Rating: 
Summary: Financial "How-to" made very simple
Review: A sort of "how-to" book, written in the larger-than-life, laughably shamelessly self-agrandizing Gene Simmons way familiar to anyone who's seen him on TV. I suppose you'd call Gene a stark realist: his advice is to look out for yourself at all times, work hard, make lots of money, and never put yourself in a position where money will be forcibly taken from you. Thus, don't get married if you're a man (but do if you're a woman, because alimony is your ticket to riches). Gene's views on the sexes can fairly be described as primitive: men aren't meant to hold or nurture babies, men are meant to go out and hunt and kill, men's sperms "shoot in a billion directions" so they aren't wired for monogamy, etc etc - all the typical "nature not nurture" arguments, if overly simplified. Gene's views on this subject are doubtlessly skewed by his father having abandoned his family when he was young. On the other hand, a pre-nup is probably a good idea. In any case, his advice on money is at times on target (live at about half your earning potential, work hard, don't take vacations, save up for emergencies, pay cash when you can and don't get strung out on credit and financing needlessly, work at the hobby you love in addition to a paying job). Some of it is a bit disconnected from the real world: how can the average person pay cash for their first house or car? Some people *need* credit, as crippling as interest rates may be. He also seems to think that most working people can simply opt to work weekends "at double or triple rates" - sorry, Gene; most companies are as cheap as you and deny workers overtime at all costs. I suppose this is book will serve as self-help for very young people, the kind who max out on seven credit cards before they realize they actually have to *pay* for all that stuff... but for semi-intelligent people, this book isn't a "how-to," just mildly interesting for its self-aggrandizing American dream, rags to riches story, as well as its light, humorous style (some humor unintentional). And I guess KISS's fans will forgive Gene for bragging about how he charges them needlessly inflated prices (that he makes up on a whim) for KISS memorabilia.
Rating: 
Summary: Gene tells us to save our MONEY
Review: Gene is pretty saying the same thing over and over through out this book....SAVE YOUR MONEY. I can't help but think that Gene's sole motivation for forming KISS (besides girls) was to make MONEY.
After reading this book, I felt like a sucker who bought KISS stuff when I a teenager. Myself and many other fans basically made him rich.
His neanderthal approach to women demonstrates his ignorancy and black and white views.
Thank GOD (oops sorry Gene, I should said Thank MONEY) I checked out this book from the library. Hey wait a minute....I SAVED MONEY BY NOT BUYING THIS BOOK. Wow, Gene maybe you do have a point.
Rating: 
Summary: GENE DOES IT AGAIN!
Review: Gene Simmons does it again, with his second book: SEX MONEY KISS. He has written another great piece of work! Plus, his philosophy is now accessible to the public! This book is a financial advise-type of book, explaining how Gene started out as a poor boy in Israel, and came to America, making millions as he lives his life. The information presented in this book is much to my taste. I like the way Gene thinks, acts, and writes. He is so awesome. I just love reading his writing, the subjects are great, his opinions are great, and his writing style is great. He is just a great, great man! This is very informative to KISS fans as well as anybody who is in the market for some good advice or a new philosophy.
"New York Times bestselling author (KISS and Make-Up) GENE SIMMONS returns to explain his philosophy of life: how he's gotten more sex, money, and KISS than he ever imagined... and how you can too." [Gene Simmons Front Cover] I picked this book because it was written by possibly the greatest man on earth... Gene Simmons. He is my favorite band member of the greatest group in rock history: KISS. Plus, this is written around Gene's philosophy, which makes people who follow it, lots of money. I like money also, so yet another reason I chose this book. Another thing, cover is sure to catch your eye. It features a bright, silver-metallic background, with Gene's mouth presenting his unusually long tongue. I find this cover quite awesome. It's sure to grab your attention! He did a great job on the presentation of the book itself. It's very neat and the appearance of the cover is great.
"Let's face it, just because I stick out my tongue a lot and spit fire doesn't mean I have any qualifications to advise anyone on relationship, money or career issues. I don't. Yet I've lived with a beautiful woman for twenty years with never a cross word between us, in a relationship based on honesty and full disclosure. I've amassed a fortune-and 'expert business people' work for me. And for three decades I've been in KISS- a bad that has scaled the heights and broken every possible record, from album sales to touring to merchandising and licensing." [Gene Simmons Front Cover] I loved this book for the reasons such as: it was written, in a sense, very similar to the way I think, and it was written by my role-model, about how he made his fortune. The fact that it was written by him added greatly to my enjoyment. Gene was also an English teacher before he started hitting it big in KISS. I'm guessing that is why he writes so greatly. This book is almost flawless. You just have to keep an open mind to what he's saying. Personally, he could tell me to go jump off a cliff, and I would do it. Although, I don't think that a lot of people are so greatly committed to being a KISS fan as I am. Still, his advice is definitely worth considering. It could be very helpful to those who are in need of a financial track.
