Amazon.com Review
Who is the real Richard Simmons? The energetic wizard who getsoverweight people eating right and exercising? The comic who prancesaround in shorts and a tank top on late-night television? Thecompassionate listener who sheds tears at sad stories? They're allreal, but there's much more. In this book, you learn how Simmons wentfrom being an overweight child whose obsession for food controlled hislife to becoming the exercise-and-diet guru of today. It's anengrossing tale, filled with poignant anecdotes, fascinating tidbits(he played a meatball in a commercial when he was an art student inItaly), and even horror stories (licking the nozzle of an empty asthmainhaler, trying to get just one more drop so he could breathe, becausehis father restricted his inhaler refills). The style is pure Richard:food-obsessed and often very funny ("I even changed my own diapersbecause I didn't like the way my parents did it").

Much of the bookis about--what else?--food. Even as a baby,

I couldrecognize a package of bacon at twenty feet. The strips of baconlooked so weak, so flimsy, so sad, until they hit the frying pan. Thenthey began swimming and dancing, lacing up at the sides and turninggolden brown.

Customer Reviews (31)

"Lard was a food group."
Richard Simmons was born in New Orleans' French Quarter, to a doting mother and cold father who had both been vaudeville performers.His earliest and happiest memories were of food - too much food.Richard was overweight from early childhood and always felt different and alone; he found comfort in his mother's love and in food.Morbidly obese in college, Richard spent two years studying art in Florence where he went on a starvation diet, loosing over a hundred pounds and ending up in the hospital.From then on, he was determined to maintain his new weight with a healthy lifestyle - portion control and exercise.In Los Angeles, he opened a gym that catered to overweight people; that led to a career inspiring millions to slim down.

The first half of the book is engrossing and entertaining, detailing Richard's traumatic youth and early success.His relationship with his parents is the keystone of the story; he adored his mother but felt he was never good enough in his father's eyes.The second half is a rather breezy account of his life in the public eye, his many businesses, and a few encounters with friends and celebrities.This section is slightlyless satisfying because one is left with many unanswered questions about the man today (as well as the significance of the title).He describes in detail his love for his dogs and the heartbreaking loss of his mother, but beyond that the real Richard Simmons is kept hidden behind the public persona.

This is a quick read, often humorous and poignant, about Richard's journey through life.There are no recipes or meal plans and he does not proselytize about weight loss.I enjoyed it a lot and I'm sure his many fans will, too.

Richard Simmons Biography
I have really enjoyed reading this book. Richard has led a good life. It is a very interesting book.Some other biographies that I have read haven't been this good.I would encourage you to read this book.

A truly delightful read!
I absolutely LOVED this book and sailed through it.I laughed out loud several times and actually cried a few times, too.Gave it to my sister to read (who was not a Richard Simmons fan at all) and she loved it too!Thank you, Richard!Please write another!

Fascinating book
This was a really fascinating book. I've read it a few times. Richard Simmons had such an interesting life. His parents had been vaudeville performers before settling down to raise a family. He writes about how much of the family's life revolved around food and how he came to equate food with love. His mother would hold him on his lap and say, "I love you" and give him a bite of food. So when she put him a diet, he must have felt totally unloved. Especially when he was having liver and the rest of the family was having New Orleans feast. Actually, food was a major part of his life before he was even born. His mother went into labor at a Chinese restaurant!

Simmons majored in art in college and went on a study abroad program to Italy -- a choice based solely on the fact that he liked Italian food better than English or French (England and France being the other two options). The book also talks about his early career as a weight-loss guru, his Slimmons lunch/exercise venture in LA and the work he did with what he calls the "hidden obese," those who were too large even to leave their homes. This book isn't deep or scholarly, but it's a very entertaining read.

Okay
I purchased this book thinking that I was going to get an intimate look inside the life of Mr. Simmons but instead all he gives you are accounts of his battle with weight loss throughout the book so far.The book started off pretty interesting with the lives of his brother, mother, and father and his interesting upbringing but it doesn't tell you much about his personality,fears, desires, goals, etc.. Hopefully the book gets more interesting as I get closer to finishing it, whenever that will be. ... Read more

Product Description
The well-known weight-loss guru presents forty inspiring stories of people he has helped slim down, learn to value themselves, and pursue healthy, fulfilling lives. Reprint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Classic Richard
I am embarassed to admit this:I am a closet Richard Simmons fan.Yes, he's a little corny, a little cheesy, a little over the top sometimes but having said that:I love the man.What a bright and shining light of inspiration he is to people without hope or direction.

