Showing posts with label inspirational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspirational. Show all posts

Go Big: Make Your Shot Count in the Connected World Review

Go Big: Make Your Shot Count in the Connected World
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The first thing that struck me about this book was the fact that I was laughing the whole way through it. It's refreshing to read a book written by an author from this current generation. His style of writing (quick witted comments etc) really connects with me as someone in my 20's. Beyond the humor though, this book challenged me at a very real level. I've always believed that the passions I have could expand past the hobby category, but after reading this book, I can honestly say that I'm more inspired than I've ever been to intentionally pursue a full-time use of these passions. I know it won't happen all at once, but I have to admit that that is now my goal. Overall, it's pretty cool that some college guys launched something so influential from an idea so simple. I could really see their Go Big attitude in the way this book was written. Now it's time to go chase down my own dream.

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It began with a free sandwich, a simple camera, and twenty "I can do better than you" shots. From that afternoon of friendly competition, six college guys created Dude Perfect, a YouTube group that specializes in the craziest basketball shots you can imagine. Within months, the guys went from shooting backyard trick shots to starring in GMC truck commercials and standing on an L.A. Red Carpet. Listed by Advertising Age as one of YouTube's Hottest Brands, Dude Perfect's videos have reached and inspired hundreds of millions with one contagious message—the very phrase they championed from day one—Go Big. By leveraging the connected world, Dude Perfect's dream became a reality, and now, they want the same for you. Written by one of the dudes himself, Go Big tells their story and unveils their secret: five practical principles for taking your passions, skills, and dreams to the next level. Are you ready to Go Big?

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Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman Review

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman
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Inspirational stories fill hundreds of picture books every year. Most are simply awful. They either tell tales that are loose plots barely supported by facts or they paste together a slapdash concoction of truth and fiction with as little thought as possible. The truly beautiful bio-picture books out there are as rare as hummingbirds in autumn. So it was with great joy that I located "Wilma Unlimited" and found it to be not only inspirational but also a darned good read. Written by Kathleen Krull (the woman who could make long dead musicians fascinating in "Lives of the Musicians" and bring Cesar Chavez to life in the recent "Harvesting Hope") and illustrated by David Diaz the book is the best possible way to introduce kids to one of the world's greatest athletes.

Born in 1940 to a family of twenty-one people (nineteen siblings, no less), Wilma Rudolph was initially a sickly child. Though she was energetic enough, she often caught every disease imaginable. At the age of five, Wilma's left leg twisted inward and it was clear that she'd come down with polio. Still, Wilma was a determined child and she consistently exercised her unruly leg to get stronger. After continual practice, she was finally able to walk free of the leg brace that had weighed her down. At twelve the brace was put away for good and Wilma started participating in sports. She led her high school basketball team to the finals, catching the eye of a college coach. Before you knew it, Wilma was recruited into the Tennessee State University's track-and-field team on a full ride scholarship. In 1960 she competed in the Olympic Games in Rome. The book sets this part up beautifully. Wilma arrived with a twisted ankle into a place filled with television cameras (the first time they ever filmed the Olympics), the place "shimmering heat", and her competition consisting of runners who had run faster races than she ever had. Then Wilma proceeds to win one... two... three gold medals! The last medal is especially dramatic, hinging on the moment when Wilma drops her baton and STILL beats the other runners in the 400-meter relay. The last double page spread in this book shows Wilma standing, "tall and still, like a queen", earning the last of her three medals. It's a truly proud moment for all who have the privilege to experience it once again in picture book form.

Krull has a way with words. I'm not saying that Wilma Rudolph's life is dull. Far from it. But in the hands of a lesser author this story could easily have been bogged down in all the wrong moments. This author knows which moments should be given full glory. The moment when Wilma removes her brace and walks proudly into church will banish from your mind that similar pseudo-inspirational moment in "Forrest Gump". Wilma's struggle at the Olympics through pain and skepticism puts the reader through the same strains. You yearn for this woman to beat them and beat 'em she does. Then, best of all, come the illustrations of David Diaz. This is my first Diaz experience, though I suspect that I'll read many more of his books as the days go on. Diaz has accompanied his illustrations in this tale with sepia toned photographs. The book's endpapers display the outlines of footprints in the dirt. The title page is an evocative view of ivy climbing a raw wooden fence. Behind his colorful illustrations, each background photograph refers to the corresponding scene obliquely. When Wilma and her mother take the bus to the hospital, the photograph is a close-up of a wheel. When she packs away her leg brace, it's shredded packing paper. A great relief it is indeed that the colored illustrations are worthy of their sepia compatriots. Though these pictures may appear blunt at first, they are filled with the most delicate of designs. I loved watching the character of Wilma as she aged. As she grows in confidence, her posture improves and back stiffens until, by the last shot, she is standing taller than all the women around her. Than all the women in the world.

