Book 3 - Blog 2 - Hollywood Insider Exposed

Book Details:
Hollywood Insider Exposed
Secrets, Stars and Showbiz
Pages: 255
Pages read: 64
Words on page 50: 363 (33 x 11)
Words in book: 92,565 (averaged)
ISBN 9781741106985
Author: Nelson Aspen
Published: 1998 by New Holland Publishers Australia (Pty Ltd)

Price: $9.95 (on sale)

Well, book 3 has been completed, albeit, 4 days late. I will have to make that up this week. I am back at work today (working away), so I will have more time to read at night times.

Nelson's book was readable. It really didn't excite me greatly, and it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down. In saying that, Nelson does appear to be a good guy, and he works hard on both his reporting and his philantrophy. He does support some good causes.

As for the second half of the book, some of it was more about others than it was Nelson, unfortunately, and I think that is what lost me. He talked about famous Dames of show biz, though none of the names sounded familiar (showing my lack of knowledge on all things Hollywood, I am sure). His chapter on his idol, Carol Lynley was interesting, and he was a devoted fan who even as a young boy was able to have a nice lunch with her (thanks for his dad's contacts). All his dad asked in return was that he did the same for his own son, one day. Now that is a Dad's love of his boy, and I can certainly relate to that, having two growing lads.

I really loved his chapter on his marathons. Good on ya, mate, run Nelson run. He found marathon running later in life (as we all do), and he listed his marathon times in the book. He even mentioned one of my heros, Dean Karnazes, who is touted as being the fittest man on the planet. Nelson continues to run, and I hope he can break the four hour barrier, which he appears to be getting closer and closer to doing.

The "Day in his life" chapter was also interesting, and it gave a real insight into how he works and lives. I think that I really prefer reading about someone that I know, and can relate to, rather than people that I have never heard of. In that sense, this book was not a true autobiography, but hey, it was close enough. It still goes down as book 3. Each day of his life starts at about 4.10 (holy crap) and involves a lot of media (as you can imagine) and a lot of exercises, which he appears to do religiously (committed man). Nelson also mentioned the process for covering the big events, such as the Oscars, which was detailed in a way that showed it is not all glitz and glamour for the journalists. That would be expected, though, I would have thought. Even on TV, it appears that they are doing what they can to get a word with the big names. Once again, I think we would all love his job.

Nelson talked about the moments that changed his career, and that was interesting. We all could list a range of the things or people that have provided us with opportunities throughout our lives, and Nelson calls it being in the right place at the right time. I personally think it is a little more than that, but hey, each to his own. His chapter on his best friend was also very interesting, and contrary to what you would think, his best mate is not a super star, but a stock broker, and they get on famously still. It shows he is grounded and can maintain great relationships.

The one thing he didn't mention (deliberately, I presume) was his sexual preference. He mentioned that some of his critics might be homophobic, so that might give it away. Good on him, it would be a shame if we were all the same. Talking of his critics, apparently he gets criticised for having teeth that are too white, a waist line that is too thin, and for his apparently fake tan. Gee, critics are tough. Nelson usually look well presented to me, and being in shape with white teeth does not appear to be a negative, but something that should be encouraged.

I think I grew to like Nelson more as the book went on, though I would not read it again. I would like to meet him, which I might try to do at some stage this year. He was good enough to give tips for aspiring actors in the book, too, which seem like good ideas. I loved his affiliation with all things about ships and his continuing passion for ships and big boats.

In summary, the book was OK, by the end of it I had warmed to Nelson Aspen. I would still like to see him with more energy and more life. I am sure he thinks he is like that already, but I always thinks he looks like it is his last show on Sunrise, as he is a little reserved. Yes, always happy though, and seems to love his job.

Key Messages

1. Perservere and do what it takes to get there: I think Nelson Aspen is an example of what is possible in life.

He has had a range of jobs in his life, though has now found his niche. Well done, brother. He has persevered, and is living his dreams.

2. Take every opportunity: He really has made the most of every opportunity and has again reeped the rewards. He is wired to look for the next story, or the next possibility, so it is engrained in him not to miss an opportunity.

3. Network and win: Nelson Aspen appears to be the king of networking. He is an outstanding example of keeping in touch, mixing with the right people, knowing people in the know and generally having contacts that he can call on, as required. Very impressive, really.

Readability: 3.5 (out of 5)
Interesting Information: 3.5 (out of 5)
Overall book quality: 3.5 (out of 5)
Overall Rating: 7 (out of 10)

Places visited: 1
People met: 0
Books given away: 1 (to Gemma, my wife)
Books purchased second hand or cheap: 3 (Book 1, 2 and 3)

Until next time, keep reading.

Jimmy A