kind of music and artistry he's created caring to read this book though.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific book full of great lessons, and not just for fans
Review: I've been a fan of Yanni for a while now. I absolutely love his music. So when I heard about this book I had to get it. It's obvious Yanni gives his music 110% and after reading this book I realize Yanni gives everything 110%. The book is very interesting, starting with Yanni has a young boy and progressing through his rock band years, his relationship with Linda Evans, and his struggles putting on the Acropolis and Taj Mahal shows. The book was never boring. If you wonder how he got to where he is today this book is for you. If you think Yanni is "gay" (literal or figurative) and just for women, you'll be pleasantly suprised. If you think he got to be so successful because he was a born natural, you'll be suprised again. So how did he do it? You'll have to read the book to find out but basically it was tons of hard work and lots of passion. And that's what I enjoyed the most about this book, it's very inspirational. After reading it I really felt motivated to work harder at my goals and not to give up. That's why I think this book would appeal to non-fans as well. Everyone can make their dream come true.
Rating:
Summary: A terrific book full of great lessons, and not just for fans
Review: I've been a fan of Yanni for a while now. I absolutely love his music. So when I heard about this book I had to get it. It's obvious Yanni gives his music 110% and after reading this book I realize Yanni gives everything 110%. The book is very interesting, starting with Yanni has a young boy and progressing through his rock band years, his relationship with Linda Evans, and his struggles putting on the Acropolis and Taj Mahal shows. The book was never boring. If you wonder how he got to where he is today this book is for you. If you think Yanni is "gay" (literal or figurative) and just for women, you'll be pleasantly suprised. If you think he got to be so successful because he was a born natural, you'll be suprised again. So how did he do it? You'll have to read the book to find out but basically it was tons of hard work and lots of passion. And that's what I enjoyed the most about this book, it's very inspirational. After reading it I really felt motivated to work harder at my goals and not to give up. That's why I think this book would appeal to non-fans as well. Everyone can make their dream come true.
Rating:
Summary: Book of inspiration!
Review: It took me only two days to read Yanni's book..I just couldn't put it down! Yanni openly discusses his childhood in Greece, his difficulty of life after arriving in the U.S, beginning of his musical career, his relationship with Linda Evans, and all of the trials and tribulations he has gone through as a musical artist. Overall, this book shows what a strong and inspirational person Yanni really is. Even during the darkest times in his life, he never gave up and inspired those around him to do the same. Reading his story has also inspired me not to give up when things just seem hopeless. I am so happy he wrote this book!
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