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

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Summary: Poorly written, poorly organized, and whiny
Review: I was tired of the author by the second chapter. I can't believe she ever got her tiresome, clomping prose published. I am interested in running a bed and breakfast, and I am eager to read books on other's experience; this was by far the worst of the four I have read so far. The author spends 3/4 of the book complaining about how resort guests spoil linens, expect sterile bathrooms, break rules, and other problems one would obviously have to expect in this business. Not unsurprisingly, she's living your dream life because she lives off of investments (not the resort) and moves to Arizona every winter. Don't expect an illustration of a person of ordinary means making this life work.

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Summary: Not at all useful if you want to investigate starting a b&b
Review: I was very dissatisfied with this book. It is, in essence, one preson's story of the frustrations of opening a specific b & b. Very little information that is useful or generalizable to other settings.

Rating:
Summary: A Fast, Fun Read. Worth Your Time
Review: I'd like to start out by indicating, I have absolutely NO desire to become an innkeeper and I have never been to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. But it was a fun little trip to what the author paints as a beautiful part of the country and I can see how she and her husband fell in love with the area the first time they saw it.

As for the business, I don't think this book is meant to give advice necessarily, although she certainly does. I think it is simply a memoir and she tells her story in a funny, readable way.

This is the second book I have read by Michele Cozzens. I enjoyed the first one I read so much, I decided to give this a look, too. I wasn't disappointed. Contrary to what a reviewer wrote here that she is "grumpy" and hates people, I found the opposite to be true. She is clearly very intelligent and very funny. Sometimes people find this threatening. Don't make that mistake. She's a teriffic writer.

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Summary: Seriously considering exodus from the urban jungle?
Review: I'm Living Your Dream Life: The Story Of A Northwoods Resort Owner is the memoir of Michele VanOrt Cozzens, who with her husband and two daughters, opted to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life for the more peaceful woodlands of Northern Wisconsin. Earning a living as resort owners, they soon discovered that their new trade required business savvy and hard economics; at the same time, they reaped intangible and life-affirming rewards from simply existing in the tranquil and wondrous domain of nature. I'm Living Your Dream Life is a combination personal memoir and practical "how-to" guide for anyone seriously considering exodus from the urban jungle. If you've ever dreams of just taking off for the Northwoods country and a "simpler" life -- then read Michele VanOrt Cozzens' I'm Living Your Dream Life.

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Summary: The Erma Bombeck for the Resort and B&B Owner Set
Review: Just what every resort owner needs....... a must read if you thought you were the only one with destructive and demanding guests. It should also be required reading for guests prior to making a reservation. A how-to manual for the novice vacationer.

Michele Cozzens is doing as much good for resort owners as Erma Bombeck did for harassed housewives.... she makes us laugh and nod our heads saying out-loud "yes, yes, yes.... that happened to me!" The book leaves you wishing it were part of a multi volume set. The reader gets addicted to the wacky guests and the next topper. I'm hooked!

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Summary: Reality at it's finest
Review: Like many people stuck in a career that tests your sanity day in and day out, I found Michele's book to be an inspiring stepping stone to the life that I fantasize about having. Michele calls a spade a spade in this true depiction of life in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She details the exciting aspects of owning a resort, but more importantly, she tells you about the pitfalls and hardships of her experience. This book is a must read for those who are coonsidering a leap into resort ownership.

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Summary: The real scoop behind disc golf's "Heaven on Earth"
Review: Mike and Michele Cozzens ventured into Wisconsin with a vision many other couples have had before them. They have stuck with it for many years and their hard work and dedication is finally starting to pay off. This is a must read for anyone that has visited disc golf's "Heaven on Earth" but it is also an elightening adventure about how a couple can move across the country and find their perfect niche in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. The author states this is not a "how to" book for starting a business or resort but none the less, you want to read her accounts of the difficulties that can spring up on you and catch you completely off guard. Read the book, visit the resort, and then fall in love with Sandy Point Resort and Disc Golf Ranch.

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Summary: Remembering what's important
Review: Mike and Michele experienced something that many of us do at some point or another - the desire for a more peaceful life. However, what they did, something that is difficult for many of us - they acted on it. As you read their journey from yuppies to resort owners - and share their experiences - you will almost be able to live their lives for a short time. Michele's colorful prose and thoughtful honesty make this book great reading. I'd love to hear how the next decade of resort owning ends up!

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Summary: I'm living your Northwoods dream life
Review: Ms. Cozzens writes a fun and informative read on the ups and downs of running a small Northwoods resort after choosing to leave the 9 to 5 grind of city life. Michele focuses on the business dealings as well as the family and health aspects. It's not just about running a resort -it's also about choosing a different lifestyle and taking a chance on happiness and contentment in your life. Good insight and a quick and fun read.Tell me more!

Rating:
Summary: I'm Living Your Dream Life
Review: The book by Michele Cozzens, "I'm Living Your Dream Life", gives the reader a look at how one family combines their core values, personal strengths, and long term objectives, to provide a way of life that successfully blends 'making a living' with 'making a life'. Written with humor, warmth, and wisdom, the book is an informative, quick, and enjoyable read about what it takes to develop, operate, and maintain a northwoods resort. Cozzens presents her experiences and observations with warmth and giggle out loud humor. Both entertaining and enlightening, this book will offer behind the scenes insight to anyone who has enjoyed vacationing at a northwoods resort, as well as to those considering a career in Bed and Breakfast/Resort management.