Review: Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman

I was anticipating Knockout Entrepreneur to be a nice easy read, filled with timely information about how to be a great business person/entrepreneur, from a man who has "been there, done that".

I was expecting the book to be filled with a generous sprinkling of Foreman anecdotes which, although I can't say I'm a huge fan of his, would still prove to be interesting and insightful.

Indeed, Knockout Entrepreneur delivers all that and more.

First, allow me to share the positives.

In "Knockout Entrepreneur", George Foreman shares the Scriptural principles he's maintained throughout his life and career to achieve his goals. The tone of the book is relaxed and casual, making you feel as though you're listening to a wise friend or family member. Chapter titles such as "Listen To Your Corner", "Know Your Foe" and "Keep Answering the Bell" remind you that the author is still very much a boxer at heart.

Foreman reminds readers that at the end of the day, success has more to do with character than it does financial gain. He encourages entrepreneurs to keep looking up, to stay focused, accept responsibility, and seek ways to improve--personally and business wise. I especially enjoyed the fact that he encourages readers to read as much as possible. Not only to keep up with current business trends, but to also enrich their vocabularies. The advice contained in this book isn't earth-shattering or "new" by any means, but it does bear repeating from time to time.

As for the singular negative aspect of this book, it felt (at times) like a 200+ page infomercial for George Foreman. Although I doubt that was his intention, I quickly grew tired of hearing all about his boxing career and the George Foreman Grill.

Be that as it may, fans of Mr. Foreman will appreciate this book as well as fresh-faced entrepreneurs.

*As a member of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation was received, and my opinions are strictly my own.*

Book Review: "Find Your Strongest Life" by Marcus Buckingham

While today's women have more choices available to them than ever before, their overall happiness has decreased dramatically.

We desperately want to "have it all", but either don't know how to get there, or arrive on the doorstep of success feeling defeated and unsatisfied. What's a girl to do?

Best-selling author, Marcus Buckingham insists that women can indeed "have it all" ("Drawing enough strength from life to feel fulfilled, loved, successful, and in control...") and live the role they were meant to play.

Through examples of both successful and unsuccessful working women, Buckingham offers suggestions how properly "imbalance" our lives, take control over our careers, eliminate those activities which deplete us, and fill our days with activities which give us strength.

While I agree with the author that many women today feel unsatisfied with different aspects of their lives, I do not agree with his chosen remedy.

I was actually surprised that this book was published by Thomas Nelson, as this book totally leaves God out of the equation. Marcus Buckingham never once tells a women to seek the Lord for guidance; only her emotions and "strengths".

The author does provide decent advice for strengthening your marriage (focus on the positive, keep an appreciation journal, etc), and accepting your children for who they are.

However, this advice is grossly overshadowed by his encouragement of women to get their spouses to do more housework, and gives permission to "admit" that having children does not bring happiness.

Purpose to your life? Yes. Happiness? No. Also, should a woman find that motherhood "weakens" her, Buckingham encourages her to seek time away from her children so she can fill her cup and be strengthened.

These are just a few of the many examples where the author and I have to agree to disagree.

Overall, I feel this book has a few good points hidden amongst all the feminist rhetoric, but I cannot in good faith recommend it. Buckingham's advice left me feeling irritated and annoyed--not strong and encouraged. I do not feel this book belongs on any Christian woman's bookshelf, except as a case-study in what "not" to do.

Two thumbs down. :(

~ To read what my fellow Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers had to say, please click here. ~