"Best motivational book I've ever read!"
Dawn Hubbard - The Corkster
This is an incredible story of slammed
doors, rejection, ridicule,
and ultimately the tenacity that produced
for Joe Camp
the #3 movie
of the year, without any help from Hollywood.
An inspiring insight
into how to make things happen, against all odds, and
confirmation
that every dream is, in fact, possible.
Read the
Foreword
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REVIEWS:
From Dawn Hubbard - The Corkster
"I have NEVER seen or read such a point-blank dedicated, motivational book in which the author succeeds against such unbelievable odds. This book gripped me from the very start because I didn't expect it to be so emotional. I struggled when he struggled, chapter after chapter, and raced through it, always in a hurry to see what happened next. I especially liked the Afterword where Joe says God always shows up to 'take charge' just when Joe has reached the end of his rope. The scope of Benji being world-wide takes my breath away and the Golden Globe scene made me scream with joy along with Joe. This is truly a Follow Your Dream book. The best motivational book I've ever read!"
From Jack L. Kennedy, renowned education writer
"A wise elder once said, 'You can't tell a book by its cover.' He or she must have been referring to Who Needs Hollywood.
If you want or expect a namedropping foray through Tinsel Town, or a nice cute tale about dogs by the guy in 1974 who forged the first Benji movie almost with his bare hands, you won't be too disappointed as author Joe Camp does throw in a few names and battles with stereotypical Hollywood forms and other more conventional devices.
But the Hollywood glamour days are almost secondary, the theatrical drama virtually anti-climactic. In a strange, strong, compelling sense, the book is not about the making of a Hollywood movie. It is about faith....having faith in what you can do, in hanging on.
It also is a love story, for Joe's first wife Carolyn, a college sweetheart who died too young but believed in him and for his present wife Kathleen. It is about strength and memories and family and remembering what his dad taught him about talent and perseverance long before he approached movie making. It is about the importance of little things like trust, observation, caring, really observing, questioning, mentoring, and doing something one believes in with someone one cares about, not just making money for the sake of the coins collected. It is not a pompous, presumptive, egocentric piece about success on the surface but more about feeling and finding and forming. Camp's previous best seller, The Soul of a Horse used a similar approach: horse training as a way to explore the real human soul.
Hollywood begins with the account of fledgling ad-agency-types in Dallas, who more or less led by Camp, believed in themselves. They hung in there, they honed their craft. Benji (inspired by one of Camp's pets) and other ideas for stories kept them going. It was not easy to sell an unconventional dog story or to convince others that the dog could act and draw in others with his warmth--but that dog did.
Camp occasionally gives us some clues about himself and his motivation for life, not just a springboard for screenplays and books. He writes, for example, 'Given a choice, I simply prefer to believe, rather than doubt, what people tell me. I prefer faith to suspicion. So, I tend to thwart what little intuition I might have with an assumption that people are largely caring, honest, intelligent and understanding.'
Sometimes, we literally have trouble seeing things from others' points of view. It was hard to convince potential backers that Benji could act, that he was the star. A Dallas newspaper reviewer never mentioned the pooch when on the set to do a story; "big people" had to be the star." Camp, however, finally sold the idea that emotions and feelings can be transmitted and revealed via a small canine.
Camp admits to having misjudged himself and the human spirit a few times since that first movie down in Texas or his first motivating, supportive talk with his dad. The conscientious reader wanting much more than the typical Hollywood celebrity story need not despair or search any longer. He or she will find it in what Camp has written."
- Jack L. Kennedy for the Joplin Independent
From Maryann Miller, Blogger News Network
“Maybe, like a lot of people who dismissed Joe Camp’s idea of making a movie starring a dog, you are a reader who says, “who wants to read about making a movie that starred a dog?” But this book is so much more than a story about a dog or about making a movie. Like Camp’s previous best seller, The Soul of a Horse, this one is full of insight and inspiration.
Granted, not everyone wants to buck Hollywood and the odds to make a movie, but everyone has a dream of some sort, and this book encourages people to fight for that dream. Work for that dream. Even if it takes half a lifetime to make it come true.
Who Needs Hollywood is an inspiring insight into how to make things happen, against all odds, and confirmation that every dream is, in fact, possible.”
- Maryann Miller; Blogger New Network
From Vaughn Wilson, author of Tell Me About That Horse
“Who Needs Hollywood” is a book about dreams, but it’s so much more than that. It is also a book about tenacity. It’s a book about following your own path to your destination regardless of the negativism all around you. It’s a story about keeping your eye on the prize and eliminating the word 'no' from your vocabulary.
Who Needs Hollywood is not just a book. It’s a life lesson that we all need to study and practice in our own lives…there will be a test."
- Vaughn Wilson, author
http://www.tellmeaboutthathorse.com
From Conrad Noddin; Nashville Newzine
“I never read a book in one sitting but I honestly couldn't put this one
down until it was finished. The incredible tenacity and determination of Joe Camp is
inspiring to all creative people in literature, art, music, and film. Thank you Joe for your
encouragement and insight!”
