Next to Hughes: Behind the Power and Tragic Downfall of Howard Hughes by His Closest Advisor

After reading the obituary about the fascinating life of Robert Maheu several weeks ago, I purchased this book. I'm glad that I did! This book is a real page turner. Maheu's first hand account of his job with Howard Hughes is unbelievable! I felt as though I was there with Maheu as he became rich and famous and then hit the low points when he was fired. Maheu overcame so much adversity after he was fired by suffering depression, mouth cancer and a heart attack, in addition to the litigation brought by the IRS and government against him. Through it all, he never gave up and he succeeded again! Robert Maheu's life and comeback is inspiring!!! However, Howard Hughes life was a nightmare! I couldn't believe that those who supposedly were "caring for him" let him die the way he did. They used him to spend his money while the poor man didn't know what was going on. What a sad life he led secluded and in bed. Maheu's message to interact with people really inspired me. Maheu was a real networker and he made lots of friends, in addition to his wonderful family. Howard Hughes had no friends or family and as a result, his employees treated him terribly. If he had a family, they would have gotten him the treatment that he so desperately needed. This is a great book!!! I could not put this book down!