"The Greatest Salesman in the World"

by Og Mandino, AF, 1968, 111p, rating=3

"What you are today is not important... for in this runaway bestseller you will learn how to change your life by applying the secrets you are about to discover in the ancient scrolls."

An inspirational read that I've come to know of Mr. Mandino, however, this one didn't zap me as much as the others I've read.  The 10 secret scrolls contain themed suggestions to get one into the habit of positive thinking/attitude to succeed in life.  The story of Hadfid's journey to be the greatest salesman in the world is the tool to present and captivate the reader to these secret principles.  Having these scrolls guarded and deemed most valuable is another way to say that those who possess such secrets are special.  Thus, Mr. Mandino is telling you these secrets so that means you are special and implying that these secrets can truly be applied to real life and thus can change you for the better.  I can see how most of these principles could do just that.  Overall, I think of this as a book version of one of those live motivational talks.  A pep rally of philosophical ideas.

**SPOILER STARTS HERE**
Just for my reference I am going to write down the 10 secrets:
1.  Today I begin a new life
2.  I will greet this day with love in my heart
3.  I will persist until I succeed
4.  I am nature's greatest miracle
5.  I will live this day as if it is my last
6.  Today I will be master of my emotions
7.  I will laugh at the world
8.  Today I will multiply my value a hundredfold
9.  I will act now
10.  Call God/I will pray for guidance

"Mission: Success"

by Og Mandino, 1987, 163p, rating=3.75

Another inspirational book from Mr. Mandino. This time drawing on his experiences as an Air Force officer. He manages to tell a rags to riches story that is fun to read and a message to boot! Through the cute relationship between an old lady and a young man (set in England during World War II), he was able to tie together and conclude with the "seeds of success" ... daily positive thinking phrases to instill in ones mind. My guess is that if one tells himself these things everyday, he would be able to brainwash himself to believe them and thus live each day in fulfillment. I especially like the concept of "friends in high places".

This book is a quick and entertaining way of inspiring one to be a positive thinker. I would recommend this to someone who wants a good uplift.

**My quotables:
"Successful people do the things that failures are afraid to tackle." pg 37
"Faith. It's the strongest armor a human can wear." pg. 87
"Success is not a journey, but a destination..." pg 97

"The Greatest Miracle in the World"

by Og Mandino, 1975, 108pgs, rating=5

What an incredibly brilliant and captivating book! To think it's been under my roof for almost 9 years (length of time my husband and I have been married)! My husband noticed that I've been reading a lot so he recommended this book. I absolutely love it! It's under the premise of a self help for the down and out so inside it reveals the secrets of happiness. Line and upon line of citations from history's greatest minds. The author figured out a way to spiritually inspire without coming across churchy, even though it has precepts of Christian beliefs and ends with a memorandum from God. This book reminds us of our individual worth and thus our capabilities to do be extraordinary. I can't say enough about how wonderful this book is and that everyone should read it!! I give this book the highest mark!! ~I'm looking forward to an interesting conversation tonight with my husband about this book ... his agnostic take on it and my christian take ...hhhmmm.