Rating: 
Summary: eh, what did you expect?
Review: Well, look, you get what you pay for with this book. It was never meant to change the way we look at books and I am sure there are far greater crimes which have been committed against literature in the name of a fast buck. There is not much here. Don't get this for the gossip. You're average People magazine article on AI has more dirt. Some of Cowell's insights in the world of pop music are funny and well, insightful. You have to give the guy credit for calling a spade a spade. Oftentimes he does seem to pick safe targets-Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, everyone knows they are "over" (until their next hit of course) so picking on them seems boring. It is interesting that Simon readily admits that people in the pop music business would have never picked Clay or Rueben. But then again this (third) season of AI finds Simon picking even more young wanna-be Britney's, despite his book length lecture on not trying to force people to like a certain kind of singer. But the whole book tends to read like that. One can imagine Cowell and several focus group types going over the manuscript, trying to fine tune it to make it appear they are exposing AI without actually having to say much. If you are a fan of the show it is almost worth checking out this book. It is a decent beach read, as long as you don't plan to spend more than a few hours at the beach.
Rating: 
Summary: SIMON delivers a Great "BRITRASH" Read....
Review: The judge that most North Americans and Brits adore to dislike delivers a book that you will not be able to put down.
This small book is more of a "complementary read" for POP IDOL and AMERICAN IDOL fans than it is an inside bible for anyone wanting to take a glimpse into the music world and acquire tips on how to make it in the music industry. COWELL knows how to write a book that will make you turn pages. His comments about CLAY AIKEN are shocking for any fan having witnessed COWELL and AIKEN together during AMERICAN IDOL season 2. It's also intriguing to read his opinions and reviews on several American Idol situations. He discusses in detail the second season guest judges (enjoying LIONEL RICHIE, being amazed how OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN hit upon him). He snaps about having had a fourth judge placed into their roster (he hated her even though she lasted a week). He dishes about contestants he liked (RUBEN, TAMYRA) disliked (RYAN STARR, NIKKI McKIBBIN). He also blows open the lid on the famous KIMBERLY CALDWELL and JULIA DEMATO feud, JIM VERRAROS confessing his sexuality to him. He even drops the bomb that sexual threesomes existed during season two between contestants (TYREESE, CALDWELL and CORY). He offers his opinion about WHITNEY HOUSTON, MICHAEL JACKSON and BRITNEY SPEARS. If you love the american version of the IDOL show then I strongly suggest you read this one. There is not much about the POP IDOL (UK or World) versions. However, the book is a fast read and will supply you with countless of hours of laughter and dishy gossip.
Rating:
Summary: Very entertaining book, particularly for AI fans
Review: Written with style and and containing interesting content that has great appeal and insight, particularly if you love 'American Idol', 'I Don't Mean To Be Rude, But.."is a very entertaning book. Even more so perhaps if you are a Clay Aiken fan, as you read what Simon was really thinking about Clay from the beginning. The same applies to Reuben, Kelly, and Justin fans. Anyone who has ever questioned whether Simon knows his business will soon realize as they read the first-third of the book that the answer is "Yes", and they will also know in detail 'why' he is so knowledgable. Simon's background in the music business, plus that natural intuition he has for recognizing what the public wants gives him every right and then some to offer his open, honest, and hopefully helpful comments to talented and creative individuals who want to be 'stars'. The second-third of the book sent me into peals of laughter and kept me glued to the page as Simon covers every delicious detail the two first seasons of 'American Idol'. Every little tidbit is recorded on the page bringing back memories of the auditions, the contestants, the performances, and the outcome of two wonderful talents searches. All the backstage gossip and insider details about the performers, the judges, the hosts, and each week's performances will delight you as you hear the Simon's voice in your head while you read his first-person comments. Simon covers the 'best' and 'worst' AI performances, details of first meeting Randy and Paula, the guest judges, off-screens encounters with contestant's families, after-hours parties attended by the judges, and off-the-show activities of many of the performers, plus much more. The last-third of the book provides a priceless guideline for those looking to become a success in today's music world. All solid advice from someone who is at the top of the field. Helpful direction from someone who would not normally be accessible to the those still as the bottom struggling to break into stardom. I love this book and highly recommend it as a easy-read that will provide great pleasure. Of course, I love Simon as well and think he offers great and valuable critique in a very entertaining style to the contestants on 'American Idol'. That same brutal honesty laced with contagious humor is in the book, but in even greater quantity. This is Simon and reading at their best.
Rating: 
Summary: The Real Simon Cowell
Review: My wife bought this book at Wal-Mart two days ago. I was quite surprised.She informed me that it was the last copy available and she thought we might enjoy it what with our enjoyment of American Idol. She was right. It is very insightfull starting with Simons background from the beginning to the current day. This coupled with an interesting take on the contestants and the judges makes this a must have book for those interested in the "American Idol" show. Fascinating to say the least and realy explains how Simon thinks.
