Book Review: The Choice by Og Mandino

I just finished reading The Choice by Og Mandino and I decided to write a brief review of the book.

As a fan of the author, Og Mandino, the story in this book sounds very familiar. As I am reading the book, I cannot help but think that this is really Og Mandino's life story. Of course, I know that he wasn't connected to an insurance company before he began writing his books but he was called Mr. Success (just like Mark Christopher, the main character of the story) because he was the editor-in-chief of Success Magazine.

As for the story, Og Mandino is a master in weaving his ideals into the stories that he makes and this book, The Choice is not an exception. The content was worth the time and if I have not heard these ideals in a recorded seminar then I am sure these ideals will surely blow my mind.

What I love about the book, was the intensity build-up made by the author. Og made sure that the reader cannot put the book down until it is over. I was caught between wanting to sleep and finding out what's behind the mystery of A.B. Salom.

The way Mark Christopher realized that he and his family didn't have much time together was so touching and it felt so personal. I then thought, what will happen when I will have a family of my own later in my life? Will I reach this kind of dilemma? Will I make these "hard" choices as well? And will my passion really produce success as Mr. Christopher had? It was amazing how these question keeps on popping out in my mind while reading this book. And something in my mind wants to read more in order to know how I can avoid reaching this dilemma but there was not answer to my question. Why? Because I believe that there will come a time when we are going to make the choice between career and family. A time will come where we need to define for ourselves what success is. And how we define success, will determine whether we choose our family or our career.

The book actually speaks more than just the two choice that I presented. Mark Christopher's last speech was also great but I heard this in a recording so this is not new to me. I had problem with the ending thought .:) It's not dramatic enough and it's a bit anti-climatic.

Ultimately, this book is a gem. Thanks Og for leaving us a book that we will cherish.