About the Author

Sam Ulano is a performer, educator, and author who has been in the music profession for over sixty-five years. Well-known for his methods of drum teaching and his progressive approach to writing about the instrument he loves, Sam has over 2,500 drum-instruction books to his credit. Known as "Mr. Rhythm," he has appeared on television with Gary Moore, Ernie Kovacs, and Joe Franklin, as well as with Steve Allen on The Tonight Show.

Reviews

A software engineer and a veteran jazz drummer, respectively, put their spin on the age-old topic of dealing with life's ups and downs. First-time author Schwartz wrote his book as a response to his brother's suicide, but he fails, unfortunately, to offer clear advice. While the homespun style speaks directly to readers, the material is unsophisticated (e.g., "don't confuse lust with love," "changes don't always come easily") and cannot propel the text beyond the type of advice given by high school guidance counselors. The chapters are far too brief to treat substantively any single topic, never mind his broad spectrum of issues (e.g., substance abuse, stress, and commitment). In this sequel to I Love What I Do!, Ulano supplies general conduct guidelines on a wide range of topics, from gambling to love to weightlifting. One to two pages long, these eponymous snippets (e.g., "Control Your Food Intake," "Take Care of Your Eyes and Ears") aren't meaty enough to qualify as serious guidance, but they are charming and reflect Ulano's sweet optimism. Who among us will write "I think my future looks very bright" at 82? Though easily dismissed as a simple, ever-smiling ol' fella, Ulano is definitely on to something-he's stumbled upon happiness and true success. CBS Morning News is set to air a segment on Ulano this month, so demand may be high, especially among senior citizens. Schwartz's A Better Life would have proved equally useful to teens and YAs had it addressed their particular needs; as it is, pass. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.