Reviews
License to Pawn: Deals, Steals, and My Life at the Gold & Silver by Tim Keown, Rick Harrison
dereadergal's review
4.0
I thought that this memoir was going to be one of those poorly written ones that come zipping out after someone makes it big in a reality show and wants to capitalize on their fame. I was pleasantly surprised how wrong I was, not only was it well written, (sure he had a writer, but sometimes even those writers are terrible!) but it sounded like Mr, Harrison and his family really had their voices heard throughout. This was an easy read and quite enjoyable for two reasons. One, everyone in the book was quite frank and open about their not-so-perfect lives, which I felt made them appear to be more real, likable and even endearing. I also really liked the many stories about the pawn business because it was not only just simply funny or shocking, but it helped shed light on and educate the masses about a business most of us know little to nothing about. Readers can't help sharing in Mr. Harrison's enthusiasm over his job, and to me that was also wonderful to experience since so many of us are anything but enthused about the daily drudgery of our work life. The only part I thought was a bit wonky throughout the book was the seemingly random chapters written from his family and Chumlee's perspective. I liked the chapters, but they were a bit disjointed and shoved in the book with no rhyme or reason - perhaps if they were all grouped in one section it would have made a bit more sense.
afox98's review
3.0
Very interesting insight into the background of Rick Harrison and his family, owners of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop featured in the TV show Pawn Stars. I love that show - seeing not only the interesting things coming into the store and their backgrounds, but the people working at the store and their interactions. This family has had lots of issues, and bad ones, but it's cool to see how despite all that, in later years, they worked through the bad stuff and all work together every day in a family-owned business. Rick is quite obviously incredibly smart, despite being a high-school dropout, and his thirst for knowledge is amazing. Fun, easy, quick read.
lakecake's review
4.0
I just think Rick Harrison is the coolest, and his family is pretty awesome too. I love Pawn Stars because it feels real, and reading this book, I think it definitely is.
If you like the show, or have even seen an episode here or there and found it mildly amusing, I suggest picking up this book. It's an easy read, and it's entertaining AND informative.
If you like the show, or have even seen an episode here or there and found it mildly amusing, I suggest picking up this book. It's an easy read, and it's entertaining AND informative.
cala_06's review
4.0
First of all, I'm a huge fan of the show. Comedy, business, and history lessons rolled into one.
Second of all, the book is funny, narrating other aspects of their personal lives and the business, you get to know what's going on on their minds and how awesome Rick is.
Second of all, the book is funny, narrating other aspects of their personal lives and the business, you get to know what's going on on their minds and how awesome Rick is.
rwarner's review
3.0
This is a must-read for fans of the show. Others, perhaps, wouldn't get as much out of it . . . although they might be led to watch the show after reading the book! Harrison opens wide and spills the dirt on his life and family, and gives a chapter each to the Old Man, Big Hoss, and Chumlee, who follow suit. Just as the show demonstrates, these guys are characters, and the book makes that even more clear. You learn a lot more about how pawn shops work, how the store came about, how the show came about, and how the show has changed their lives. I'm glad he wrote it, and I'm glad I read it.
readerxxx's review
3.0
enjoyable quick read. I love the tv series so it was interesting to read some of the behind the scenes details especially about Chumlee.
greateststar's review
4.0
This is a solid book. Rick has a very readable style of writing that is personable, but still well controlled, clean, and crisp. He speaks very openly and honestly about his relationships with the Old Man and Corey. I find it very refreshing to read a autobiography that isn't laden down with piles of sugary sweet crap (ahem, Marie Osmond).
invisibleobserver13's review
4.0
A fun and fascinating read! It was nice to get to know the men behind Pawn Stars by reading the book. And I loved reading about their experiences, both life and pawn shop. I also like how Rick explains how the pawn business works.
just1angie's review
3.0
eh, it was alright. Felt a little forced in parts..not sure why. Still love the show.