Customer Reviews

Life's Golden Ticket: An Inspirational Novel

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

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.

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.

OK, first of all, let me tell you HOW I gave this book two stars. It's actually an average. I gave it 1 star for the story and 4 for intent. Since I can't give halves, it gets a 2. I'll explain story / intent below.

I was at a business seminar getting ideas for my business when Brendon jumped on stage and said some funny, mildly informative, and (a few) thought provoking things. Nothing spectacular here, on stage or in the book. It's really all been done and said before. But what propels people to the top is marketing and push, push, push. There's a lot of mediocre product out there that "makes it." Well, at least temporarily. Only time wil tell.

The book is rather contrived with a-man-goes-to-carnival instead of heaven theme (The Five People You Meet in Heaven) to discover truths about his life. But some serious detractors were the appearance of such characters as a wizard, a guy named Harsh, and other obvious labeling. I'm sorry, this was almost Mary-Higgins-Clark-forecasting bad. Like I said, nothing spectacular. But let me tell you what's going on here.

This guy teaches how to get your stuff into the public's hands. You do so by contacting for-profit and non-profit companies. He did so. You can see by the CEO's who wrote blurbs for his book. Well, they didn't--CEO's are too busy--they probably picked from a list of blurbs. And a good point of note here is that's how it's usually done. Either people who like you or benefit from association with you (a certain percentage of the proceeds go to the companies Burchard partnered with)give you a blurb for your book.

Also what's interesting is the people on Amazon who felt duped into having to read this book. Maybe the companies he partnered with made their employees read / buy it. Don't know. But just like email blasts on Amazon that shoots a book to number one based on who you know (joint ventures), this book will eventually fly or die on its own. With all his promoting, expert blurbs [even Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul guys), and James Redfield (The Celestine Prophecy)] it's still only doing OK on Amazon. #653,392 to my 801,353 (my Black Body Radiation and the Ultraviolet Catastrophe), which actually got as high as 17,000 WITHOUT CORPORATE SPONSORS. Go figure.

But he is making thousands if not millions training people to change and such, so he's used his book as an in to his profession. But in this day-n-age of the master marketer, people can shoot to the top with a book without much substance or content. So buyer beware!

Oh, as far as intent is concerned, Brendon's heart is in the right place and he does give a percentage to charity. However, he is digging the TONS of cash piling up because of his second chance, his Golden Ticket given for another chance. So learn from Brendon how to make change as he takes your change, and then some, to the bank.

I have been waiting for this book for months. You see, I had the privelege of meeting the author, Brendon Burchard, last fall when he was just finishing the publishing process. He was most inspiring and brought new meaning to the word hope for me. The book reminds me of "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," and that everything happens for a reason, you may never know what it is, but if you don't live life for each moment, you might miss out on something.

I'm not a huge fan of motivational novels or other books disguised as something they aren't and I wouldn't have purchased this book if I hadn't seen the author at a speaking event . . . and I would have been very sorry that I missed this book.

Life's golden ticket is an emotional roller coaster ride through your life. You can't read this book and not see yourself in it. The message while simple, forgive yourself, create the life you want, is powerfully presented and you are moved to action.

Burchard is a good writer who keeps you turning the page to see what comes next. The book is a fast read, I read it on a flight from Phoenix to San Francisco, but I actually made about a page of notes of action items that I'd implement as a result of the book.

It feels odd to give this book 5 stars because I'm not a fan of the genre but it is impossible to not be moved by this wonderful story.

Dave Lakhani - Author
Persuasion: The Art of Getting What You Want
Power of An Hour: Business and Life Mastery in One Hour A Week

I just wanted to say that I found this a quick, fun read, with a really positive message. I think it's perfect for summer reading lists. I'm definitely sending this to my brother who is more into self-improvement types of books. I just liked the story. [P.S. This _is_ my first review, but why should that matter?!]

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.

I heard the buzz about this book at the school where I teach and had the chance to read the book last night. Life's Golden Ticket is a page turner and I read it from cover to cover in no time. This story is different from anything else I've ever read. It's inspirational, but more importantly, it helped me make some clear decisions about my own life. Specifically, I learned how to let go of some old baggage that has been weighing me down for years. Although I was a bit tired, I felt uplifted and ready to look at my life in a whole new light today, thanks to this great book. I've already passed the word along to all of my family and friends. Now I'm passing it on to you: Do yourself a favor and read this gripping novel. It changed my life and is sure to change yours too.

This is a great reading book with a positive message. I would definatly recomend this to anyone who may be caught in their past, or just looking for an uplifting message on personal change... Well written.

As a harsh critic of fiction books, Life's Golden Ticket has fulfilled my spirit more than any other fiction I have read. Each chapter left me wanting more, and I turned each page with suspense and curiousity as I followed the main character's journey. Burchard's ability to describe the settings and emotions of the characters with such vivid depictions made me feel as though I was watching a movie in my head as I read the novel. The story is genuine, and it invites its audience to reflect on their own life path and decisions while accompanying the main character along his own personal journey. If you read one book this year, pick up Life's Golden Ticket-- you won't be disappointed, and you may even learn something about yourself along the way.