"Believe in your gut feelings... your own instincts. Everyone around you will tell you why something won't work. It's up to you to prove them wrong and be there at the finish line to collect." [Gene Simmons 74] Summing up this review, there wasn't a thing I didn't like about this book. The author (Gene) writes wonderfully, the content is very informative, plus the appearance and overall presentation are excellent. It was a very good piece of literature. It also helps if you have read his other New York Time's best selling book: KISS and Make-up. It too has a bunch of wonderful information about Gene, as well as the rest of the band, and his thoughts on different subjects. Both books are a must for the big-time KISS fans. Well, Gene, keep on writing, we'll keep on reading!
Rating:
Summary: Interesting book
Review: Gene Simmons is many things--celebrity, entertainer, singer,songwriter, bass player, producer, actor and owner of a 7 inch tongue, yet since the 90's Gene Simmons has certainly showed his muscles as a great business man and a hands-on person who will take the bull by the horns to get the job down and fulfill his american dreams. All on his own, he's published his 1st book KISSTORY & did official KISS conventions all on his own, worked out the red tape with Ace & Peter to do the KISS reunion, and many other marketing avenues like 100's of KISS collectibles, his own magazine TONGUE, cartoon show MY DAD THE ROCKSTAR and put out a new solo cd...Basicly, this is the sister book to KISS & MAKE-UP...where K&MU was an autobiography, SEX, $, KISS is his story of how he lives by his own rules--wheather it's dealing with his relationships with women, his do-it-yourself additude to make money and fulfill his dreams and how he turned KISS (again!) into a multimillion corporation by managing the Band himself since the early 1990's. I like how Gene is so self motivating...in this book, he explains how he rolls up his sleeves, researches how to produce, market & distribute many things like books, conventions, band member contracts and the such and how it can pay off in the end and how by reading the book, can utilize his advice to reach your goals for as much $$$ you can get out of a job or product..nice touches in the book are his sample drawings of works in process that have succeeded like his magazine, selling his own line of bass guitars and comic books and some that haven't--or haven't yet--like KISS sneakers and,yes, KISS toilet paper!!...the part about his views on woman & marriage is blunt, yet truthful in some instances and is very entertaining and humorous... Some things in this book hit home and other things you can take with a grain of salt..Gene has great charisma, and I love hearing him talk in interviews and, now, in books--Gene is NOT a stupid rockstar--he is an extremely smart & savy business man who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty to reach his goals---he calls distributors, adding a personal touch with the poeple he works with to create & distribute his merchandise and ideas, researches, manufacturers and is into the design and concept of many of his goods & products---from KISS arena tours to movies to comics, action figures--and even a KISS wreastler--Gene's THE MAN and a great role model for any businessman--weather you try to work at being a rockstar to having the most popular fruit stand on a street corner, Gene's delivery in these pages can offer you clarity, guidance and an esteem booster!!!..Thru music or literature, Gene sure makes you think and can give you a kick in the pants to get up and live and do your best to reach happiness & fortune. This book was great and reccommend it to both KISS and non-KISS fans!!
Rating: 
Summary: ACCEPT IT AND ENJOY IT FOR WHAT IT IS.....
Review: I enjoyed the book quite a bit because I bought it with the mindset of reading something fun and entertaining, which Gene Simmons usually is. So therefore, I wasn't disappointed. Sure its full of a lot of the same BS you've heard him talk about over the years, but it is entertaining and well written. Besides, if you are buying a book written by Gene Simmons of KISS to plan your future by, financial or otherwise, maybe you should get a clue!!! Just read and enjoy.....
Rating:
Summary: Best Business Book I've ever read Says Republican fan
Review: I just finished what I believe to be one of the
best books I've ever read in my life; Certainly one of
the most influential; Gene Simmons' "Sex Money Kiss". I love his politics and his business
philosophy. This book is a virtual anthem for Individualists.
Could Simmons be the "new Ayn Rand?"
Though, in contrast to Rand's heavy philosophical rants
this is pure, unadultered
"meat and potatoes libertarianism." Simmons is a workaholic in the extreme with a tremendous array of business ventures beyond KISS.
He expounds on them all one at a time throughout the
book. More than anything, this book is Simmons' guide to
personal financial success. He preaches total
100% capitalism and strident individualism. He sardonically asks, "when was the last time
a poor person ever gave you a job." He also unabashedly declares his love for greenbacks and
exhorts his legion of fans, particularly males, to work hard
and make as much money as is humanly possible for oneself.
After all Simmons reminds us, money is the key to win the
unbridled affections of the female half of the species. I'd love to see Simmons join the Republican Party.