"Wilma Unlimited" should be known to everyone living in American today. This is inspirational without being either annoying or faux-patriotic. It's an actual honest-to-goodness amazing story. The book is beautiful and its story is worthy of its packaging. I challenge you to read it and not shake your head at least once in amazement. It's just that good.

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Prepare for Rain: The Story of a Church That Believed God for the Impossible Review

Prepare for Rain: The Story of a Church That Believed God for the Impossible
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"I am still amazed at the movies Flywheel and Facing the Giants. They are like "the little engine that could." Michael Catt took the impossible and let it be HIM-possible. I remember him saying that in a meeting one time, and now that statement is being lived out in front of all of our eyes. I am so excited that these movies and their stories are being published for the masses. Hooray for the dreamers that do not listen to the voice that says, "It can't be done." Congrats Michael and Sherwood for stepping out and doing the HIM-possible!"
--Mark Harris, Contemporary Christian Artist and Songwriter
"Like Moses and Israel, Michael Catt and the people of Sherwood Baptist are inextricably bound together, experiencing the blessing of God and supernaturally accomplishing more than is naturally possible. Theirs is a remarkable marriage of vision and faith; a humble reminder of what every church can be by the grace of God."
--Tom Elliff, Senior Vice President, International Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention
"I love people with a global vision. Monuments are not erected to pessimists. Michael Catt is a visionary. Facing the Giants is a success because a leader allowed those around him to be creative. Michael is "giver" not a "taker." The remarkable success of this movie is not a surprise to me. It is just Michael Catt being Michael Catt! The story of Facing the Giants will bless and thrill you. Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany is a special place. After you read the book, go visit the church. It is a church filled with GIANTS for God!"
--Roger Breland, Executive Director and Dean, Center for Performing Arts
University of Mobile, Founder of TRUTH
"Many books tell us the "what" and some even tell us the "why". Thank you, Michael Catt, for writing about the "how". I appreciate your knack of cutting to the chase and telling it like it is. This book inspires me to motivate people to be involved in something bigger by showing me the footsteps of the vision for a local church."
--Charles Lowery, President, Lowery Institute for Excellence

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Living an Uncommon Life: Essential Lessons from 21 Extraordinary People Review

Living an Uncommon Life: Essential Lessons from 21 Extraordinary People
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I didn't know what to expect from the book or the author.
I saw the subtitle about lessons from 21 extraordinary people and feared it might be some exercise in genuflecting to celebrity. That is a most subversive notion in this day and age of conformity where aspiring to wealth seems the highest goal.
John St. Augustine's name didn't mean much to me either. I'm an east coast guy and though he was a succesful radio talk show host that was mostly in the middle of the country - plus, I'm not much of a talk show guy. I find the radio stuff so jarring and controversial that it leaves me uncomfortable. Would that his show had been on everywhere.
Then I cracked the spine. What a book. It is bold - it respects its readers and doesn't try and sell them on three ways to achieve success or 2.5 ways to live a get thin and achieve a lasting tan - because it challenges readers not to go to the comfortable wings (left or right) but to dig down deeply in their own lives. The book challenges our humanity and confronts us with the reality of our mortality and does with passion and enthusiasm and gusto because John St.Augustine looks at life and shouts, "YES!" It can be a bit intimidating because it is so radical.
At various points I found myself reading and thinking to myself that I could live the kind of rich, full life he writes about here -punctuated with stories of famous (and anonymous) people he has known - and wanting to live that kind of life but realizing that to do so I had to follow his most serious lesson...that living takes work and determination but that it is so worth that work.
I could go on and on in writing but frankly I am more interested in now going back through some of the chapters - like the one in which he talks about learning the power of living in the moment through the late Chicago Bears star Walter Payton - to learn what I have already forgotten.
I've never written an Amazon review before and perhaps I haven't done the best job - my enthusiasm may be getting in the way of my writing - but don't hold that again this uncommon book. It is remarkable and must, must, must be read.

