International Business Marionettes (ISBN 0970637705)

Praise for International Marionettes:
I liked the fact the book was written by an ex employee of a major corporation in a manner that related the true feelings that many management employees experience, but do not have the courage to talk about, much less write about. It brings home the job pressures and the need to continually perform and improve. It also clearly outlines what lengths the corporate world will go to to maintain control. The author is to be saluted for having the backbone to fight back and to stand for principle. Most of all it is a story of his tenacity and need to persist and to get answers. Several of the chapters deal with the author's dark side and indiscretions which add flavor, but cause one to say "why did he do that?"

Peeking Under the Covers of Big Blue:
International Business Marionettes gives the reader a vivid, often painful, view of the intersection of one man's life with the corporate behmouth called IBM. It is a psycho-biographical look at the American corporation's benign neglect of the individual and a telling tale of one man's compliance, rebutal and, eventual, survival in spite of it. Max Beardslee is a bright, young trainee at IBM. His test scores are off the charts and his confidence high. He knows that the rules of the game require bending and is willing to do so to climb the corporate ladder. Even after the scales of fairness tilt too far away from his interests, he remains trustful that his sacrifices will be rewarded. But then the threads of the garment he calls a career begin unraveling at an alarming and, at times, uncontrolled pace. The life of luxury, reward and success he was promised by his corporate master turns into a living Hell. International Business Marionettes is a telling tale for those who struggle in corporate America, especially in the high tech world. The author is poignant in his description of the adversities passed on to him by this major corporation. One only wonders about other disruptions, interuptions and expectations that formed the character who ultimately fell into the corporate trap...

Gripping:
This is a compelling tale about big business and how it can affect individuals. Once I started reading, I literally could not put it down. If anyone truly wants information as to how big business actually conducts itself, this is a must read.

Great for students and young professionals:
While this book deals with many topics, it contains valuable lessons for those aspiring to enter the ranks of corporate life. Being someone that has only been working for a handful of years, this story serves as a reminder that no matter what, I cannot forget that life is short and that corporate life is even shorter (and not as meaningful). Through the author's hardships and successes, others can gain a lesson or two on living life, playing the corporate game (or not playing the game) and how to keep everything balanced. A very entertaining read.

Excellent insider view:
As a former IBMer this book brought back many memories of the "IBM Way", good and not so good.