Rating: 
Summary: I liked it
Review: I'm a pretty big fan of motivational books, because they seem to be exactly what I need at any particular moment. I actually found out about A Message From Garcia through an email spam. It was touted as "different." I'm not sure how different since many books of this genre are usually speaking the same message, just with different examples and perspectives. But, it was easy to read and kept me turning the page. I really liked the "how to" aspect of the book. After all, it isn't any good reading about other people's success if you don't know how to make your own.
A big "different" -- The book was augmented with a website called Success Compass which helps you set goals and then e-mails you a reminder at whatever frequency you wish, even several times a day. I guess the key to success is not allowing yourself to forget what you want, and the Success Compass website doesn't let you forget. I liked it and I think you'll like it too.
Rating: 
Summary: A Message From Garcia: Yes you can make a difference
Review: That is what I've taken from Mr. Garcia's very insightful book. Prior to reading this book, I was very aware of Mr. Garcia's numerous achievements. This book details the path that lead to his success and it gives you a fine blueprint to follow.The most impressive thing about the author is his desire to make a difference in our society. He fully understands the impact that an education can have during the course of a lifetime and he continues to work tirelessly to make sure that ALL children have access to a proper education. He's not afraid to lose power for the sake of something he believes in. That can't be said for very many leaders today. At the end of the day, this is a great book for those who want to help themselves to a better career and a better life.
Rating:
Summary: Insightful!
Review: The recipe for success isn't so tough to figure out, writes financial entrepreneur Charles Patrick Garcia. Start with a heaping helping of passion, then mix in equal parts hard work, integrity, belief and positive attitude. The quality of the final dish resides in the details, of course, so the former military intelligence officer outlines the actions you must take to succeed and the mindset you need to adopt. Garcia's easily digested writing style, peppered with plenty of real-world examples from the military, politics and business, makes this motivational book a rewarding repast. We suggests Garcia's success manual to managers looking for a refresher course in staying focused, inspired and on task.
Rating:
Summary: Juggling Work/Life/Success
Review: There is a story in this book that really touched me. It's the story of Charles Garcia's little daughter Olivia, who was having trouble making friends at school. Her Dad gave her a "magic bracelet" and told her to wear it when she introduced herself to new people. Guess what? It worked-the first day Olivia tried it, she came home and reported that she made three new friends! Of course the "magic" in the bracelet was only in the little girl's mind - but it was, nevertheless, real. Being a teacher for more than 20 years, I've seen how easily children grasp the concept of belief, while adults continue to find reasons and make excuses for why things won't work. This story beautifully conveys the fact that we only need self-confidence and the ability to believe in ourself in order to succeed, whatever our goals may be. It's a theme that Garcia repeats throughout the book, illustrated by many real-life stories of people who pursued their dreams and caught them. Read this book if you need a little extra push - you will come away from it convinced that you can do great things.
Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Concept
Review: Why don't more people have a go-for-it attitude? As a high school guidance counselor, I often see students who feel hopeless, trapped in circumstances they've either created or fallen into. They don't know that all they need to "be all they can be" (to borrow a phrase from the army) is initiative and determination. You don't have to resign yourself to your fate. A Message From Garcia conveys this idea in much more inspiring language than I just did. It's a powerful concept: life as a masterpiece you can shape and mold in any way you desire. I think it's a true concept-but when you look around at most people's lives you realize it's also the best-kept secret in the Universe. I wish more people would read Garcia's book and really take its words to heart.
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