Books

Done Deal

by Michael Benoliel

The word "negotiation" calls to mind a variety of images. For some, it brings back painful memories of dealing with plaid-clad used-car salespeople. For others, it may remind them of that international peace accord they brokered.

The vast variety of negotiations and the fact that each requires roughly the same skill set is the focus of Michael Benoliel's book, "Done Deal." With chapters like "Enter the Room Well Prepared" and "Think Strategically," you may think, well, gee, that's common sense. However, when you apply it to anecdotes about Bill Gates buying the DOS system for $50,000 and reselling it to IBM for what would amount to billions or Bob Johnson strategically finding money to launch Black Entertainment Television, that common sense becomes much less common.

Hard cover, Platinum Press, 238 pp., $19.95

Media Relations: From a Journalist's Perspective

by David Henderson

Finally. Someone has written a simple, straightforward, up-to-date guide to media relations. The kind of book that we'd like to make required reading for anyone who pitches us.

And the writer is a local guy, to boot.