Conversations with Papa Charlie: A Memory of Charles E. Smith [Hardcover]

David Bruce Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2000

At first David Bruce wanted to write a traditional biography of his remarkable grandfather, a Russian Jew who immigrated as a child to America in 1911 and built a real estate empire here. But that format seemed to violate "Papa Charlie s" impatience with verbosity. So David adopted the more accessible vignette style to pass along his grandfather s singular humor, wisdom, and enthusiasm.

Now in this charming little book, readers will feel they are sitting at the knee of this kindly Jewish grandfather, listening to stories about his amazing life and to gentle advice for succeeding in your own. Along the way, you ll learn about the importance of family devotion and the care of each of its members, responsibility for and generosity to community and to those who have less, good nutrition and a regular health regimen, devotion to religion, and some very savvy business tips - all spiced with memorable Yiddish expressions. If you never knew your own grandfather, or are missing him, this book will instruct, inspire, and soothe your ruffled feathers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"He would be a good example for others to use . . ." -- The Connection

"In essence, this is a memoir written by a loving grandson." -- Washington Jewish Week

"It reads like a recipe for success . . .subtly reveals the wisdom of a man who made significant contributions . . ." -- The Georgetowner

"Papa Charlie's pieces of advice are decidely homespun . . . this unassuming volume turns around and ends on an astonishingly poetic note . . ." -- Washingtonian

"heartwarming tale . . .endearing . . .will bring tears to readers eyes . . ." -- Montgomery County Sentinel

“Clearly shows that this connection lives on after Charles E. Smith’s death . . .Papa Charlie would be proud.” --Rockville Gazette

Conversations with Papa Charlie made me miss my grandfather and the stories he used to tell me. Growing up in the Washington area, Charles E. Smith was a familiar name to me. I always thought it was a made up corporate entity. It's nice to see that Charles Smith was a real person, and not a heartless corporate giant. I recommend this book to all those who are looking for a little guidance in life, and for anyone who just wants to read some heartwarming stories. --A reader from Bethesda, MD

Every day, we hear names of business giants such as Bill Gates or John D. Rockefeller. But what we don't hear is the story of what makes or made these men who they were. How they lived. Who they loved. What inspired them. What they ate for breakfast.
Conversations With Papa Charlie gave me a real look behind the scenes at Charles E. Smith one of the biggest names in real estate. I discovered who Charles E. Smith really was his successes, his failures and lessons not just for business but for life.
It is a magical and charming memoir that I would recommend for anyone of any age who wants to be inspired. --A reader from Washington, DC

About the Author

David Bruce Smith is the fourth of six grandchildren born into Charles E. Smith s family. He has been a real estate executive. Now, he is President of David Bruce Smith Publications, which specializes in the creation, design and writing of limited edition books. Smith is also president of the National Institute of Psychobiology in Jerusalem, editor-and-chief of Crystal City Magazine and a freelance writer. He and his grandfather wrote three books and a film together, and with his mother he wrote the first artist s book for the National Museum of Women in the Arts. This is his first book published for a general audience.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 119 pages
• Publisher: Capital Books; First Edition edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892123347
• ISBN-13: 978-1892123343
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,688,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

David Bruce Smith is the author of ten books. He has also been a magazine publisher and a real estate executive. He lives near Washington, DC with his two children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Won't Forget Him, October 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Conversations with Papa Charlie: A Memory of Charles E. Smith (Hardcover)

Every day, we hear names of business giants such as Bill Gates or John D. Rockefeller. But what we don't hear is the story of what makes or made these men who they were. How they lived. Who they loved. What inspired them.What they ate for breakfast.

Conversations With Papa Charlie gave me a real look behind the scenes at Charles E. Smith--one of the biggest names in real estate. I discovered who Charles E. Smith really was--his successes, his failures and lessons--not just for business but for life.

It is a magical and charming memoir that I would recommend for anyone of any age who wants to be inspired.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, sweet stories, April 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Conversations with Papa Charlie: A Memory of Charles E. Smith (Hardcover)

Conversations with Papa Charlie made me miss my grandfather and the stories he used to tell me. growing up in the Washington area, Charles E. Smith was a familiar name to me. I always thought it was a made up corporate entitity. It's nice to see that Chalres Smith was a real person, and not a heartless corporate giant. I recommend this book to all those who are looking for a little guidance in life, and for anyone who just wants to read some heartwarming stories.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Conversations with Papa Charlie: A Memory of Charles E. Smit, November 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Conversations with Papa Charlie: A Memory of Charles E. Smith (Hardcover)

I DON'T THINK I'LL FORGET PAPA CHARLIE FOR A LONG TIME. HE HAS TRULY INSPIRED ME!!!!!

It is nice to know that there are businessmen who are not just---interested in making money. This wonderful memoir shows how the elegant Mr. Smith, a Russian immigrant who came to America at the age of 10, went from rags to riches---twice. His initial success was achieved as a builder of homes and small shopping centers in Brooklyn, New York shortly before the Depression. Feeling that a stock market disaster was imminent, he confided to his partner-cousin that he wanted to get out of the business. But his cousin believing Smith to be irrational, talked him into staying in the business through 1929; in 1930, the agreed, they would stop building. Unfortunately the Crash came and Smith lost all of his money, but not his spirit. The lesson he learned--one of many he passes on to the reader in "Papa Charlie"--is never to go against your intuition. Smith eventually re-constructed his wealth--the second time in Washington, DC twenty years later--but in the end retired suddenly at the age of 66 to spend the rest of his life as a philanthropist. In the 28 years he was to live, he raised money for numerous causes, and co-founded the Institute of Psychobiology in Israel. As his grandson-author, David Bruce Smith, reveals, Smith would also peruse the Washington Post each morning, looking for human interest stories that moved him. The reader learns about the poor woman for whom he bought a washing machine, the friends he helped during financial reversals, and the kind and compassionate way he treated his employees. Reading Conversations with Papa Charlie was a moving experience for me. I would recommend it for ANYONE. Smith's story makes you believe that Good Samaritans still exist.