I originally dubbed the audio version of this book on tape from the library over 10 years ago.I still listen to it.I decided that I would like to own the actual book version because I enjoyed the tapes so much.

This book is filled with short, easy-to-read-in-a-couple-of-minutes stories of inspiration, and practical tips for changingone's lifestyle.

I don't have a weight problem but I am inspired to make healthy choices in my life because of this book.I highly recommend it.

Great Stories, Mildly Inspiring
I'll admit right off that I do not know much about Richard Simmons or his diet plans.To be honest, I am not even sure where this book came from.While I am not obese, I could stand to lose 20 pounds (I'm about 5'10 and around 200 pounds), so I figured I'd read through it.

This is one of those books that I am not sure how to describe.The book is a series of 40 weight loss stories.The book reminds me a lot of a daytime talk show.Each one of the people in this book had a story to tell.Most of the stories were quite touching.It was great to read real life people actually being able to go from obese to a healthy, attractive weight.However, the book did read like an infomercial for Deal-A-Meal.

Most of all, I was touched by the type of person Richard Simmons himself is.After reading the book, I was of the opinion that Mr. Simmons is one of the few people in this world who will sacrifice his time, money, and travel to almost anywhere to help a complete stranger.While I am sure Mr. Simmons has made millions from his fitness empire, I truly believe he is in it to help him and others with their weight.

This is not a book I would recommend running out and buying unless you get a deal on it.I did find the stories somewhat inspiring, but not overly inspirational (In all due fairness. I'm not sure if this is because my weight problems in life have been what I would call terrible).After finishing the book, I did not have the urge to exercise and throw out any junk food in the house.Rather, the book made me shrug my shoulders and say "that was interesting".

likeable
I do like Richard Simmons, and I love true to life stories of how people have lost weight. My only wish is that this book would have had more pictures.
Otherwise helpful and inspirational.

It helped me lose weight
My name is Rich and I have been dealing with obesity my whole life.I found the stories of weight loss to be very uplifting and profound.They have been inspirational in helping me shed unwanted pounds.I am now under300 pounds and heading toward 250 thanks in great part to Richard.

real motivational, stories to touch the heart
a lot of these peoples stories will make you look at your own life. You can't help but admire their strength. Richard Simmons has a way to touch everyone and make them feel special ... Read more

Product Description
On the heels of his wildly successful cookbook, Farewell to Fat: Homemade in the U.S.A, Richard Simmons embraces the wonderful world of desserts in a collection of fabulous recipes which takes aim at the calorie culprits: fat and sugar. The resulting effort is parade of elegant desserts, including such delights as Cherry-Vanilla Cloud Cookies, Chocolate Mousse Pie, and Orange Cream-Filled Eclairs. 100+ color photos.Amazon.com Review
If you want to lose weight but must appease your sweet toothfrom time to time, Richard Simmons is on your team. Sweetie Pieis a collection of delectable, reduced-fat and reduced-caloriedesserts. Most get 30 percent or fewer calories from fat. But Simmonsis quick to point out that you can't scarf down half a cake and expectto lose weight. The key, he says, is handling dessert "with respect,"which means eating it on special occasions and having only aserving. You'll find adaptations of all your favorite desserts, suchas brownies, lemon bars, biscotti, chocolate layer cake (19 percentfat), Boston cream pie, chocolate mousse pie, and evenlollipops. You'll also find desserts only Richard Simmons mightcreate, like "Brownie Pizza." Watch out--the last chapter presents sixof Simmons's "all-time favorite outrageous desserts," fat andall. Simmons's running commentary of his personal relationship withthese desserts is entertaining enough to read whether or not you wantto prepare the recipe. Recipes include nutritional breakdown(calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, and cholesterol), plusfat and calorie comparisons with standard versions. The photos willmake your mouth water. --Joan Price ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Sweetie Pie, YES!
I have had this book for quite a few years now and I absolutely love it. I have come to depend on it for wowing guests and at potlucks. I have made nearly every recipe in this book and I have never been disappointed.The pictures are fabulous, instructions are well written and easy to follow.
A huge plus is that each recipe shows the nutrient value. There are wonderful little tips throughout the book as well as silly stuff by Mr. Simmons.The Almond-Ginger Biscotti I make the most and it has never failed to please.Great book and a must for any dessert lover and recipe book collection.

Great Low-Fat Delicious Desserts!
Man, if I could take one cookbook with me to heaven, this is it! It has fantastic tasting recipes (Cranberry-Apple Crisp and Chocolate Mousse Pie) and the fat content is so low, it's astounding! How does Richard do it? Everything in this book is fabulous, and so low in fat! Must be magic!

