Customer Reviews

Aunt Bessie's How to Survive a Day Job While Pursuing the Creative Life

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Aunt Bessie is the alter-ego of self-proclaimed frustrated writer Joel Eisenberg, which is made clear, hysterically so, in the clever intro. I picked up a copy of this at San Diego's Comic Con International, on the last day, where there were only two books remaining. I have to say, my husband and I were astounded on the train ride back.

This is only a first book by this author, yet he received contributions from such notables as Clive Barker, Larry ("JR") Hagman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Stuart Woods, Brad Meltzer, "ET's" mom Dee Wallace Stone, former heavyweight boxing champ Larry Holmes and so many others. They all have such interesting stories.

But what makes this book even more compelling is that he has a section about everyday people - non-celebrities - that are surviving the process now en eroute to reaching their goals as a singer, actor, writer, etc.

Anyone that has ever hated their day job, or resented the fact that they could not pursue what they wanted to in life may just rethink their strategies after reading this immensely inspiring book.

At the end, more "Aunt Bessie" volumes are promised. This could be something. I think we just read the second coming of Chicken Soup For the Soul.

The book is compelling, especially for its target audience: people aspiring to careers in the creative arts. One message comes through loud and clear from those who have succeeded: be persistent; never give up. I have a few friends who are trying to write the Great American Novel or become the next famous director or screenwriter who I'd like to give this book to. It's also a completely engaging and interesting read for anyone who picks it up. Recommend it highly.

This entertaining, insightful, fun book is a must read for anyone aspiring to greater heights. I loved the cast of characters, what fantastic stories, very inspiring. You really got a first-hand, insiders look at what these people had to go through in order to pursue their dreams. A triumph of the human spirit, writer Joel Eisenberg has got my vote for another installment.

As you read "Aunt Bessie's How to Survive a Day Job While Pursuing the Creative Life," you feel like you are on the inside of a great discovery. In the bookworld, the author, Joel Eisenberg, is a virgin. This is his first, yet he's received contributions from so many A-listers it would take too much room to recount here.

I agree with an earlier posting about the cleverness of his introduction, where he turns into this 'Aunt Bessie' character, crossing Ann Landers with Eminem, who then proceeds to introduce each chapter. Could definitely be a film.

It's a fun read, and it's also an education about persistence and strategies necessary to endure a day job, while following your bliss, as Joseph Campbell would say.

I especially liked Clive Barker's segment, who somehow never worked a day job, refusing to be a 'wage slave.' It's perspectives like this that make this book different. A prior poster mentioned that this may be The Second Coming of "Chicken Soup for the Soul." Maybe, but this one has edge.

This is one of the year's out of nowhere surprises, and I can't wait for the next one.