Call Me Ted
by Bill Burke, Ted Turner
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Book Summary Information
Author: Bill Burke, Ted TurnerEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-11-10
ISBN: 0446581895
Number of pages: 372
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Book Reviews of Call Me Ted
Book Review: Fast-paced Life, Fast-paced Book
Summary: 5 Stars
I did not intend to read the entire book. I was going to read the inside account of the AOL-Time Warner merger and skim the rest. However, between the breakneck pace of Ted Turner's life and the fluid writing style (kudos to co-author Bill Burke), I was quickly hooked. I read every word of "Call Me Ted."
The book skips unnecessary detail and, as a result, never bogs down. The short chapters make great breaking points, handy for people with limited reading time. An effective device used throughout the book is the "Ted Story." These are short interludes (usually less than one page) written by other people (John Malone, Ted's children, Jane Fonda, Bill Gates, even Gerald Levin, among others). The main narrative leads up to an event -- perhaps an important meeting -- then breaks for a "Ted Story." At that point the reader gets two perspectives of the same event. (I should point out that not all Ted Stories are seamlessly woven into the narrative.) One of the most amusing Ted Story breaks comes at the point where Ted decides to support the AOL-Time Warner merger. Ted writes that he sought counsel and support from four trusted friends before making the decision. The four guest writers, however, had different recollections. The first said he was on vacation in London when he spoke to Ted and was very distracted. The second said he never spoke to Ted before Ted voted and explained why he was absolutely certain of that fact. The remaining two said they spoke to Ted, but he wasn't asking for input so much as telling them what he'd done. Reminiscent of Kurosawa's "Rashomon," the book leaves the reader to sort it out.
Do not read this book expecting a scholarly treatment of Ted's life, with a heavy emphasis on psychology and motives. That is not Ted's style. Ted tells his story and, for the most part, leaves you to draw your own conclusions. I appreciated that the book was not preachy as are far too many business leader's autobiographies; it is not "How to Become a Great Success Just Like Me." After reading the book, I would accredit Turner's tremendous success in life to a sharp mind, a fearless heart, and an otherworldy amount of energy. (Though his upbringing surely had an effect on his intense drive to succeed.)
I'm old enough to remember when Ted's America's Cup antics were in the news, so many of the book's events caused me to think about my own life. Where was I living when I first heard about Ted doing such-and-such? Reading about Ted's ads with the theme "I was cable when cable wasn't cool," I was reminded of the days when cable television existed only in small, rural towns -- too far from television broadcast towers to pick up a clear signal.
Numerous lines in the book caused me to laugh out loud, especially in the latter half of the book when the focus shifts to Ted's dealings with high-profile corporate executives. Not funny but touching upon a distinction I think important, Ted briefly remarks upon the difference between those who start companies -- such as himself -- and the Harvard MBA types brought in to manage companies they had nothing to do with creating.
The brisk pace and wide scope of Ted's life is reflected in the book. With Turner's life story -- the billboard company, the SuperStation, the Atlanta Braves, the America's Cup, CNN, Jane Fonda, Time Warner, and on and on -- there's just too much ground to cover for the book to meander.
Summary of Call Me Ted
"Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise!"These words of fatherly advice helped shape Ted Turner's remarkable life, but they only begin to explain the colorful, energetic, and unique style that has made Ted into one of the most amazing personalities of our time. Along the way - among his numerous accomplishments -- Ted became one of the richest men in the world, the largest land owner in the United States, revolutionized the television business with the creation of TBS and CNN, became a champion sailor and winner of the America's Cup, and took home a World Series championship trophy in 1995 as owner of the Atlanta Braves.
An innovative entrepreneur, outspoken nonconformist, and groundbreaking philanthropist, Ted Turner is truly a living legend, and now, for the first time, he reveals his personal story. From his difficult childhood to the successful launch of his media empire to the catastrophic AOL/Time Warner deal, Turner spares no details or feelings and takes the reader along on a wild and sometimes bumpy ride.
You'll also hear Ted's personal take on how we can save the world...share his experiences in the dugout on the day when he appointed himself as manager of the Atlanta Braves....learn how he almost lost his life in the 1979 Fastnet sailing race (but came out the winner)...and discover surprising details about his dealings with Fidel Castro, Mikhail Gorbachev, Jimmy Carter, Bill Gates, Jack Welch, Warren Buffett, and many more of the most influential people of the past half century.
Ted also doesn't shrink from the darker and more intimate details of his life. With his usual frankness, he discusses a childhood of loneliness (he was left at a boarding school by his parents at the tender age of four), and the emotional impact of devastating losses (Ted's beloved sister died at seventeen and his hard-charging father committed suicide when Ted was still in his early twenties). Turner is also forthcoming about his marriages, including the one to Oscar-winning actress, Jane Fonda.
Along the way, Ted's friends, colleagues, and family are equally revealing in their unique "Ted Stories" which are peppered throughout the book. Jane Fonda, especially, provides intriguing insights into Ted's inner drive and character.
In CALL ME TED, you'll hear Ted Turner's distinctive voice on every page. Always forthright, he tells you what makes him tick and what ticks him off, and delivers an honest account of what he's all about. Inspiring and entertaining, CALL ME TED sheds new light on one of the greatest visionaries of our time.
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