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At the lowest point in his life, living in a motel room with his wife and two children, John St.Augustine undertook a journey of a thousand miles, walking from northern Michigan to Chicago—and back—a journey that became one of discovery, and a chance for St. Augustine to reinvent himself.

It was on this walk that the inspiration was born for a radio show that would be a positive voice in a world saturated by cynicism. Upon his return, despite having no prior radio experience, a local station gave him a chance: one hour a week for five weeks . . . .

Ten years and 5,000 guests later St.Augustine is living his dream, and, like The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Living an Uncommon Life offers a roadmap for reaching your own dreams.

St.Augustine discovered a pattern in the lives of the exceptional personalities with whom he has crossed paths including Oprah Winfrey, John Denver, Walter Payton, Wayne Dyer and others. Each of them refused to let negative circumstances dictate their life. Instead they found the inner strength to achieve great things. St.Augustine insists we all share these remarkable traits and in Living an Uncommon Life he offers powerful principles for unlocking your strengths and achieving your personal best.


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Running: A Global History Review

Running: A Global History
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I highly recommend this book - it provides a good overview of the development of running.
However, this is an unusual and idiosyncratic book; if a specific topic interests the author, he writes a chapter about it.I would have liked to see more on the business of running after 1990 - more on shoe company economics and how elite runners make money and less on running gurus. The prose style is also very stilted at times, but this may be more a function of the translator. Still, well worth it.

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In the past decade, the number of Americans who consider themselves runners more than doubled—in 2008, more than 16 million Americans claimed to have run or jogged at least 100 days in the year. Though now running thrives as a convenient and accessible form of exercise, it is no surprise to learn that the modern craze is not truly new; humans have been running as long as they could walk. What may be surprising however are the myriad reasons why we have performed this exhausting yet exhilarating activity through the ages. In this humorous and unique world history, Thor Gotaas collects numerous unusual and curious stories of running from ancient times to modern marathons and Olympic competitions. Amongst the numerous examples that illustrate Gotaas's history are King Shulgi of Mesopotamia, who four millennia ago boasted of running from Nippur to Ur, a distance of not less than 100 miles. Gotaas's account also includes ancient Egyptian pharaohs who ran to prove their vitality and maintain their power, Norwegian Vikings who exercised by running races against animals, as well as little-known naked runs, bar endurance tests, backward runs, monk runs, snowshoe runs, and the Incas' ingenious infrastructure of professional runners.
The perfect gift for the sprinter, the marathoner, or the daily jogger, this intriguing world history will appeal to all who wish to know more about why the ancients shared our love—and hatred—of this demanding but rewarding pastime.

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A Man of Character Review

A Man of Character
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A win on the court can be a win in the classroom. "A Man of Character" tells the story of Coach John Hawkins, as he's faced with a devastated and ravaged inner city school. Coming from the heights of prestige, Coach Hawkins' ways and leadership might not just save the school from a losing streak, but his leadership may stop his school from being the breeding grown of the scum of the earth. "A Man of Character" is an inspiring novel of how one man can make a difference.


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It was an inner city program that had gone in the tank. Drugs, alcohol and gangs had almost ruined Hillsborough High School. Their athletic program was hanging by a thread. The basketball program had won only one game in 2006-07.Who could help this struggling school regain its self- respect? They hoped John Hawkins could, a 40-year old coach who had served 17 years as an assistant at prestigious Pasadena West High School under legendary coach Hank Estes, winner of multiple state championships and developer of high character kids.John wasn't sure about taking the job, but when he did make the move to the inner-city Los Angeles school, he was determined to build a winning program on and off the court. This inspiring story chronicles John's journey andhis quest to succeed in an incredibly difficult environment.In A Man of Character, David H. White, Jr. tells the story of a fictional coach inspired by White's many years covering high school basketball in inner city Birmingham, Alabama. David H. White, Jr. was a varsity football, track and baseball athlete at Episcopal High School in Virginia. He also played junior varsity basketball and is an avid high school, college and pro basketball fan today.White is the author of two previous books: Leadership Lessons for Life and Shorty: A Life in Sports. He lives in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife, Beth, and his two daughters, Isabelle and Fairbanks.

