Andrew K. (kuligowskiandrewt) -
The biggest weakness of Buzz Aldrin's "No Dream is Too High: Life Lessons From a Man Who Walked on the Moon" is also its biggest strength it follows the pattern of combination inspirational / memoir books in the pattern of "Throw out a short positive message and back it up with anecdotes from the author's life".
Normally, I would be extra-critical of such a formulaic book. However, there are two important considerations that lean me against doing such a thing. First, as "Dancing With the Stars" judge Len Goodman pointed out in his critique of Mr. Aldrin's performances on that show, we cannot lose sight of the fact that we are dealing with an American hero who many of us have looked up to for decades. And secondly, this hero also happens to project warmth, sincerity, and humor in what has truly been an interesting life one that did NOT come to a standstill after those momentous days in 1969.
The inspirational driving points of this book, for example "Look for opportunities, not obstacles", are worthwhile points to consider but they're not anything you can't find quickly via a Google web search or even come to realize on your own. However, they DO provide convenient chapter headers to help categorize the many events in Mr. Aldrin's life. AND let's face it it's one thing to realize that you can't give up if you want to succeed, BUT it is another to see someone who personifies success to describe his own obstacles AND his own ways of getting around them to achieve great things.
This book proved to be a quick read, and a worthwhile read, and I am honored to have been given the opportunity to review it.
RATING: 5 stars. No significant flaws, and it will stay with me long after I move onto other books.
DISCLOSURE: I received this book in a random draw, a request was made for an honest review (with the implication of "prompt"), but no conditions were placed or provided for acceptance.
Normally, I would be extra-critical of such a formulaic book. However, there are two important considerations that lean me against doing such a thing. First, as "Dancing With the Stars" judge Len Goodman pointed out in his critique of Mr. Aldrin's performances on that show, we cannot lose sight of the fact that we are dealing with an American hero who many of us have looked up to for decades. And secondly, this hero also happens to project warmth, sincerity, and humor in what has truly been an interesting life one that did NOT come to a standstill after those momentous days in 1969.
The inspirational driving points of this book, for example "Look for opportunities, not obstacles", are worthwhile points to consider but they're not anything you can't find quickly via a Google web search or even come to realize on your own. However, they DO provide convenient chapter headers to help categorize the many events in Mr. Aldrin's life. AND let's face it it's one thing to realize that you can't give up if you want to succeed, BUT it is another to see someone who personifies success to describe his own obstacles AND his own ways of getting around them to achieve great things.
This book proved to be a quick read, and a worthwhile read, and I am honored to have been given the opportunity to review it.
RATING: 5 stars. No significant flaws, and it will stay with me long after I move onto other books.
DISCLOSURE: I received this book in a random draw, a request was made for an honest review (with the implication of "prompt"), but no conditions were placed or provided for acceptance.
