Augie's Quest: One Man's Journey from Success to Significance (Hardcover)

by Augie Nieto (Author), T.R. Pearson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
A business mastermind who helped revolutionize the personal fitness industry, Nieto recounts his struggles with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). Having pushed for cardiovascular equipment in gyms across the country, Nieto himself was a paragon of athleticism until his diagnosis of ALS at the age of 47. Along with his wife, Lynne, Nieto championed "Augie's Quest," a campaign to raise financial support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's research into ALS. Beginning with his success as a businessman in the fitness industry and tracing Nieto's continued struggles with the obstacles posed by his disease, this is one man's story of transformation from the face of fitness to the face of ALS research. Yet as intriguing as this personal story is, the book reads not only like a cry for help but like a marketing ploy. In the end, Nieto hasn't reached the end of this "Journey from Success to Significance"-he's hoping the readers will help to get him there.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Praise for Augie Nieto: George H. W. Bush, former U.S. president: “Your contributions to the fitness industry are well known, and your dedication an inspiration.”
 
 Lance Armstrong, seven-time “Le Tour de France” champion: "I think it says a lot about Augie, the fact that everybody came together regardless of whether or not it's for competing gyms or competing companies that make equipment. They all say, this is one of our own; this is a guy who's committed his life to our industry and has been dealt a serious blow. We're going to be there for him, we're going to say, we're here for you and we're part of the Quest."
 
Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California: "Your success has been incredible.  But you are so much more than just a successful businessman.  You are the greatest husband, a great father, and a terrific friend.  So, I also want you to know that the strength and courage that you are showing as you face the greatest challenge of your life, the battle with ALS, is an inspiration to all of us."
 
Bob Saget, comedian: "People don't know how much they can do, and when someone is stricken with something that is incredibly difficult or impossible to fight and they do something, that is like moving mountains."
 
Joe Moore, president, International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association: "I remember a time when there were no cardiovascular areas in fitness centers.  With Augie's LifeCycle, a new era was born, computerized, entertaining, cardio equipment.  He started a revolution that led to companies building step machines, treadmills, elliptical equipment and much more.  Many owe their health to Augie."
 
Mark Mastrov, chairman, 24 Hour Fitness: "Augie Nieto is the Thomas Edison of the fitness industry. He is a father, brother, leader, innovator and mentor to us all. Our industry would not be without Augie." Jerry Lewis: "Augie is an invaluable partner with MDA in the war against ALS because of his amazing inner strength—he refuses to give in and he'll never give up. 'Surrender' is not in his vocabulary."

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA; 1 edition (October 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596914688
• ISBN-13: 978-1596914681
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #340,905 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Story, November 11, 2007

By	Robert Rodin - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is impossible to imagine what it would be like to be told you had ALS. It seems like such an overwhelming thought. And what would you do after such a devestating diagnosis (since it could happen to anyone). Augie's Quest chronicles his journey from incredible business success to the crisis moment he was diagnosed with ALS. With his humanity, insight, humor, perspective and vision he redefined his life and changed the people around him. This compelling story and Augie Nieto's spirit has had real impact on my view of life and priorities. This story touches every emotion and is truly inspiring.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Wonderful, November 16, 2007

By	S. Connor (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Wow! This book is amazing. Part diary, part confessional, Augie's story surprised and touched me. I have never met Augie, but after reading this book I feel like I have. This is a great American biography of the determination to overcome challenge after challenge. We all can relate to Augie's story, and I hope that other people will be just as inspired as I was after reading the book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strength and Motivation in the Face of Adversity, November 14, 2007

By	Jane Helmeczi - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Augie Nieto's book, Augie's Quest, is a remarkable true story of a man who doesn't allow life's most challenging difficulty, a terminal illness, to slow him down. His book inspired me to have focus in my life and cherish each moment. Augie's words challenge me to love my family, appreciate others, and reflect on how I conduct my life. Augie's book, also, teaches me "not to sweat the small stuff", and focus on loving others and making a positive difference in people's lives. I strongly recommend this book to inspire and motivate adults and teenagers alike.