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Way of the Earth Review

Way of the Earth
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This is an unbelievably well written (and researched) investigation into the sources and manifestations of the spirit on our earth. The similarities between cultures on different continents proves, to me at least, that there is some form of communication and thought that is tracendent, above us, or beyond our normal thinking. The book chronicles the search for truth and the meaning of life by more tribes and cultures than you probably knew existed. Particularly interesting to me were the aboriginal people of Australia, and how they were so similar to those of North and South America

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Chicken Soup for the Golfer's Soul, The 2nd Round: 101 More Stories of Insight, Inspiration and Laughter on the Links Review

Chicken Soup for the Golfer's Soul, The 2nd  Round: 101 More Stories of Insight, Inspiration and Laughter on the Links
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Good, light read, but not as good as the first round (Book I).
These stories are longer, not as short, catchy or memorable as Book I. The first book was filled with birdies and an eagle or two. This one is heavy on pars with a few birdies. In short, it is very much a sequal.
This does not mean it does not have its merits. Stories are good, and one, "The Life and Times of a Golf Ball" is outstanding, alone worth the price of the book.
Buy the book, read and enjoy. It's good, but not as good as the first. Great reading for what Sir Winston Churchill would call "the smallest room in the house!"

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Whether readers are relatively new to the game of golf or old hands with impressive handicaps, most golfers share an unbridled enthusiasm for the game as proven by the blockbuster success of the first Chicken Soup for the Golfer's Soul. Due to popular demand, the coauthors have compiled this follow-up filled with more stories to celebrate the foibles, feats and famous people on the fairway.

Written by professional and amateur golfers, caddies and weekend hackers, these stories reveal the most universal aspects of the game so many millions enjoy.

With stories about sportsmanship, overcoming obstacles, connecting generations and savoring each moment, this book is an entertaining read as well as a profound reminder for lessons learned both on and off the greens.


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Coach Wooden: The 7 Principles That Shaped His Life and Will Change Yours Review

Coach Wooden: The 7 Principles That Shaped His Life and Will Change Yours
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I've read more than one of Pat William's books, and I'm never disappointed. This latest, a tribute to Coach John Wooden is no exception. It's full of anecdotes from former players, coaches, and friends of the late UCLA legend.
But in reality, this book is a tribute to Coach Wooden's father. On virtually every page Williams relates how the coach would talk about his father and how he wanted to be the kind of person his Dad was. Coach Wooden learned 7 principles that shaped his life..all from his father.
A moving and inspirational read, highly recommended!

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When Coach John Wooden graduated from eighth grade his father gave him a handwritten card and said, "Son, try to live up to this." On the card, his father had written seven simple yet profound life principles:Be true to yourselfHelp othersMake friendship a fine artDrink deeply from good books, especially the BibleMake each day your masterpieceBuild a shelter against a rainy day by the life you liveGive thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every dayThese principles were the key to Coach Wooden's greatness--and his goodness. Through powerful stories and pithy advice, this book shares the wisdom that made Wooden happy and successful. This inspirational and conversational book will encourage, challenge, and motivate readers to build these principles into their own lives.

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Coach's Challenge: Faith, Football, and Filling the Father Gap Review

Coach's Challenge: Faith, Football, and Filling the Father Gap
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Mike Gottfriend speaks from his heart in this inspiring book. I intend to buy more books to share with school personnel and church ministers so they can have insight on what my sons go through on a daily basis. Anyone who wants to learn more on fatherless boys and the struggles they have must read this book. It encourages and motivates me as a mother and I'm grateful that Mike truly understands and cares. My sons love Mike and wish they could find more men like him. They now have a book that they will treasure for a lifetime!

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Coach Mike Gottfried's professional life took him from college football coach to TV sports analyst. As you read stories of great moments in football, you'll feel like you're in the press box with Coach. Coach's desires to also score big in his personal life led him to found an organization to help fatherless boys. He encourages you to leave a legacy worthy of scoring those extra points in life.

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The Corporal Was a Pitcher: The Courage of Lou Brissie Review

The Corporal Was a Pitcher: The Courage of Lou Brissie
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Excellent read for any age, I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. Great message on the power of mental toughness, overcoming adversity, setting goals for yourself, and giving back to others. All of today's stories about our athletic "heroes" overcoming long odds to play their chosen sport cannot hold a candle to the story of Lou Brissie.

