From Publishers Weekly
For his final fable, Mandino (who died in September 1996 at the age of 72) brings back as his fount of inspirational wisdom the mysterious "rag picker" Simon Potter (The Greatest Miracle in the World, etc.). Mandino also brings back himself as the rag picker's eager audience of one. Simon, aware of his own approaching death, leaves a tattered notebook for Mandino to find. From the notebook, Mandino learns of "The Seven Rungs of Life's Ladder." These consist of condensed, paraphrased and directly quoted passages from hundred-year-old (and thus public domain) motivational writings. From James Allen to Oscar Wilde, Mandino uses the words and ideas of others to relate some universal and timeless wisdom: take advantage of opportunities, understand cause and effect, be focused, think positively, work hard, persevere, serve others. Too often, Mandino writes as if with a quill pen, in circuitous, stuffy prose that does nothing to sharpen the platitudes he proffers as wisdom. Most problematic, though, is Mandino's claim that simply "reading" and "rereading" Simon's words have changed him, and the corollary implication, that reading them will change the reader. The former is barely credible, the latter less than likely.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Inside Flap
Start today to transform your dreams into wonderful reality. . . .
Simon Potter was a "ragpicker" and salvager of human lives. When this wise and humble man departed from life, he left author Og Mandino a precious legacy: the distilled wisdom of his unique collection of the greatest books about self-motivation and success--books he called "hand of God" books because they seemed to have been written with God's hand guiding the author's own.
In this tender and inspiring book, Og shares with his millions of readers his old friend's bequest. It is nothing less than a blueprint for success, telling us in plain language exactly what we must do to mount the seven rungs of life's ladder--from material achievement and worldly success to the highest spiritual development. Whatever your most cherished dream may be, Og and his good angel Simon will show you the way to bring it within reach.
--This text refers to the
Mass Market Paperback
edition.
