Life's Golden Ticket: An Inspirational Novel [Hardcover]

Brendon Burchard (Author)

Book Description

Release date: May 8, 2007

"Find my coat," she whispered weakly. "There's an envelope in the pocket. Don't open it. Take it to the park. You remember the rumors."

In what is sure to become a classic, Brendon Burchard has crafted a triumphant tale of personal growth and change that will inspire any reader who has ever wished for a second chance.

Life's Golden Ticket tells the story of a man who is so trapped in the prisons of his past that he cannot see the possibilities, the choices, and the gifts that are right in front of him. At the behest of his fiancée, Mary, who is clinging to life in a hospital bed, he takes a mysterious envelope from her and makes his way to an abandoned amusement park to appease her delirious pleadings. When he steps through the rusted entrance gates, the deserted park magically comes to life.

He soon meets an old, wise groundskeeper and together they set out to uncover what happened to Mary. Along the way, he encounters a number of caring yet confrontational park employees--a hypnotist, a fortune-teller, a lion tamer, high-wire performers--and they teach him more about his fiancée and himself than he bargained for.

What follows is an unforgettable journey of personal transformation as he overcomes his past, uncovers what happened to Mary, and, finally, discovers what is inside her mysterious envelope.

The author is donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book to Kiwanis International, Junior Achievement, and the YMCA.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his debut motivational novel, Burchard (The Student Leadership Guide) narrates a fantasy trip through a ghostly mountain amusement park that offers visitors a "golden ticket," or second chance at transforming their lives. The price of admission to the closed-down park, the narrator discovers, is to be open to possibility, face the truth and give up believing that change equals pain. He also must stick closely to his host, Henry, who serves as wise counselor ("let me reflect back to you what I've heard"). During the narrator's trip, he samples various amusement park rides (all with allegorical meaning) and revisits his past. Each carnie he meets is a motivational guide with spiritual wisdom to impart. The themes are familiar: risk change; forgive; take responsibility; be bold; contribute; look at the other person's point of view. [...] Burchard is a competent writer and full of earnest enthusiasm for his topic; the introduction tells of a real-life car accident a decade ago that served as a wake-up call and precipitated this fictional message. Readers dissatisfied with their lives but not wild about nonfictional self-help books may find inspiration for change here. (May)
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Review

“This is a powerful parable of loss, love and redemption that will stir the souls of its readers.” (Jack Canfield, Co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul(R) series and The Success Principles )

“Three cheers for Life’s Golden Ticket for helping us heroically step forward and claim who we are meant to be.” (James Redfield, author of The Celestine Prophecy )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (May 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0739481231
• ISBN-13: 978-1615542888
• ASIN: 0061173908
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (104 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #634,292 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

BRENDON BURCHARD is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of "The Millionaire Messenger" and the #1 Amazon.com bestseller "Life's Golden Ticket." He is also founder of High Performance Academy, the legendary personal development program for achievers, and Experts Academy, the world's most comprehensive marketing training program for aspiring authors, speakers, coaches, and online thought leaders. For these works, Brendon has become the highest paid trainer in the world on the topics of both motivation and marketing.

Brendon's books, videos, newsletters, products, and appearances now inspire two million people a month worldwide. His new book is called, "The Charge: Activating the 10 Human Drives that Make You Feel Alive."

Brendon was blessed to receive life's golden ticket -- a second chance -- after surviving a car accident in a developing country. Since then, he has dedicated his life to helping individuals, teams, and organizations find their charge, share their voice, and make a greater difference in the world.

Brendon is regularly seen on public television, and he has been in media appearances on Anderson Cooper, ABC World News, NPR stations, Oprah and Friends, and other popular outlets like SUCCESS magazine, Inc.com, Forbes.com, and the Huffington Post.

As one of the most in-demand trainers of our time, Brendon has shared the stage with the Dalai Lama, Sir Richard Branson, Tony Hsieh, Tony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, Stephen Covey, Deepak Chopra, David Bach, John Gray, Jack Canfield, Tim Ferriss, and more. His clients include entrepreneurs and executives from 59 countries, and his advice and training has been in use at, or sought by, Accenture, Alcoa, Amazon.com, The United States Naval Academy, and 34 of the top 50 universities in the world.

Brendon's recent online marketing campaigns have set records in publishing, online product launches, and live video broadcast revenue, and he has become the go-to marketing advisor for many of the most successful companies and celebrities in the world. Anderson Cooper calls Brendon "one of the top marketing and business trainers in the world." Meet Brendon at http://www.BrendonBurchard.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Easy read, might be helpful January 8, 2008

By B-man

Format:Hardcover

For those who have realized that forgiveness and honest, rigorous introspection are critical for a fulfilling, meaningful life this book may not be inspiring or revelatory. However, for those who feel stuck, cheated, or resentful this book may be inspiring and revealing.

Regardless, it's an easy, pleasant read.

47 of 61 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Cliches, cliches, cliches November 22, 2008

By S. Chen

Format:Kindle Edition

For something meant to be an inspirational novel, I didn't feel inspired at all. It was one of the books I had actually looked forward to reading - I'm a fan of inspirational novels, especially when they are original and provide a new way to look at things. Not so with this book. On every page I encountered exaggeration, cliches, and dialogue and scenes so corny I had to cringe. There was nothing motivating or new about this book. I don't recommend it.

23 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Reviewing the Novel for What It Is May 24, 2007

By Thomas A. Walls

Format:Hardcover

I think this a book everyone should read. Not necessarily because I think it's life changing, not because I'm promoting the author (whom I have never met and never heard of) and not because I fawn over every book of this type (i.e. The Secret - which I will probably never read). I recommend this work of fiction - it's important to remember I'm only reviewing a piece of fiction here - because it's an entertaining, creative story with a great message attached to it. I think Burchard is correct in assuming most people get caught up in their lives and pasts and selfishness and forget to live life as it should be lived. I think it's important there are people out there who will step forward and say, "Quit being so selfish. Do more for others." I know nothing of his spamming and if it's true he does so, it's a shame. I agree nothing should be promoted in this way. But again, this is a book review and in my opinion it's a wonderful read. It'll make you think and reflect upon yourself and those around you, which is an activity all of us should be doing everyday. Pick up the book. Read it. (If you're upset about the spamming pick it up at the library. Then, no guilt for purchasing the book.) I promise you'll enjoy it.