Thank you, Mr. Richard!
Delectable, delicious, yumtastic, tummy filling, mouth warming goodies are all you'll find in this sweet, sweet book.Easy instructions for even the slower cook like myself!Easy for everyone!

scrumptious food with less guilt
Richard Simmons' "Sweetie Pie" is a delight for the eyes and the tastebuds. It's filled with mouth-watering, well done photographs of luscious desserts which might even earn it a spot as a coffee table book.As noted by another reviewer, people with diabetes can indulge in some of the recipes.

All of us like a satisfying sweet end to a meal, and this collection of low-fat recipes will fill the bill without padding your waistline.Recommended both for calorie-counters and for those lucky few who don't worry about weight.

Great recipes but lacks food mover info.
This book has some really good ideas for deserts.My husband has diabetes and the recipes fit right in with his diet requirements.One downfall, there is no information pertaining to the food-mover program Richard has. There is portion size, and calorie content broken down by protein, fat,carbs., but if you want an easy way to use your food mover don't expect tofind it here. ... Read more

Product Description
A nearly impossible diet to follow, but if you do - you'll lose weight. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

No one like Richard
I first purchased this book in 1982 and really loved the exercise routines and Richards's overall diet and lifestyle advice - It is direct and to the point.Todays diets are gimmicks and complicated and some are ridiculous.. So when I went to find this book in my myriad of shelves - it had disappeared (or else it is buried somewhere)and thanks to Amazon I was directed to a source that had a used copy of the book - came it great shape- So I am doing the exercise routines and enjoying reading the book again - it really is about calories and exercise - very simple, good book. Haven't seen or heard about Richard in ages - he did so much good work..

Depresses me
Richards Simmons diet is far to hard to do. He claims it is easy but I have not been able to do it because I feel hungry all the time. I think it is sad that he believes people have to eat this way in order to lose weight. No one can live hungry all their life and when I saw he has a book called "Still hungry after all these years" I knew it would never work for me.
Still Hungry After All These Years: My Story

So I became a little depressed by this and have gone in search of help else where . Good luck to you if you bought this book, hope it works for you.

Richard never needs explaining
Great buy for some lucky person.Richard goes into great detail and is very personal about health concerns, and exercise, and is very chatty and friendly in this great book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Deal A Meal - Your Xpression Sellxtion
This book is excellent for those that want to loose weight.Richard Simmons gives card values for his recipes and the amount of calories in them.Caloric levels are a great way to know the amount of calories you eat each day and this book helps from 1000 to 1600 calories, this book explains the amount of meats, breads, diary, vegetable, fruit, fats, and freebies.The book is divided into sections to include:Before You Begin, Salads, Sandwiches, Vegetable Side Dishes, Vegetarian, Microwave, Family Favorites, Company's Coming Classics, and desserts.Whet your appetite with great recipes to keep your taste buds alive.Go with this one... ... Read more

Product Description
Grap your warm-ups and get into position - it's time for rehearsal! Some days, you just don't have time to step into the spotlight for the whole show. That's why I created with express routine - a 30 minute, high-energy aerobic program filled with even more wonderful Broadway show tunes and hot-cha sweatin'moves that will give your body a quick all-over workout. Wash That Man Right Out of Your Hair, Climb Every Mountain and Hello Dolly will work up a good sweat and treat your body right! A Get-Up-and-Go Workout ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Richard Simmons Broadway Blast Off Get-up-and-go
The first song is a little complicated but after that it is fantastic, makes me want to be a broadway star.

A fun and entertaining workout...
Love this exercise tape by Richard Simmons.It is fun to do and entertaining as well.Fun to exercise and pretend you are on Broadway!It is a 30 minute vigorous workout that includes the songs: "The Telephone Song", "Do Re Mi", "Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair", "Hello Dolly", "Climb Every Mountain".Like his other videos, he has people of all sizes in the video, working at different levels, so it is great for any exercise level.Although, I do not care for the Sweatin To the Oldies series, I love these.Wish they would release these older workouts on dvd also, as they are timeless. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Won me over
I was a little skeptical when I first picked this up, though admittedly for no good reason (maybe I'm a sucker for photos or general "hipness"--this book has neither).Some of the dishes I prepared because I had the ingredients already, but I had a feeling the recipes would be underseasoned or just not exciting.But no, everything was delicious, and my husband loved it as well.

It's also good for trying to wean yourself/family from meat-heavy dinners.We really enjoyed the beef and broccoli stir-fry, for example, which is lightened up simply with a higher proportion of vegetables.So too with the meat loaf.

