15 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Guilty, But Not As Charged, August 5, 2000
This review is from: DeLorean (Hardcover)
After reading "Dream Maker," the DeLorean hatchet job by Ivan Fallon and James Srodes, I had to seek out and read DeLorean's own rebuttal. "Dream Maker" left enough doubt (and displayed so much bias) that it's obvious there are two sides to the story.
I must say, it confirms more than it denies. Oh, the drug charges and trial were obvious government falsehoods, and John easily demolishes the evidence against him. Recounting the travesty trial takes over half the book, even though "Dream Maker" stops before the trial begins.
What was more interesting is his recounting of his life before the trial, and his very, very brief touching on the failure of DeLorean Motor Company. In these he reveals himself to be very vain, mean-spirited, self-centered and willing to blame everyone but himself. It is not pretty reading his cruel and tactless dismissals of his ex-wifes or business partners.
He starts the acknowledgements by saying that writing this book was good therapy. "In the beginning, [co-author] Ted [Schwarz] knew that I was bitter, angry and hostile. But as he and I talked through 1,200 pages of transcript, I slowly healed and developed a more balanced view, just as Ted knew I would."
Well, a few more months of healing would have been beneficial, because this book blames everybody for the downfall of JZD and DMC except the one person who, clearly, was to blame.
John's conversion to born-again Christianity, which dominates the last half of the book, is just another case of seeking to escape responsibility. Everything is "God's will."
In all, a fascinating glimpse into a slimy world of high stakes, high finance and huge egos.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Very insightful. Great for anyone trying to listen to "his side" of the story!, September 1, 2008
This review is from: DeLorean (Hardcover)
This book was wonderful. I had never read any other book on DeLorean so I came to it with an open mind. I was not biased either way on any views regarding his guilt / lack thereof regarding his trial etc.
I came wanting to hear a self-told story of of the maverick engineer I think many of us young professionals dream of being. Someone who challenges convention, shakes things up, and produces enough results to keep those critical at bay. This book is the only way to get his side of it all (With the exception of On a Clear Day You can See General Motors - another great read).
I highly recommend it for anyone curious about what happened in general, looking for his side of the story, or just interested in a brilliant man's life.
The book kept me pinned to the text and I got through the book very quickly! Highly recommended.
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6 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Behind the Company, June 7, 2000
This review is from: DeLorean (Hardcover)
A great book written by a great man! Before you make judgements about John DeLorean...hear it from his side. A MUST READ for any DeLorean enthusiast or if you just want to know more about the man, car and company.
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