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Following a devastating German artillery attack in December 1944, most of Leland Victor (Lou) Brissie s squad was destroyed and the shrapnel-riddled corporal from Ware Shoals, South Carolina, was left for dead. The unconscious pitching prospect clung to life along the muddy banks of an icy creek in northern Italy s snow-covered Apennines for hours until medical corpsmen discovered him. Doctors at the battalion aid station noted that his left leg was shattered beyond repair and recommended immediate amputation. No, Brissie protested. You can t take my leg off. I m a ballplayer. I can t play on one leg.You will die if we don t.Doc, he said quietly, I ll take my chances.Thus the 20-year-old Brissie began the arduous process of recovery. But would he walk let alone fulfill his life s ambition of pitching for the Philadelphia A s? Letters from club president Connie Mack assured the fireballing lefty of his opportunity to pitch, and provided some relief from the painful parade of reconstructive surgeries. Strength of will, a supportive family, and the new miracle drug penicillin proved an effective combination as Brissie learned to walk, and eventually to pitch, with his damaged leg encased in a protective metal brace. Pulitzer Prize winning author Ira Berkow chronicles a remarkable life as The Corporal Was a Pitcher: The Courage of Lou Brissie masterfully recounts one soldier s compelling struggle to overcome incredible odds and journey from an army hospital in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius to the pitcher s mound in Shibe Park. Named to the 1949 All-Star Game, Brissie threw a fearsome fastball. I couldn t hit the guy with a tennis racket, noted Johnny Pesky, the former Red Sox third baseman. Brissie was a great guy.... A fine arm, sneaky fast, said batting champion Ted Williams. Even more remarkable are Brissie s accomplishments away from the baseball diamond. Through regular visits to veterans hospitals and children s hospital wards, Brissie found his inspiration as he inspired others. It s a practice he has maintained for more than 60 years. The Corporal Was a Pitcher is a must-read for baseball fans and will inspire everyone to conquer impossible odds.

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In a Single Bound: Losing My Leg, Finding Myself, and Training for Life Review

In a Single Bound: Losing My Leg, Finding Myself, and Training for Life
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Sarah Reinertsen not only has an incredible story to tell but she's also an amazing person. She had a difficult childhood both physically and emotionally and yet she never let that hold her back from following her passion. Her memoir reveals some of the intimate details in her life and also gives an inside look into "The Amazing Race" as well as what it's like to compete in the Ironman. Her narrative includes very real moments of devastation, which make the triumphs all that much more gratifying. She doesn't hold anything back--and her brutal honesty makes you feel even closer to her and root for her. In today's world, it's so refreshing to read about someone who doesn't think she's entitled but who has real strength and courage and a desire to be her best and help others. She's a real role model for women and young girls everywhere. I can't wait to see what she tackles next!

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NOW IN PAPERBACK! An inspiring memoir of courage, spirit, and determination "A must-read for disabled readers seeking inspiration for their dreams, and will hold the interest-and crush the excuses – of those training for marathons and triathlons."-Kirkus Reviews

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Heart of a Champion, The: Inspiring True Stories of Challenge and Triumph Review

Heart of a Champion, The: Inspiring True Stories of Challenge and Triumph
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I've read this book 3 times, and reference it often. I learned of this book from Dan Gable who said it is a must read for any serious athlete. I wish that there would be another edition with updated stories and sports figures, but the message the book conveys is excellent.

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What makes a champion? Olympic champion Bob Richards says it's the will to win no matter what the odds. In The Heart of a Champion, he shares the incredible stories of athletes who have overcome hardship, disability, racism, sexism, and more to become the best the world has ever seen. A celebration of hard work and the indomitable human spirit, this book captures Richards's contagious enthusiasm for individual greatness as well as the beauty of working as a team.These inspirational true stories have been loved for fifty years. Now repackaged for a new generation of athletes and coaches, The Heart of a Champion is poised to influence thousands more with its message of hope and perseverance.

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Season of Life: A Football Star, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood Review

Season of Life: A Football Star, a Boy, a Journey to Manhood
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ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR!! There may not be a more importat issue in todays society. We often talk about how athletics is an important training ground for life. It has been never been better demonstrated than by these coaches and this writer. Mr. Marx follows one season of a very special high school football team and the life lessons the team's coaches impart to their athlete's. This book is special. It should be read by every coach , parent and athlete.

