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From Annapolis, MD“I just finished your WONDERFUL book. I REALLY enjoyed your delicious way of serving up your words. Absolutely delightful. I feel for what you had to go through to actually try to create something from nothing [in the out islands]. If I were stuck in a foxhole, I'd want you to be there with me! Best of luck on your next novel. I can't wait to read it.”
From Yucaipa, California“Thank you Libby Brown for an inspiring look into your brilliant and never boring life. Having been blessed to work for This End Up myself for almost ten years in sales, as a store manager, and then a regional manager in Colorado and Southern California, it was exciting to read the story of TEU’s road to success in detail. Plus, it was an added bonus to hear more of the ‘never quit’ life you and Stewart led after your departure from TEU. Please know that the tenets of sales you taught me and the shared values of This End Up remain with me today and have continued to keep me focused as an administrator of a Catholic Church near Palm Springs. Honest Communication, Teamwork, Flexibility, Individual Growth, Participative Management and Minimal Red Tape (well, that one’s somewhat difficult in our hierarchical setting, but we try) remain with me, directing me and the team members I have been priviledged to work with since my departure from This End Up. I will be finishing my MBA in 4 months (a little late in life — but that individual growth value never dies), and the ongoing training and ideals that TEU offered me resonates in the papers that I write. Thank you for the gift you gave to me both in my formation in business and a book I could not put down! Blessings on your life!”
From Boca Raton, FL“Wow! What an unbelievable journey. The story about This End Up was fabulous, along with your journey through the Caribbean with all its beauty and risks. But the section that was mind boggling was the building and running of Fowl Cay Resort. Your writing is superb, your stories are endearing and I never wanted to put the book down. I plan to purchase another copy online and send it to my father and stepmother who have recently constructed a large house in Freeport. They will enjoy this! Not only to commiserate with your story but to enjoy the beautiful read and your inspiring persona. All the best and happy travels. Thank you for sharing your story.”

From Richmond, VA“Thanks for writing MAKING WAVES. It’s one of the best books I have ever read,  also one of the most inspiring. I have taken the steps to open my ears for new businesses since talking to you at your recent book signing at Barnes & Noble. Thanks for everything.”

From Denver, CO“I just finished MAKING WAVES and enjoyed every page. I could not put it down. Following your path made me really look at my path and purpose. I don’t know what the future holds, but I will say that your story really enticed me and got my mind swirling around many possibilities.”
From Richmond, VA“I truly could not put your book down. I read all but about 30 pages this past Sunday...finished up Monday night by flashlight! We were without power 5-6 hours Monday evening. Many thanks!”
From Atlanta, GA“What an education I’ve received by reading your book. What kept shining through to me was the immense generosity of your spirit as you rose to meet each challenge by taking the high road. Thank you for sharing of yourself via MAKING WAVES.
From Richmond, VA“I have never written to the author of a book that I have read, so this response should convey the pleasure I had in reading MAKING WAVES. During my read, which was a ‘I can’t wait to get back to the Browns and see what happens next!’ — I was laughing out loud at times, screaming in agreement, and was crying when you told the story of sitting in the Ritz lounge the evening of your closing, WOW! Thank you for sharing your story.”
From Burlington, VT“I thoroughly enjoyed your book. I could relate in so many ways…as a woman, and a mother…remembering when This End Up was in the University Mall in Burlington VT (our home) and totally admire your ‘get up and go get ‘em’ Libby! Thanks for the vicarious experience.”
From Midlothian, VA“I was extremely impressed by your writing skills, Libby. My husband calls me a ‘professional reader’ because I am never, ever without a book nearby, and I think your style and content are as good as any I’ve read. Your usage of metaphor and description remind me of Pat Conroy, who is one of my very favorite authors. You were born with the gift of putting words on paper. I think you have discovered your next risk — writing a novel. I will be anxiously awaiting its debut.”
From Charlotte, NC“Thank you for writing MAKING WAVES. You are an outstanding example of what a wonderful life can be had if we just take that leap of faith.”
From Richmond, VA“Congratulations on a fine account of three great adventures. The book speaks for itself as a fourth. Like many of your seldom seen acquaintances, I have been a side-line admirer of your success. Your book is a wonderful inspiration for young entrepreneurs and a great testimonial on the American free enterprise system. I look forward to seeing what you will do next.”
From Portsmouth, VA“Gosh, I love you. You are my kind of person. After losing everything in 2000 at the ages of 60 and 65, my husband and I are not out of the woods yet. He has to work out of state, and I am back in the workforce again myself. But we say thank you every day for such an interesting ride. My best to you. Keep on growing – I am.”
From Richmond, VA“I am about half way through MAKING WAVES and am enjoying it immensely. Not only is it a very interesting story, but also it is extremely well written. A delightful read.”
From Jackson, WY“With Making Waves you have made the leap from seriously successful entrepreneur and adventurer to seriously accomplished author. With its concise chapters, this book reads like a fast-paced novel but the compelling color photography says, ‘this is for real.’ Thanks for sharing your wild ride!”
From Richmond, VA“Your book has been an inspiration to me. I finished reading it while my two toddlers took naps and I sauteed vegetables again for my family’s evening meal. I shall start today looking for small places to ‘make waves.’ Thank you for giving me courage.”

Libby signs a copy of Making Waves at the NAWBO Richmond Chapter annual meeting at the Jefferson Hotel.

 

Another attendee at the NAWBO Richmond Chapter annual meeting gets her copy signed.

 

Attendees at the Smart Woman’s Club WOW! Conference on April 5 get their copies of Making Waves signed by the author. 

Tempy Barbru (second from left) says:

“What a rare privilege to spend the day with you at the WOW! Conference. I have been consumed with you and your remarks all day today and thinking about what an inspiration you are. Thank you for an inspirational, refreshing and energizing time – you have brightened my corner of the world.”

 

A group of three local book clubs came together at the Hunton & Williams board room on Feb. 12, 2008 to hear Libby Brown talk about her book, MAKING WAVES. Accompanied by her always popular slide show, Libby inspired the group with her adventures of riding shotgun with risk. The evening was so enjoyable, the clubs may make this a Super Book Club annual event. Pictured above (from left to right) are Libby, Sarah and Steve Demm, and Kim Russell.

 

“I’ve heard nothing but fabulous reviews. Libby has such an amazing story and message.”

— Kim Russell, who coordinated the Super Book Club event

 

(left to right) Linda Nash, PartnerMD; Jan Thomas, Hirschler Fleischer; and Libby at the WIN event, November 28, 2007. 

 

Retail Merchants Association First Friday Forum, September 7, 2007

“We were fortunate to have Libby Brown, author of Making Waves, as the keynote speaker at the September 7th Retail Merchants Association First Friday Forum breakfast meeting.  The sold-out (230) crowd eagerly anticipated her remarks. She inspired them with her stories of the risks she has taken throughout her life. After answering many questions the crowd thanked her with a standing ovation -- the only standing ovation ever received at a First Friday Forum. Libby is definitely a hard act to follow.”

— Jenny Price, VP Membership & Event Marketing, Retail Merchants Association 

 

“Your speech was inspiring! You were engaging and entertaining, making me both laugh and cry. You did a terrific job and I can't wait to read my book.”

— Cyndi Massad, GenSpring Family Offices 

 


Photo by Pierre Courtois, Senior Staff Photographer
The Library of Virginia 

Library of Virginia Noon Book Talk, September 12, 2007