Dream Reachers II [Paperback]

Betty Dravis (Author), Chase Von (Author), David Worth (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2011

Product Description: Whether you dream of walking the red carpet in Hollywood, taking the Big Apple by storm, having a cottage with a white picket fence--or all of those pleasures--this book will inspire you to "stretch" to make your dreams come true. "Dream Reachers II" is a magical mix of success stories and interviews with people who have dared to stretch to reach for their dreams. From living legends to legends-in-the-making, the subjects of this book let their imaginations soar. Award-winning author and acclaimed journalist Betty Dravis shares candid interviews with Bryant McGill, author, radio host and world-famous founder of the Good Will Peace Treaty; Actress Katherin Kovin Pacino, Al Pacino's stepmother; Actor/Director Tony Tarantino, Quentin Tarantino's father; Antonia Tosini, acclaimed screenwriter and Italy's Ambassador of Goodwill; and many more... Author Chase Von, a celebrity interviewer and award-winning poet, shares his stories of artists like Ada "Ace" Velez, Six Times Female World Boxing Champion; Hollie "Hot Stuff" Dunaway, Four Times Female World Boxing Champion Boxer; Judyth Piazza, award-winning journalist and radio show hostess; Joan Baker, "Queen of Voiceover" and more. With thirty-three compelling stories and interviews, this literary work casts new light on what it takes to be a Dream Reacher. These are stories of how even disasters can turn into dreams, challenges into opportunities, with the right attitude of perseverance and determination.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Being a great believer in the importance of reaching for dreams and harnessing passions to build a good life, I was delighted to read... enlightening and uplifting interviews." - Susaye Greene, legendary "Last Supreme"

"...a complex, fascinating mix... similar in tone to the first book... the artists...are an exotic blend, so are Betty Dravis and Chase Von... wedding works nicely." - Dir. Steven Peterson, School of Public Affairs, Penn State

"Betty Dravis and Chase Von understand how important it is to Dream Reachers such as myself to continue to seek inspiration... will be passed on to generations..." - Norma Jean, Actress and Comedienne --Front copy of Book

"... I have also been drawn to those who 'go for the gold.' This book is full of such souls... Dream Reachers II rocks!" - Mary Ann Lurie Owen, acclaimed sports photographer, author of Extraordinary Women of the Ring --Front Book copy

From the Author

This second collection of Dream Reachers interviews is dedicated to everyone who has ever had a dream, and that includes every man, woman and child on the planet. My dearest wish for you all is that you reach your dreams; even fulfilling a portion of them often makes a huge difference in lifestyle and attitude. We all have our dreams...

My writing is always dedicated to my children who are everything to me: my life, my loves. And Dream Reachers II is specifically dedicated to my dear friends and fellow bloggers on the popular website Dames of Dialogue: authors Christy Tillery French, Laurel Rain Snow, Caitlyn Hunter and blog founder Maggie Bishop. It is a pleasure working with these dedicated writers on a daily basis. Thanks for all your encouragement with my interviews and my books. Dames rule! - Betty Dravis

Doing the first Dream Reachers was an experience I don't think I will ever forget. The same holds true with Dream Reachers II and who knows? Perhaps there will be even more to come. I would, however, like to dedicate this current book to all the individuals in it, as well as my family and friends and everyone that takes the steps to make their own dreams a reality. I also dedicate this effort of love to my co-author Betty Dravis and to Judyth Piazza, the creator of the Student Operated Press. As anyone who has gotten anywhere will tell you, one thing often leads to another and meeting those two is what led to this series of books. Best wishes to all and it is my hope that you who seek your dreams will find encouragement to do so from the people in this book who are seeking and living theirs. - Chase Von

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Product Details

• Paperback: 838 pages
• Publisher: VonChasePublishing (May 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982346476
• ISBN-13: 978-0982346471
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #608,353 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SPECIAL NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS, May 19, 2011

By 

Betty L. Dravis "BETTY DRAVIS, author/reviewer" (Silicon Valley, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dream Reachers II (Paperback)

Length:: 3:22 Mins

Our motto is: ONLY THOSE WHO STRETCH TO REACH THEIR DREAMS FIND THEMSELVES LIVING THEM.

Our friends and fans enjoyed the first DREAM REACHERS book so much that we had to do DREAM REACHERS II... Since we were meeting all kinds of fabulous people--like Katherin Kovin Pacino, lovely actress and step-mom of Al Pacino, Hollie "Hot Stuff" Dunaway, four-time World Champion Female Boxer and many more--we knew you'd be interested in learning how they surmounted all the obstacles in their paths to fulfill their dreams.

