I’d love to be a best-selling author, which, I’ve learned, might mean I have to become some kind of entrepreneur. So the chance to read the secrets of 11 best-selling entrepreneurs is certainly attractive. Aleks George interviewed all these people and transcribes their conversations very invitingly in this short book. The pages are bright and well-laid out. Dialog is offered with nice clear images of the speakers to keep the reader focused. And each interview is presented with a “Here’s what you’ll learn” section at the start, and “Here’s how to practice what you learned” at the end. Fantasy “Gifts” turn lessons learned into imaginative images, helping readers keep them in mind. And further resources are offered online, from audio interviews to cheat sheets and more.

The list of expert contributors includes at least a few people I’ve heard of before, and several authors of self-help and motivational books. Okay, I’m not a big motivational book reader, and phrases like “the science of happiness” tend to evoke more cynicism than enthusiasm in me. But the author brings all his training in Clinical Psychology, plus the testimony of his own experiences, to his choice of subject matter and questions. The writing’s quick, clear and conversational, with plenty of immediately relevant examples, and a very authentic feel. The practical applications are clear and interesting. And even the casual reader will learn something of value as the pages turn.

For myself, I enjoyed the final interview most, if only for its unique human touch and the upbeat character of a speaker who has more cause than most to let the world get him down. That said, all the interviews contain valuable, well-highlighted nuggets, and the lessons are nicely drawn. Pleasingly presented and practical, this book offers a nice reminder that it’s not all about money, and finding your passion matters more than achieving somebody else’s success.

Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review. ( )