I'm Living Your Dream Life: The Story of a Northwoods Resort Owner

Rating:
Summary: Looking for a great book--You gotta read this one!
Review: Although it has never been my dream to operate a lake resort or bed and breakfast, I found "I'm Living Your Dream Life" to be a delightful book and read it in one sitting. I grew up in the midwest and found much of the story very familiar as I had spent many times up at the lakes of Wisconsin and Michigan. The nostagia alone kept me turning page after page. Michele Van Ort Cozzens is a gifted writer who uses her experiences from her trip to Africa, her college years and her life on the west coast to intrigue and educate her readers. I purchased several copies of this book because I knew it would appeal to almost everyone on my gift list. It provides a pragmatic and comprehensive look at the realities of undertaking the proprietorship of a lake resort and I know a few people considering that venture. Anyone remotely interested in purchasing a resort or B&B must read this this BEFORE they do so. Also, if you already own one this book will make you realize that you aren't the only one to go through all the difficulties that you have probably experienced. Michele did a great job of telling it like it really is. She presented her experiences in an interesting, fun to read manner; not dwelling on her difficulties but allowing her readers to know that it was hard work. Michele also presented the satisfying aspects of business ownership. I especially enjoyed the question and answer chapter and I recognized many as ones I myself have asked during my stays at resorts across the U.S.. I love this book and recommend it to everyone. It is absolutely mandatory reading for anyone seriously considering opening a B&B or a resort. Carol J. Craig - Wakefield, Rhode Island

Rating:
Summary: Looking for a great book--You gotta read this one!
Review: Although it has never been my dream to operate a lake resort or bed and breakfast, I found "I'm Living Your Dream Life" to be a delightful book and read it in one sitting. I grew up in the midwest and found much of the story very familiar as I had spent many times up at the lakes of Wisconsin and Michigan. The nostagia alone kept me turning page after page. Michele Van Ort Cozzens is a gifted writer who uses her experiences from her trip to Africa, her college years and her life on the west coast to intrigue and educate her readers. I purchased several copies of this book because I knew it would appeal to almost everyone on my gift list. It provides a pragmatic and comprehensive look at the realities of undertaking the proprietorship of a lake resort and I know a few people considering that venture. Anyone remotely interested in purchasing a resort or B&B must read this this BEFORE they do so. Also, if you already own one this book will make you realize that you aren't the only one to go through all the difficulties that you have probably experienced. Michele did a great job of telling it like it really is. She presented her experiences in an interesting, fun to read manner; not dwelling on her difficulties but allowing her readers to know that it was hard work. Michele also presented the satisfying aspects of business ownership. I especially enjoyed the question and answer chapter and I recognized many as ones I myself have asked during my stays at resorts across the U.S.. I love this book and recommend it to everyone. It is absolutely mandatory reading for anyone seriously considering opening a B&B or a resort. Carol J. Craig - Wakefield, Rhode Island

Rating:
Summary: She Tells It Like It Is
Review: At one time or another, I think everyone has had the romantic notion of running a resort! This book will enlighten you to the hard work that it takes to run a resort. Michele Cozzens tells it like it is! She is honest and practical in her delivery. Her book helps us see ourselves, the "guest" or "vistor" from a different point of view! Hopefully, some of us will change our behavior as a "guest" at any such resort. Anyone who has ever been in the Northwoods of Wisconsin or similiar area as a "guest" of a resort, should read this book, it will open your eyes. You won't want to stop reading and you wish the author had more stories to tell!

Rating:
Summary: Grumpy
Review: I dont think Mrs.Cozzens is living her dream life. She comes across as too miserable to be happy. Maybe she is just a chronic complainer. Anyway, I would not feel comfortable being around her or staying at Sandy Point for the mere fact you are sure to be judged and talked about. Really, if people bother her so much, why did she get into a job that requires her to interact with them at this level?

Rating:
Summary: Grumpy
Review: I dont think Mrs.Cozzens is living her dream life. She comes across as too miserable to be happy. Maybe she is just a chronic complainer. Anyway, I would not feel comfortable being around her or staying at Sandy Point for the mere fact you are sure to be judged and talked about. Really, if people bother her so much, why did she get into a job that requires her to interact with them at this level?

Rating:
Summary: Humor and Honesty - A Quick, Fun Read, Thanks!
Review: I enjoyed very much this honest and funny account of a resort owners life in the beautiful Northwoods. No, it's not all fun and games as a resort owner and the author puts it out there for all to see. That's what I appreciate about this account of a young couple's venture into the unknown world of small business.
The "People Can be Jerks" chapter was especially enlightening. I was in stitches!
I applaud the author and her husband for having the courage to provide a place for people to relax and enjoy while trying to make a living. Good luck to you both and I can't wait for the next sequel!

Rating:
Summary: I'm Living Your Dream Life
Review: I loved the book. It was a very easy and entertaining read! I was interested in the ambition and accomplishments lived out by the author and her spouse. When you initially think of owning a small family owned resort in the Northwoods it sounds dreamy...this book put it in perspective! It is definetly alot of hard work and not as glamous as it sounds. The things that they went through over the course of several years was interesting and entertaining. I enjoyed every aspect of the book.

Rating:
Summary: A quick read with some real gems of advice
Review: I read this book because I want to buy a small resort in the woods. In other words, I was looking for advice. I got it...from pages 30 through 70. The book is well worth the investment. The rest of the book, though less instructional, was amusing and heartwarming. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in about three hours.

Rating:
Summary: A truly enjoyable read!
Review: I read this book on the dreaded journey home after a week of restful, fun vacation at the Cozzens resort. It was wonderful, both the book and the vacation! The five hour trip flew by as I felt like I was sitting in the same room with the author having a great conversation and getting the REAL scoop on resort ownership. As owners, they make the job look easy but the book enlightens you to the behind the scenes happenings,challenging but obviously rewarding. Michele does a superb job of interjecting humor and warmth on every page while giving you a real picture of life as an "up north"resort owner.
I highly recommend this book to all, even if you've never been to a northern Wisconsin resort. Congratulations on living your dream, Michele! And thank you for sharing it with us!

Rating:
Summary: Good book.
Review: I think this is more a book about being a working mother than about owning a resort per se. It's a memoir and the story of an interesting life. The author doesn't hold back. It's funny, interesting and I read it really quickly. Are there any other books by this author?