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Nov 09
"Albertans who have lived through two generations of Progressive Conservative rule no doubt dimly recall a host of policy blunders, especially those made during the Getty, Klein and Stelmach years. But having the full litany refreshed by a former insider leaves one both sad and angry. Rich Vivone’s new book, “Ralph Could Have Been a Superstar” (Kingston: Patricia Publishing, 2009) makes for riveting, informative reading ..." (read more)
1 Oct 09
"Rich Vivone couldn’t have timed the release of his new book chronicling the Ralph Klein era any better. As provincial surpluses have turned to deficits and we are seeing some of the repercussions of negligent governance, Ralph Could Have Been a Superstar: Tales of The Klein Era is an engaging read that serves as a reminder of how personality politics bolstered the superficiality of the Klein years ..." (read more)
23 Sep 09
"Since first hearing about it earlier this summer, I have been looking forward to reading Rich Vivone’s book “Ralph Could Have Been a Superstar“. There has yet to be much of a post-mortem in print on the Klein years in Alberta, and as an insider to government I anticipated that Vivone would have much to say on the topic. ..." (read more)
16 Sep 09
"The book is an engaging, fast and often gossipy read ..." (read more)
15 Sep 09
"The title, Ralph Could Have Been A Superstar is misleading. It hasn't that much to do with Ralph Klein as about the entire political climate of the Don Getty/Ralph Klein/early Ed Stelmach era. No political junkies worth their salt can put this one down ..." (read more - 4th article)
13 Sep 09
"Ralph Klein was a big spender and a bully. And tragically, he had no vision for Alberta’s future ..." (read more)
1 Sep 09
"Ralph Klein wasted a wealth of opportunities. And after reading Vivone's book one wonders if 'Ralph' wasn't simply Alberta's collective delusion." ..." (read more)
“Reading advance copy of Rich Vivone’s Ralph Could Have Become a Superstar. Great Insights!”
Ken Chapman on Twitter
"I've read Vivone's book and plan to write a review in the next couple weeks. It may be tempting to judge this book by its cover, but it's a good read and definitely worth picking up." (update, 16 Sep 09)
"Former Insight into Government editor Rich Vivone is gearing up to release a new book of 12 essays entitled Ralph Could Have Become a Superstar: Tales of the Klein Era. … I can't wait for it to hit the bookshelves."
Daveberta's blog
21 Aug 09
A radio interview with Rich about his new book aired on Calgary radio station CHQR 770, 21 Aug 09, at 3pm MDT. Host was Mike Blanchard, and the show was "Calgary Today". Listen to it here.
"Many readers fondly remember Rich Vivone, founding publisher of Insight into Government, for his pungent writing, incisive views and equally incisive wit. Rich
retired in 2005. He remembers a few things, too. He’s put them into a book about the Klein era in Alberta politics — some things that he wrote about at the time and
some that he didn’t. It’s due out this fall. The planned title is Ralph Could Have Been a Superstar: Tales of the Klein Era. Sales will basically be handled via the Internet. We’ll have more details closer to the publication date. Rich also plans an appearance at an Edmonton book launch this fall."
New book on Klein paints Ralph as lacking vision
"Ralph Klein hung around as premier longer than he wanted to because his wife didn't want him to quit, says a just-released book by a former Tory aide-turned-journalist" ... >> read more
Kerry Diotte, Legislature Bureau Chief, Edmonton Sun
Ralph Could Have Been a Superstar: Tales of the Klein Era