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92 of 93 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Follow Up to Quiet Strength, January 27, 2009
This review is from: Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance (Hardcover)
Recently retired Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy delivers an outstanding follow-up to his bestseller Quiet Strength in his new book, Uncommon. The name of the book is derived from a quote by former University of Minnesota coach Cal Stoll, who said:
"Success is uncommon, therefore not to be enjoyed by the common man. I'm looking for uncommon people."
Dungy first heard these words as a freshman on Stoll's football team almost three decades ago, and they have stayed with him ever since. The only difference is that it is now Dungy summoning men to an uncommon life of significance.
The book does not differ much from Quiet Strength, as it is written in a casual tone similar to most sports figure's memoirs. It is, however, less autobiographical, leaning more toward an advisory manual on how to live life. It is divided into seven parts, each dealing with important issues that men deal with in their lives, such as family, friends, career, and relationship with Christ. It is sprinkled with stories from Dungy's personal life which illustrate the themes of each chapter. Perhaps most refreshing is the coach's tone. He is never condescending or preachy, adamently proclaiming that his way is the best way. Reading this book is almost like talking to a big brother who is handing out advice because he's been there.
For those who are weary of self-help books, have no fear. Dungy's focus is on service to God, family, and fellow man. There are no get-rich quick schemes in this book, or promises of blessings. This is just Tony Dungy trying to instruct men how to be better husbands, fathers, and human beings. He doesn't claim to have all the answers; he's just willing to share what he's been through.
It's a quick, easy read, and there's enough football mixed in to keep most guys interested. There's a Q & A with Tony Dungy in the back, giving his opinion on more direct questions. My only knock on this book is the goofy picture of Dungy on the back cover. But it's definitely worth the money. Tony Dungy scores again.
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41 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Road Less Traveled, January 27, 2009
This review is from: Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance (Hardcover)
Tony Dungy, best selling author of Quiet Strength, has penned another Super Bowl quality book in Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance. The two books cover similar terrain: how to win in life. However, Dungy's latest work focuses especially on how young men can pursue and achieve a life of significance and success.
Dungy is eminently qualified to write such a book, given his lifetime of leadership coaching not only athletes in sports, but men in the proverbial game of life. Additionally, his own drive for success, not simply defined by wins and loses, but by other-centered relationships, is Dungy's ultimate qualification for writing Uncommon.
Dungy begins by defining success, not from the world's perspective, but from his Christian worldview. He then notes how uncommon true success and significance are, outlines many of the reasons, and prescribes practical pathways: attitudes, ambitions, and allegiances.
What Rick Warren achieved with Purpose Driven Life, Tony Dungy has accomplished with Uncommon. Both books are user-friendly, easy-reads, without being dumbed-down or simplistic. And both books, while maintaining a Judea-Christian ethic, are not preachy.
Though focused somewhat on young males, Uncommon is for every person pursuing a life of meaning, a path of purpose, and the road toward significance. Learn from an uncommon man the uncommon art of leaving a lasting legacy.
Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Much needed hope and help for a better life, January 30, 2009
This review is from: Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance (Hardcover)
Taking one's life beyond success in business, the author describes how to be a person of significance and how to make our life truly meaningful.
He reflects on lessons he learned from his parents, his mentors and career and his faith. He provides fresh insight into becoming significant, someone who matters.
A particular focus of the book is what it means to be a man of significance in a culture that is offering young men few positive role models. I personally think this is an excellent thing and much needed.
Highly recommended.
- Susanna K. Hutcheson
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