Hot Shot

I loved every aspect of this book as I engaged so completely with each character as they were introduced by the author and into the storyline. On the back of the paperback edition I read there is a message to the reader from the author, "Of all the books I've written. I'm proudest of Hot Shot. This was a story I'd been longing to tell for years, the kind I love best - the story of a woman with the courage to take on the world of men." I read the message and I wanted to meet the character and read her story. But it's not just one story - it's so much more!
It's a story of the birth of personal computers, of the young entrepreneur before he even knows he's an entrepreneur and is still a dreamer, of a father playing favorites, of sisters show more learning how to truly be sisters, of friendships on good days and on bad days, of those who speak or those who remain quiet, of those who are rich, of those who have nothing and are even richer than they really know, of those that truly know what truth and integrity really mean and so much more. Don't miss it! show less

I lived through this era of computer start-ups before ordinary people knew what Silicon Valley was. Therefore, I was very excited to read a story with this as the setting.

I thought the characters were fantastic and the plot was right out of real life. I want to read more stories like this.

I really enjoyed this book. I am not a romance novel connoisseur. I have thumbed through a few over the years as some of the book covers scream. Without fail, within four or five pages, I want to gag. (Romance addicts are now scrolling to the bottom of this review and clicking "no".) Romance novels just aren't (weren't?) my thing. Then along came Suzie, the heroine of Hot Shot.
Author Susan Elizabeth Phillips has done her homework. The plot, yes there is a real plot, evolves around the Silicon Valley in the late `70s and the emergence of the computer and nerd nirvana. The story is fascinating. It is nostalgic - where were you when Elvis died?

I read Hot Shot because I was told that I would like it. I was really skeptical. "Give it show more chance", it was suggested. Five pages in "His voice rose over the roar of the Harley, and his dark, mesmerizing eyes speared through her skin" activated the gag reflex.

"Give it a chance" echoed in my mind. I did and I am glad. show less

It took me a while (and many chapters) to connect with the characters (except Sam, I didn't want to!), but by the end, I couldn't get enough of it and didn't want to finish it. again, SEP dazzled me with her book! too many stories in one book, but they make sense all together!!

I really think this was the best book of her's I've read. Lot's of great history set around the stories of a group of flawed people who you couldn't help but love. I'm sorry it took me so long to get to this one.

This is one of SEP's earlier books (published 1991) and her writing style has really changed (for the better) since then. There was little evidence of her typical humor that I loved in books like It Had to Be You and Match Me If You Can. The story (which felt more like a saga covering almost 500 pages) focuses around Susannah Faulconer's life from a small child through her rise in the corporate world and the computer industry. But there was too much detail on the emerging computer industry and not enough romance. The characters were complex and interesting but the romance felt tacked on. Not my favorite SEP. (Grade: C+)

"4.5 out of 5 stars! Okay .... originally this book, in it's hardcover/paperback formats, was written in 1991 so most of the book is based in the 70's and 80's which is when women were just coming into the work force (more so then before) and taking on bigger roles that others might not have been ready for them to do. Plus, this book (based on what the author writes in her 'author's note') is based prominently on fiction, about the IBM's and Apple's of that time period (how they all got started -- etc.) while set in her non-fiction world. It kept me captivated! In addition, I LOVED the relationship Susannah had with Sam, Yank, & Mitch!! However..."

Read more of this review and TWO TEASERS here: show more target="_top">https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2010/10/feasted-on-hot-shot-by-susan-... show less