I refuse to do "diet" cookbooks, so my other reference for lightening up my cooking is Sally Schneider's A New Way to Cook, which I also highly recommend.That book has the style, size (700+ pages), photographs, and glamour over this one, but Lighter,Quicker, Better is far more accessible in terms of ingredients and attitude, and I haven't been disappointed once.

OUTSTANDING...
I own dozens of cookbooks but this is one I use consistently.In fact, I have two of them (from a time when we had a weekend house).I've made dozens of the recipes and have been pleased every single time.If you are looking for healthy, delicious meals that will gain you kudos from family and guests alike, this cookbook is for you.

Delicious
I've tried many of the recipes in this book which have delighted my whole family, kids included.Each dish I've tried has been full of flavor.There are recipes here which are becoming regulars in my weekly reperetoire. I'm buying a copy today as a gift for my mother.

Happy chef
I was looking for gifts for my sisters-in-law, and decided I had to have a copy of this for myself as well.I've tried several of the recipes, and so far have had great success.My husband is a fairly picky eater - if he doesn't like it, he will politely but firmly refuse to eat it.So far, he has asked for seconds on everything!

The only warning I would make is that for the uninitiated, there is a fair amount of prep work in many of the recipes.A lot of the recipes are based on fresh vegetables, and they need preparation (peeling and chopping).Once you get past that, though, the recipes go together quickly, with delicious results.

Terrific Cookbook
I've tried quite a few of the recipes in this cookbook and all of them have been easy and produced extremely satisfying results.This is definitely the best cookbook geared toward healthier eating that I'veencountered. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Pic of each dish...
Have been using cookbook for acouple years now.A small book, but all recipes very tasty with pictures of each dish.Simmons puts in comments and helpful hints for each recipe with his all time same humor.

Great cookbook for the average person.
My mom has this cookbook and I love everything she has made from it. My favorite, so far, is the Apricot Bread Pudding. I didn't think I liked bread pudding or even apricots, but I could eat the whole batch of this stuff in one day.

One of my mom's prerequisites for buying a cookbook is that each recipe has a picture of the final product. That's another reason to like this book.

I've always thought Richard Simmons was wierd and hokey, but this book is not. The writing of the background information for the recipes is great and usually worth a chuckle. It is obvious he really loves food and wants others to know such enjoyment.

Funny, fabulous fare!
I know, I know - am I REALLY going to try to get away with extolling the virtues of a Richard Simmons cookbook? YES! This is a great cookbook, filled with recipes anyone can make, tips for healthier cooking and living, and lots of cute stories and jokes from "Mr. Slimmons" himself.
I picked this up after thumbing through it in a bookstore one afternoon, and I haven't been disappointed yet. It's got everything - appetizers, main and side dishes, desserts. Throughout the book are tips on different cuts of meat and how to ask for them, substitutions for certain ingredients you may cook with, and comparisons of some foods that have many different types, like rice, potatoes, and hot peppers. Everything is presented in easy steps, and none of the recipes have such exotic ingredients that you can't find them in your everyday grocery store. The pictures are bright and every recipe is preceeded by Richard's 'background' on it's origin.My favorite so far has to be the Maple-Glazed Roast Turkey Breast in a Cornbread Nest. Soooo good.
Although I am not a die hard Richard Simmons fan, I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants to lose weight but still eat some really delicious food. In my house, this book is the ying to Emeril's yang!!!

Great Basics
I use this book often and most of my family and friends would consider me to be an excellent cook.There are a limited amount of recipes but all are usable and very good.Not too simple and not to complex.Basic recipes with SUPER illustrations.I find it much easier to make something new if I know what the heck it should look like.Besides the basic detail, the book is spiced with wise comments and hints.There should be a copy on every cooks shelve (or hidden in a drawer...)

The one book that has it all!!!
The recipies are so tasty you won't miss what's missing(the extra fat and calories)there's a little something for EVERYONE here. On a low carb diet? No problem! or.....do you carbo-load? Are you a vegetarian? or, do you love meat? Either way this book is for you!My personal favorites so far,are the south beach halibut with jade sauce and fruit salsa and the keep away the flu chicken soup delicious!) I highly reccomend this book. For the two aforementioned plus the Seattle salmon alone are worth the price of the book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

the Bible for wage & hour law
As an attorney specializing in employment law, I use this book to answer questions about wage and hour law. It is written in easy-to-understandlanguage, accessible to any employer.Although it says it is forCalifornia employers, it also is a comprehensive analysis of federal law. I recommend it for employers in any state.I recently cleaned out mylibrary of all the books I haven't used in years.Only four books wereleft -- three of them by Richard Simmons.This book is on top. ... Read more