Rating:
Summary: Cool book!
Review: This a very cool book! I admire Simon Cowell so much, because he's so honest and almost always right! This is an inside look into the life of the handsome, honest, funny man we all love (or hate) At some points I just wanted to scream out, "Exactly!" because his insights were so honest and true. We love you, Simon!
Rating:
Summary: Is There Anything that Simon Can't Do?
Review: When buying the book I expected the charm, the wit, the humor, the intelligence, and of course I was not disappointed, but what I wasn't expecting was the insight this book provided. I'm not talking about his knowledge on how to be a star (as genuinely insightful as that portion was for those interested in stardom), but about certain aspects of his book that made me stop and say aloud, "thank you Simon." He just knows so much and is so intune with the way people work, and it comes thru beautifully in the book!
He is a walking, talking, wonderful, contradiction that is not only fascinating to watch but terrific to read about. In some ways it seems as though he was the underdog that you can't help but root for (when he signed a few deals that others doubted the success of) and then at other times it seems that HE was destined to be HUGE and that nothing could get in his way. And even though before reading the book, the reader knows that the outcome will be success for Cowell, it is impossible not to cheer for him when good things start coming his way.
He has justified arrogance and an appeal that will never go away. The only thing I was unhappy about was that the book left me wanting more, and he has yet to write another. So, if you haven't bought it yet, you're missing out. It was the best $21.95 I ever spent!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book, Excellent Advice, and Brutal Honesty
Review: I truly enjoyed reading this book. The book start out with a brief look into Simon's background and how he started out. Then, it goes into how Pop Idol (UK's version) and American Idol came about. Simon's book offers great advice for aspiring singers, as well as an in-depth look into American Idol. I was surprised by some of the information that was revealed about the contestants, such as the divas of the show, hook-ups between the contestants, and some other information (read the book to find out). I'm glad that I purchased this book and I feel like it was worth every cent. If you're an aspiring singer, this is a must-read. It gives you insider information about what the industry is looking for..
Rating:
Summary: This is a good book, with some excellent advice & info
Review: I have enjoyed reading this book, which gives me more respect for and understanding of Simon Cowell (& the other Am Idol judges and other insiders in the business!) and the world of pop music. He shares helpful and insightful information, and his values about determination, focus, sincerity, appreciation/gratitude, and hard work. This felt like just the right length and depth, and I recommend it to singers who think they'd like to "make it" to stardom in pop music -- his focus really is pop music, and some of his info would only work in pop music, but that info is vital and to-the-point. His last chapter's concise suggestions about how to audition are excellent. He is, much of the time, very real about his own life and development, and how important he feels mentoring and appropriate training and experience are for one who knows what he/she wants in this world. It also was often startling and sometimes fun experiencing his world and the first two seasons of American Idol from backstage and from his insider's perspective.
Rating:
Summary: Easily the best book I have ever read!
Review: I ordered the book, and finished it in two days. I normally do not read, but this book got me hooked. This is a must for anyone interested in music, Simon Cowell, American Idol or all three like myself. After this book I believe Simon Cowell is one of the smartest person on this earth.
Rating:
Summary: Wicked, funny, and entertaining fluff
Review: As a new fan of American Idol and as a fan of the irascible and erudite Simon, I just loved this book. It gives an invaluable insight into, not just the contemporary pop music industry, but also what it takes and makes to become a famous and talented pop star. One of the wonderful attributes about Simon is that in hard times has constantly kept his focus and drive, and he has never "sold out" to the industry or compromised his standards. He has spent years honing his skills as an A & R Consultant, and it shows; his skills at picking talent and being able to spot the "X factor" are formidable. I don't think Simon is actually rude; he just has an acerbic wit, and a wicked sense of humor, which some overly sensitive people may interpret as rude. He really is just brutally honest and candid, and I don't think there's anything wrong with him telling the truth about what he doesn't like. As he often says on American Idol - there are a lot of self-deluded people out there. The first half of the book is very interesting, as he recounts his childhood in England, his frustrations at having to follow "a normal" career path, his days in the mailroom at EMI records and his efforts to come influential in the recording industry. He talks about the way he first insulted his glamorous mother, criticized of his first grade teacher, and was rather obnoxious to his first employers. The Second half of I Don't Mean to be Rude... is really an expose on the development of American Idol, from its conception and pitch to the networks in the United States, to the final episodes of season two where Ruben and Clay go head to head. Throughout the book Simon drops lots of hints about the styles of music he likes and hates, and the singers that he thinks have made a success of their lives, including Madonna, Justin Timberlake, and Kylie Minogue etc. This book is nothing but fluff, and I'm glad it isn't too long. But even though it is fluff, I still enjoyed it. And I would certainly recommend this book if you want to be reminded of some of the greats of British pop music and also for a quite attention-grabbing insider's account of the competitive contemporary music industry. Michael
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