He's actually fits a bit more as a Republican rather
than with the Libertarian Party. Despite his total
commitment to free market economics, extremely limited
government and support for civil liberties across the
board, he's more hawkish on foreign policy and
defense issues. Though, I think most GOPers would not know how to
handle him either. Simmon's book plays up his staunch
belief in human evolution which doesn't sit well with
a number of more religious types. Despite the religious conservatives in the GOP, I really hope
that Gene Simmons will consider running for office one
day under the Party banner. He is the ultimate libertarian
Republican. Eric Dondero, Author, Worldwide Multilingual Phrase
Book
Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly thought-provoking
Review: I must admit to not being a big KISS fan . . . in fact, it would be
safe to say that if you asked me, I don't think I could recall even
one of the group's songs. That said, for some reason, I picked up SEX MONEY KISS--the
latest book effort by Gene Simmons . . . perhaps it was the
outrageous cover (featuring a long red tongue against a silver
background), but once I got reading, I almost couldn't put it down. Simmons, of course, was the founder of KISS and the mastermind
behind the group's enduring success . . . here he tells many
of the secrets that have made him so successful. I found myself laughing in many spots, but also thinking to
myself in others that this guy makes a lot of sense . . . imagine
getting people to pay $100 to attend a one-day convention
about the band . . . even more amazing: how he self-published
KISSTORY and successfully sold that for an amazing
$158.95 (no typo!) . . . then came back with KISSTORY II and
sold still more books for the same price. How did he do it? The same way that he urges readers to
do; i.e., save your money, don't smoke, don't drink, don't get
high, equate time with money and know that being rich is
better than being poor . . . he also espouses, more than once,
the following bit of advice: "The worst thing a man can do,
financially and biologically speaking, is to get married." You may well find yourself disagreeing with some of what
he says . . . and regardless, you'll most likely come to the
conclusion that he is sexist in many of his beliefs . . . yet
if you read between the lines, you'll also find many thought-
provoking passages; among them: * The word "cheap" is a wonderful word! Learn to love it. Be cheap,
just like me. And try this on for size: Less is more. That's right.
If you want more, try having less. The less you spend, the more you
have. That makes sense. We all know that. The less you smoke,
the more you live. Well, that makes sense too, but we don't need
to read it on the side of a cigarette pack. Or do we? We keep
smoking anyway. It will cost you a fortune. And that doesn't take into
account the cost of your future medical bills (remember cancer?) The
less you complain, the happier you are. Perhaps. And tread lightly
on this one: The less you marry, whether it's once of multiple times,
the richer you are and will be. And, of course, the less you eat, the
thinner you are. * The idea that anybody in their twenties or thirties would ever think
about taking a vacation before they've amassed fame and fortune
is a wonderful idea-for losers. Not everyone can climb Mount Olympus;
somebody's got to wrap fish. Perhaps it's Nature's way of weeding
out the winners from the losers. Those who work harder make more
money-period. Two people who work at the same job and earn the same
salary and have the same relative talent will make the amount of money
if they work the same number of hours per week. However, if one decides
to work on the weekends, he or she will not only make more money,
but usually at double or triple rates . . . and of course your boss will take
note, hint, hint!
Rating:
Summary: Love him or hate him, at least he's honest
Review: Interesting read. Gene's style is pretty straightforward and breezy. Yes, his ego is out of control and I don't really need to know when the first time he grabbed Shannon's (...) was, but if you're a Kiss fan, you'll love it.
Rating:
Summary: A success book written by a real rockstar!
Review: Love him or hate him, you'd have to admit that Gene Simmons is a successful guy, and he holds nothing back in this book. In plain language he tells you that he believes life is about more cash and more sex. Or "gettin' paid and gettin' laid".
Here are some great quotes from the book that I just love:
"I spell the American Dream C-A-S-H!"
"Nothing comes to you. You have to go after it."
"You may not like rich people, but when was the last time a poor person gave you a job?"
"Always keep in mind that money is the single most important tool that will unlock the keys to all of the doors of your happiness."
Gene also talks about his lifestyle: hard work, no booze, no drugs! He even boldly admits that the rock and roll industry is full of drugged-out idiots with guitars.
You may not like what he says about women, but if you're a male, there will be a part of you that agrees with him!
Basically if you read this book, along with Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich," you will go far!
Rating:
Summary: True Business man qualities and determination.
Review: Loved KISS and the enterprise ever since I was four. Now that I am all grown up and in the business world, I look at things differently. Gene Simmons is not only that great bassist, but an extremely educated businessman with drive and determination. This book will open your eyes to not only should you go after what you want but do it with umph! Great work, Gene, now we know how you got to where you are today.
|