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The Dynamic Path: Access the Secrets of Champions to Achieve Greatness Through Mental Toughness, Inspired Leadership and Personal Transformation Review

The Dynamic Path: Access the Secrets of Champions to Achieve Greatness Through Mental Toughness, Inspired Leadership and Personal Transformation
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I found this book to be very, very helpful. Before explaining how so, I want to caution potential purchasers.
Much of this book is chock full of snippets about well known athletes. Although the successful from other fields get some coverage, the authors' love for athletics rings strong. I bought the book based on the cover touting it as a book on great leaders...and quickly became discouraged with the plethora of snippets on athletic success, most of them not even involving team sports (where is the leadership in non-team competition?).
As I read on, I also became troubled that the author's examples are very, very heavily male dominated, not surprising in view of his love for non-team competitive sports, but very surprising in view of the author being a super star recruiter in the business world where female power (and success) has become very, very evident.
The good news is that the book ends very strong. Chapter 8 on "Finding a Calling" is alone worth the purchase price. (Readers who want to learn more on this subject will enjoy Brad Swift's excellent book on living a "Life on Purpose.") Astute readers will likely correlate that the failure to find a calling explains the many second life failures that the author serves up (but does not explicitly connect the dots).
Personally I found this book to be very, very helpful, notwithstanding the aforementioned shortcomings. I am currently finishing extensive research on personal peak performance in preparation for the upcoming taping of my Peak Performance program. I found the author to be very thoughtful on the subject and to have done a good job researching some of the work that is out there on the subject. I got great value by testing my own hypothesis against his theories of personal peak performance. We are not totally in synch but the mere exercise of comparison has greatly enriched my own thinking. And for that, I am grateful to an author whose personal transformation appears to be a work in process (as it is for all of us). I am looking forward to this prolific author's upcoming writings as I fully expect that he will write an even better book as he continues to discover the incredible power of passionate purpose and its impact on champions, male and female, in all fields of endeavor.

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The best-selling business leader offers a fresh and compelling path to success based on extensive research and candid interviews with some of the greatest winners of our time

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The Lives of Riley Review

The Lives of Riley
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The Lives of Riley is the ultimate portrait of the current Miami Heat Coach and President Pat Riley. Heisler traces back Riley's childhood and details the life of Pat's father, Lee. He also looks at Riles' playing days at Kentucky as well as his journeyman NBA career. The most impressive section is how Riley became Lakers' coach and continued their winning tradition. Heisler also examines Chris Riley's role in her husband's career and Pat's revival with the New York Knicks. After reading this, you will understand what makes Riles so successful and such an awesome motivator.

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Provides an in-depth study of the life and basketball career of Pat Riley, coach of the New York Knicks and author of the inspirational guide, The Winner Within: A Life Plan for Team Players.

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Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives Review

Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives
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I am the father of an 18 year old daughter with DS and am physician in chief of Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. GIFTS is one of the most inspiring books I have read. And I am not noted for being a warm, fuzzing, sensitive guy; in fact, recently my wife said that I scored quite low on the "sensitivity scale." I have given copies of GIFTS to about 50 new parents of babies with DS at our IDSF (Indiana Down Syndrome) and DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome) functions and when babies with DS have been admitted to Riley Hospital, usually for open heart surgery. The response from these parents has been one of the most amazing things I have observed. One mother told me that this book is exactly what she needed when she was having such emotional difficulties shortly after the birth of their new baby. I bought another 100 copies of GIFTS and will give a copy to any parent of a baby with DS or who is pregnant with a baby with DS. Rich Schreiner, Indianapolis IN
Rich Schreiner | 06.14.07 - 9:45 am |


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(2008 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA): Gold Award; 2008 Mom's Choice Awards: Silver Recipient, Special & Exceptional Needs; 2008 Nautilus Award: Silver Winner, Memoir/Personal Growth) Having a baby with Down syndrome is not something most parents would willingly choose. Yet many who travel this path discover rich, unexpected rewards along the way. In this candid and poignant collection of personal stories, sixty-three mothers describe the gifts of respect, strength, delight, perspective, and love, which their child with Down syndrome has brought into their lives. The contributors to this collection have diverse personalities and perspectives, and draw from a wide spectrum of ethnicity, world views, and religious beliefs. Some are parenting within a traditional family structure; some are not. Some never considered terminating their pregnancy; some struggled with the decision. Some were calm at the time of diagnosis; some were traumatized. Some write about their pregnancy and the months after giving birth; some reflect on years of experience with their child. Their diverse experiences point to a common truth: The life of a child with Down syndrome is something to celebrate. These women have something to say--not just to other mothers but to all of us.

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