- Conrad Noddin – Nashville Newzine
From Patricia Lipe, Author
"Filled with a roller coaster of emotions, the book is so honest that
sometimes I cringed
to be so
intimately involved as a reader. However, it was Joe Camp's
compassion and sense of giving
that came across and that I came to admire over and
above the events of the moment. I must say I
am in awe of the gumption, tenacity,
and determination Joe had (and needed) to make this journey.
But all who have seen his movie are grateful."
- Patricia Lipe, award-winning author
From Marjorie Samuels, reader
“Who Needs Hollywood is FANTASTIC...I LOVE IT!! I literally couldn't put it
down. It's such fun.” – Marjorie Samuels, reader
From Danna Beith, reader
"I so enjoyed Who Needs Hollywood and marvel at how you pull us into the scene and make us
believe we are watching you through the journey of your career, even though we are only
reading about it. I constantly stop and re-read a page just to appreciate the writing.
What a joy you bring to me when I read your words." - Danna Beith, reader
Press Room
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A NOTE FROM KATHLEEN
Hi everybody. This is Kathleen. I sent Joe to the barn so I could write this piece of truth. His next book has just come out and no it’s not the follow up to The Soul of a Horse. Joe had this book and two others almost finished when he pushed them aside to write “Soul”. This one’s not even about horses… unless you’ve ever wondered what kind of person could begin writing a book like The Soul of a Horse less than a year-and-a-half after acquiring his very first one. This new book will answer that question (in spades!). So, in truth, it is about horses because this journey is the one that created the man who has meant so much to you and your horses. It’s called: Who Needs Hollywood... (with the longest subtitle in bookdom :)
You will love it. I promise.
It's available (or can be ordered) wherever books are sold, but if you plan to buy it online, please use Amazon. I cannot tell you how much it helps to focus purchases on the largest seller of books in the world. Click here to go to Amazon.
If you'd like a personally inscribed copy just click "add to cart" above.
Thanks bunches and thank you so much for the support and encouragement you've given my hubby - Kathleen
WEIGH IN ON THE DEBATE OVER THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH
What Readers and Critics Are Saying About Joe Camp
“Joe Camp is a master storyteller.” The New York Times
“Joe Camp is a gifted storyteller and the results are magical. Joe entertains, educates and empowers, baring his own soul while articulating keystone principles of a modern revolution in horsemanship.” Rick Lamb, Author and TV/Radio host “The Horse Show”
"This book is fantastic It has given me shivers, made me laugh and cry, and I just can't seem to put it down!" Cheryl Pannier, WHO Radio AM 1040 Des Moines
“One cannot help but be touched by Camp’s love and sympathy for animals and by his eloquence on the subject.”
Michael Korda, The Washington Post
“Joe Camp is a natural when it comes to understanding how animals tick and a genius at telling us their story. His books are must-reads for those who love animals of any species.” Monty Roberts, Author of New York Times Best-seller The Man Who Listens to Horses
“The tightly written, simply designed, and powerfully drawn chapters often read like short stories that flow from the heart. Camp has become something of a master at telling us what can be learned from animals, in this case specifically horses, without making us realize we have been educated, and, that is, perhaps, the mark of a real teacher.” Jack L. Kennedy, The Joplin Independent
“This book is absolutely fabulous! An amazing, amazing book. You’re going to love it.” Janet Parshall’s America
"Joe speaks a clear and simple truth that grabs hold of your heart." Yvonne Welz, Editor, The Horse's Hoof Magazine
"I wish you could hear my excitement for Joe Camp's new book. It is unique, powerful, needed."
Dr. Marty Becker, best-selling author of several Chicken Soup for the Soul books and popular veterinary contributor to ABC's Good Morning America
“I got my book yesterday and hold Joe Camp responsible for my bloodshot eyes. I couldn't put it down and morning came early!!! Joe transports me into his words. I feel like I am right there sharing his experiences. And his love for not just horses, but all of God's critters pours out from every page.” Ruth Swander – Reader
“I love this book! It is so hard to put it down, but I also don't want to read it too fast. I don't want it to end! Every person who loves an animal must have this book. I can't wait for the next one !!!!!!!!!” Nina Black Reid – Reader
“I LOVED the book! I had it read in 2 days. I had to make myself put it down. Joe and Kathleen have brought so much light to how horses should be treated and cared for. Again, thank you!” Anita Large - Reader
“LOVE the new book… reading it was such an emotional journey. Joe Camp is a gifted writer.” MaryKay Thul Longacre – Reader
“I was actually really sad, when I got to the last page, because I was looking forward to picking it up every night.” Sabine Reynoso - Reader
“The Soul of a Horse Blogged is insightful, enlightening, emotionally charged, hilarious, packed with wonderfully candid photography, and is masterfully woven by a consummate storyteller. Wonderful reading!” Harry H. MacDonald - Reader
"I simply love the way Joe Camp writes. He stirs my soul. This is a must read book for everyone.” Debbie K - Reader
“This book swept me away. From the first to last page I felt transported! It’s clever, witty, inspiring and a very fast read. I was sad when I finished it because I wanted to read more!” Debbie Chartrand - Reader
“This book is an amazing, touching insight into Joe and Kathleen's personal journey that has an even more intimate feel than Joe’s first best seller.” Katherine Bowen – Reader
READ MORE ABOUT JOE CAMP
