Winding Roads Books

By Lori Kinnard

[This review originally appeared on author Lori Kinnard’s Winding Roads Books & More website here.]

Dave Lieber’s Watchdog Nation. 192 pages. Yankee Cowboy Publishing. $20.00

“What are you waiting for? Start Squeaking!” Dave Lieber seems to, like the cover of his book, represent a modern day hero. I’m exaggerating, of course; but he will tell you how to go about bringing your own personal justice to the credit card companies, big box stores and appliance repair people. Mr. Lieber has had enough of endless hold times and overbilling; he wrote a book to help others avoid suffering the same irritations that he and his fellow “Watchdogs” have endured.

Book reviewer Lori Kinnard

Mr. Lieber is a columnist for the Fort Worth Star Telegram, where readers can write in with their inquiries: “my contractor took all my money and didn’t finish the job”, “the toaster oven I bought on sale doesn’t work and they won’t give me a replacement”. Mr. Lieber quite often tracks down the offending company or provider and aids the customer in getting their due.

The book itself is broken into individual stories and what actions should be taken to remedy those situations. Helpful quips and even special people to contact (phone numbers included) are enclosed. It makes for fun reading because most of us have been in at least some of these positions and the advice he offers heads off potential “shopping misadventures”; better arming us for dealing with anyone trying to sell us something.

I especially like his enthusiasm: he seems earnestly thrilled to get the bad customer service representatives out there to do the right thing… or get them fired. Like most people who love their jobs, his energy is contagious. I’ll approach my next purchase differently having read this book. The bottom line in this story is that YOU too can do what Dave has done. The book’s static moments are only part of what Mr. Lieber is aiming to achieve; an end to poor service everywhere. So grab your recorders, take notes as well as a few minutes to think over that salesman’s pitch before buying what he’s selling and be your own “Watchdog.”

Author Lori Kinnard is the owner of Winding Roads Books & More – an independent bookstore in Joshua, Texas. http://windingroadsbooks.com and http://www.windingroadsbookstore.com/