Dream Reachers

WHEN YOUR HEART IS IN YOUR DREAM...

Early in her career as a journalist, author Betty Dravis met and interviewed some fascinating people. With her great ability to get to the heart of things she delivers her stories as an anchor to this book of inspiring interviews. From the young Tanya Tucker just on the brink of her brilliant career, to icons like Clint Eastwood and Jane Russell, we see the human side of the celebrities.

And because some things never change, Chase Von's collected interviews from Student Operated Press go on to reinforce the message that our dreams are within our reach if we commit ourselves to them. From writers to musicians to actors, the greatest success stories start with ordinary beginnings like yours and mine.

Some of the Dream Reachers mention religion as a driving force in their quest to succeed. Author, photographer and breast cancer survivor Debra Griffin shares the importance of her family and religion; the multi-talented actress and singer Kiara Hunter, we learn, relies on prayer and meditation to find the inner peace she needs to succeed. And author Betty Dravis takes her strength and inspiration from God, family and friends -- especially God Who is the source of the other blessings.

The biggest recurring theme in the book is the benefit of an accepting and encouraging family. Horror writer Nick Valentino, acknowledging that his dark streak sets him apart from the rest of his family, draws strength from their open-mindedness toward his work. Poet Dawn Huffaker grew up with a physical handicap but her family raised her as a full participant in life. Actress and model Debra Garrett put her children first always, even when it meant a ten-year break in her career. Singer Darcy Donavan honors her strong mother who worked two jobs to support the household, and the grandmother who helped raise her; as an example of the trials involved in raising tomboy Darcy, she once shocked her grandmother by bringing worms to church in her coin purse.

The dreams of these motivated artists and performers go far beyond their own success. They are driven to give back, to inspire others, and to make the world a better place. Comedienne and actress Jen Wilkinson, for example, is blown away by the opportunity to host charity fundraisers, while author and screenwriter Chrissy McVay is passionate about our need to slow down, put people ahead of wealth, and raise our children with our full attention on them rather than on the 401K.

First and foremost these celebrities are real people with real dreams, and nothing was handed to them. In what is possibly the funniest story in the book, singer and actress Jenny McShane describes growing up with her loving family on a pig farm in "Little House on the Prairie country." As a teenager she biked to town and asked the city council to sponsor her in the Miss Teen Minnesota pageant. Sponsor her they did, but Jenny had no pageant skills. During the interview section of the competition she was asked what was the hardest thing she ever had to do on the farm. I won't tell you her hilarious answer -- that would be a spoiler -- but it was so utterly unsuitable that one judge nearly fainted and her family raised the money to send her to modeling school. Now that's determination!

Dream Reachers is full of these intensely personal stories, and you'll come away knowing that for each one of us, a dream is waiting to be grasped.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Authors of DREAM REACHERS want you to read their press release!

New Book Inspires People to Live Their Dreams
Learn how Clint Eastwood, Darcy Donavan and others became "Dream Reachers"

VonChase Publishing Company announces the release of "Dream Reachers," a book of celebrity and other interviews that Hollywood and the world has been eagerly anticipating.

"Dream Reachers" is a magical mix of success stories and interviews with people who have dared to stretch to reach for their dreams. From living legends to legends-in-the-making, the subjects of this book let their imaginations soar.

In this book, author Betty Dravis shares her experiences as a young journalist when screen idols, like Clint Eastwood and Jane Russell, walked right out of the limelight and into her life...for brief, memorable moments.

In addition to writing three other novels, Dravis is an award-winning journalist and former talk show host.

Co-author Chase Von, a celebrity interviewer and poet, has two published books. In "Dream Reachers" he shares his current interviews with high achievers in the arts: actors, writers, painters, photographers, musicians, singers and dancers. As these achievers tell you in their own words why they keeep stretching to reach their dreams, they enchant the readers with their determination, inspiring them to DREAM BIG.

With over forty compelling stories and interviews, this literary work casts new light on what it takes to be a Dream Reacher. These are stories of how even disasters can turn into dreams, challenges into opportunities, with the right attitude of perseverance and determination. Whether you dream of walking the red carpet in Hollywood, taking the Big Apple by storm, having a cottage with a white picket fence--or all of those pleasures--this book will inspire you to "stretch" to make your dreams come true.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A great book to have around!!

Dream Reachers is a compilation of interviews conducted by Chase Von and Betty Dravis. Some of the interviews offer a glimpse back in time to a young Clint Eastwood, Tanya Tucker, Ted Kennedy and Jane Russell. One shares the story of a Hollywood starlet's compassion. How Ann Sothern read to Betty's six-year-old daughter while she was in the hospital. Most of the interviews cover minor celebrities, musicians and writers. They all share a common theme...people pursuing their dreams,despite where they are in life or what life throws at them. The book also includes wonderful pictures of these inspirational people. Are they doctors, noble prize winners, saints? No,but they do all send the message of hope and faith. As the front cover states, "Only those who stretch to reach their dreams find themselves living them." If this book portrays one main theme it is to take opportunities when they come because you never know where they may lead. That's what Betty did when given the chance to interview Clint Eastwood, even though she had no photographer and was having a very bad hair day. She seized the day and not only got her interview but a great story to share with the readers of this book.

This is a book you don't have to read cover to cover in one sitting because it is a collection. It would be a great coffee table or reception area book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

When You Wish Upon A Star

I purchased Dream Reachers out of pure curiosity. The simplicity of the book made me curious so I ordered it from Amazon not really knowing what I was going to be in for. Without further setup, here is my review... Dream Reachers by Chase Von and Betty Dravis is an interview collection of artists ranging from writers and actors to poets and musicians. I especially enjoyed the behind the scenes stories at the beginning of the book documenting some of the big stars that Betty Dravis had interviewed. Dream Reachers is an eclectic combination of interviews filled with talented people who know what it means to persevere over life's difficulties. If you enjoy peeking into the lives of people who are making their dreams come true then this is the book for you. I personally enjoy gleaming wisdom off of folks who have worked hard and the journey that they've gone through to get where they are.There is something for everyone in this book and a great gift for the entertainment junkie. I found Dream Reachers to be inspiring and entertaining. I've heard there will be a sequel and look forward to buying it. Dream Reachers is voyeurism at it's finest. I give this book a 5 of 5 star rating. Daniel L Carter Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

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