The complete roster of DREAM REACHERS (a club we founded) now totals 70; 37 from book one and 33 from book two. For your information, here's the list of amazing people who brighten the pages of DREAM REACHERS II (in order of appearance):

Jenny McShane, actress, model, musician;
Bryant McGill, counselor to the stars, radio show host, author, founder of Good Will Peace Treaty;
Katherin Kovin Pacino, actress, singer (step-mother of Al Pacino);
Tony Tarantino, actor, film director, producer (father of Quentin Tarantino);
Antonia Tosini; screenwriter, author, Italy's Goodwill Ambassador;
Frank Nappi, award-winning author (two books going into film);
Susan Kennington, actress, screenwriter, model;
C. Robert Lee, retired photojournalist, author;
Cheryl Kaye Tardif, best-selling Canadian author, Imajin Books publisher/owner;
Marissa Autumn, actress, model, singer;
Stan C. Countz, publisher, promoter, poet, musician and lyricist;
Jessica Gilbert, talent promoter and founder of Talent Spotlight Magazine;
Sherwin Buydens, actor, realty investment entrepreneur;
Dr. Linda Salvin, psychic, radio show host;
John Manha, Vietnam vet, entrepreneur;
K. Michael Crawford, award-winning children's author, illustrator;
Rob Waterlander, "People Whisperer," LIfe Coach;
Jackie Krudop, founder of Pacino Worldwide;
Joshua "Deous" Gennari, Washington State Movie Director/Producer;
Hollie "Hot Stuff" Dunaway, four-times World Champion Female Boxer;
Ed Roberts, poet, author;
Elham "Elie" Madani, model, actress;
Gretchen Hirsch, author, professional editor;
Alexa Dectis, singer, actress, TV show host;
Claire Dodin, actress, model from France;
Jamie McCall, actress, model, author, poet;
Yolanda "Yo" Jackson, AKA Poetic Flow, poet, author;
Diane Wayne, singer/songwriter, actress, poet and founder of children's charity, "A Music Mission";
Nicollette Varanelli, model, singer, songwriter;
Wodige Wehali, AKA Reggie Solomon, musician, singer, songwriter;
Joan Baker, "Queen of Voiceover" and actress;
Judyth Piazza, journalist, Student Operated Press founder and radio talk-show host;
Ada "Ace" Velez, six-times World Champion Female Boxer.

As you can see, DREAM REACHERS II has a vast variety of high achievers; some are already stars, while others are people like you and me...still reaching for that top rung. We all have two things in common: God-given talent and perseverance!

To put it in gorgeous Susan Kennington's words: "True DREAM REACHERS aren't just DREAMERS, we are also DOERS!"

Other words of wisdom shared in DREAM REACHERS II:

"The Beautiful Path is not a place outside of yourself, but is a place you carry with you everywhere you go." - Bryant McGill (page 58); "Love is truly the most powerful force in the cosmos." - Reggie Solomon (page 732); "The very moment that you take the most physical, tangible step towards a goal or a dream, it has already begun to come true." - Judyth Piazza (page 782). As for Jessica Gilbert, you'll have to read the book to learn why she says this about herself: "I'm not your average girl because I've lived a life that most people don't get to experience." :-)

It's also exciting to read about the three generations of Tarantinos in show business when Tony Tarantino shares his story. Tony is not only an actor (started out with a role in "Where the Boys Are"), but he's also a director/producer and father of Producer/Director Quentin Tarantino. I guess it's in the blood because Tony's father was the pioneer of the group. Wait till you read how he got started in Hollywood--way back in the "silent film" days!

All that to tell you that we are proud of our latest book. We fondly refer to it as our "Chubby Baby" because it turned out to be so thick. But we love our "Baby" because we like people--especially those who inspire others in positive ways--and more pages means more fascinating stories to share... Right?

Happy reading and may ALL your dreams come true!

Betty Dravis and Chase Von
(co-authors of the Dream Reachers series with other books to our credit)

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Authors Are a True Inspiration, May 21, 2011

By 

Annette Ziegler - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dream Reachers II (Paperback)

Betty Dravis and Chase Von are both truly amazing people. They share stories of inspiration in their books portraying the lives of many who have dreams in life and the fact that those dreams have become reality. Their inspiration is contagious and highly recommended.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivates and catapults..., May 21, 2011

By 

Susan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dream Reachers II (Paperback)

Where others drill and dredge for sludge, Betty Dravis holds the light which draws the true essence of those she interviews. As she mines for genuine gold, she reaches the vein of wealth that lies within each individual. This is what sets her above the rest. Partnered with the talented Chase Von's skills and abilities, this book is an inspirational and interesting read. - Susan Kennington