Product Description
The author of "Lighter, Quicker, Better" offers a wealth of ideas for creating the ambiance for a holiday feast--as well as the feast itself--from Thanksgiving to New Year's. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book
Going into professional catering and design, I am always on the prowl forreally great books under that catogory. This book has a lot of really greatideas that will make holidays very special. The best part about it though,would have to be that the ideas are not at all complicated, in fact justabout anyone can make a holiday great by following these ideas! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A micro look at the Mexican War in N.M., excellently edited.
The Mexican War Correspondence of Richard Smith Elliott, edited and annotated by Mark L. Gardner and Marc Simmons, University of Oklahoma Press, 1997, xi + 292 pgs. The book consists of what the title says itdoes, plus some useful material written later by Elliott but appropriatelyinserted by the editors. Elliott was an elected Lieutenant in the LacledeRangers which was a unit from St. Louis and a part of the MissouriVolunteers, in turn a part of Kearny1s Army of the West during the MexicanWar. Irregularly, from May 1846 to July of the next year, Elliott sentdispatches back to the St. Louis Daily Reveille, writing as John Brown. Inbrief, Lt. Elliott with his outfit went from his home to Santa Fe, wherewith few exceptions, he remained throughout his term of enlistment.Compared to many other soldiers of that time, he led an easy life. (Afterall, many of us pay to live in Santa Fe, although arguably the amenitiesmay be somewhat better than they were 150 years ago.) However, Elliott'sdescriptions of the marches, Bent's Fort, Santa Fe and its inhabitantsincluding the native ladies, are most interesting, as are his opinions ofsome of his associates and high-ranking commanders. The Introduction ishelpful and the notes, we think, are the main achievement of the editors: erudite, expansive as need be, and interesting on their own ‹ as you mightexpect from those two well-known historians. Notes are what turns diariesor dispatches into histories; in this case a valuable piece of New Mexicohistory and an excellent view of a minuscule part of the Mexican War. ... Read more

Product Description
What are the key concepts that have made Warren Buffett's investment techniques so profitable?Richard Simmons reveals the secrets and offers the first hands-on workbook to distill the practical essence of his investment techniques.At the heart of the workbook is a series of fully-worked case studies which take the reader step-by-step through the major share purchases in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio and Buffett's principle investment decisions. It identifies and illustrates the factors that Buffett uses when considering shares and teaches the reader how to incorporate these techniques into their own portfolio. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Highly generalised, poor explanation of concepts
I have read many Buffett books, and this would have to be the most generalised re-hash of other books out there that I have seen. I concur with the other reviewers, best to get the other material out there.

The book is 216 pages; 135 pages are dedicated to superficial "case studies". The other 80+ pages are merely a listing of general concepts. The "How to Invest" section could have been written by a high school student re-hasing a few books on Buffett. It provides a brief overview of a few Buffett investment themes, such as:

4. Being Value Aware.
5. Sources of Information
6. Using what you know, using what you feel [Ed - are you serious? sounds like something out of a Fortune Teller's manual for celestial guidance]
7. Goodwill
8. Capital Allocation
9. Return on Equity
10. IP: The Incremental principle
11. Estimating Value [this section was the most disappointing of them all, with no discussion of how he derives his view that "The intrinsic value of a security lies where its PE equals its ROE].

Too many "authors" out there simply hope that by slapping "Buffett" somewhere in the title of a book, that dedicated Buffett fans will pony up the $ for the book. I am writing this review to recommend to anyone who may be so inclined - DONT! Save your money. The intrinsic value of this book is not much. Buy me a coffee and I will give you my copy (actually, I think I am ripping you off with that trade, but I want something back for the effort of writing this review).

Good Investing.

Oversimplistic and certainly NOT Buffett style
The book oversimplifies the approach of Warren Buffett and fails to deliver the essence of his systematic investment style. Having closely followed Buffett's investment approach and paradigm, I regret saying thatthis book has almost nothing to do with it.

Please consider the numerousother books on Buffett, but not this one!

The book to buy if you want to emulate the Sage of Omaha
A good, practical guide for those wanting to learn how to invest; pretty good for the more advanced investor, too. If I have a criticism it is that more case studies would be cool.

A teriffic read about a teriffic investor
Warren Buffett has made more money for more small investors than anyone else. There are other Buffett books about but they suffer from the extremes of oversimplification or overcomplexity.

At last, a book we can all use.

A great read on a great subject
Now I know how to make my first billion! The writer takes you through famed investor Warren Buffett's moves "step by step" with detailed case studies and question/answer sessions.

Its avery human readthat never loses sight of the lessons to be taught and their applicationsto the reader. ... Read more

Product Description