Life's Golden Ticket: An Inspirational Novel (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: golden ticket, invitation ticket, bumper boats, Big Tent, Hall of Mirrors, Truth Booth (more...)

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 )

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (May 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061173908
• ISBN-13: 978-0739481233
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (64 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #319,791 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 20 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 "rbbrchckn" (Berne, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book with positive message..., June 11, 2007

By	Ryan Grepper (San Diego) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	S. Chen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.