Call Me Ted

Friends who have "read" the book think it is good, but if you "listen" to Ted read the book, you won't be able to hit stop or pause. Amazing!! Get the audio version.

I had forgotten about what an amazing life Ted Turner has had, from winning the America's Cup (as the skipper) to winning the World Series (as an owner) and building the cable industry. His is an inspiring story and the personal side is interetsing as well. I have read many of the big business biographies, and some are more substantive and rewarding than others. This one is worth reading. If you are interested in the history of the media business from the 1960's on, particularly in the creation of cable, you will be interested. If you are interested in entrepreneurial stories in general, I think this will be rewarding. And I think along the way you will get interested in Turner as a person as well. I zipped through it in two nights (not because it was short but because I was interested). If I could change the book at all I might have had him pause more and explain at greater length some of his transitions from conservative to liberal and from Christian to agnostic. That would have been interesting but I think he wanted to focus on the business stuff, which I suppose is smart.

An amazing, honest autobiography about Ted Turner's life including his accomplishments and failures. He turned a regional billboard company into a media giant. Along the way, he became an accomplished sailor, created CNN, the Goodwill Games and is the largest individual landowner plus numerous other achievements. If you read this book you should also read Ken Auletta's profile on Ted Turner that was published in The New Yorker back in 2001. Its a intimate portrait of Ted Turner during the AOL-Time Warner merger and his breakup with Jane Fonda.

Not having previously known much about Ted Turner, I didn't have any expecations of how I would receive this book. I was surprised to find myself fascinated with his life journey that he outlines so well. Turner has a unique style of narration that I found quite appealling; insightful and to the point. I appreciated how he reflects on experiences early in his life that have such a profound influence on his later actions and successes. Thanks Ted Turner and Bill Burke for sharing such an iconic american success story.

I was looking forward to reading CALL ME TED, but being busy and multitasking, I decided to by the CD version. I listen and re-listen to Ted's story. What amazed me most about this package was that Ted recorded every page of his 500 page book while recovering in the hospital - it took him 40 to 45 hours to record. This in itself is a world breaking record to begin with. Does he understand what being tired means? I don't think so... you can hear his voice weakening in some moments, but that was the best part of why I find it inspirational. They keep saying that his life was difficult, or his childhood was a complex one. At that time not many kids had the brightest of childhoods, but none of them were like Ted. He was about what you want for tomorrow in your life, and how you want the day after tomorrow to unfold. That is Ted Turner to me as his reader (or in this case, listener). He is a hard working, very intelligent and creative, long vision and determined, most honest, loving, caring, and a patriot to the core. What is most important, Ted Turner, achieved all of this alone, he created ideas all alone, he managed to make it happen all alone, and he stands all alone. I read almost every biography of successful people and by far this one tops them all. I am very thankful to be able to read someone's life as great as his in a most straight to the point and yet inspiring way. Whatever happens behind closed doors in his real life, this is what we need to see and read, to feel inspired, and this book did it for me. Thank you.