Avalanche: The 9 Principles for Uncovering True Wealth (Modern Parable) by Steve Sanduski, Ron Carson Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Avalanche: The 9 Principles for Uncovering True Wealth (Modern Parable)
Book Review: Mediocre Read at Most
Summary: 2 Stars
"Avalanche" topped the Wall Street Journal list of business books several weeks ago and caught my attention. After reading the reviews here, which at the time all happened to give the book five stars, I bought and read it, and now feel obliged to add a more critical perspective for those considering this book.
The ideas that money doesn't make you happy, that you should cherish your relationships, have a good purpose in life, stay healthy, help others, use your money wisely, etc are all wonderful but far from new, let alone eye-opening. If you are someone who understands this, understands that monetary wealth is far from equal to true wealth, you won't get much from this book. If you don't, and if you keep an open mind, chances are it will give you something to contemplate about and has the potential of changing the way you look at things. My feeling, however, is that if you are already aware of these ideas and appreciate them, this book will be essentially worthless to you, whereas if you are not (like Andrew, the main character before his revelation), chances are you won't pick up this text.
The book is very poorly written. It's incredibly predictable, with convenient plot turns, and describes in very tedious detail every conversation, at times reminding of a soap opera. Andrew, the main character, tells his life story and the recent changes he underwent to everyone he meets, and the authors feel obliged to retell it to the reader every time as well. The dialogs are boring and 'overly sweet': Andrew's wife calls him 'honey' on every page; whenever Andrew meets a 'good' person, they exclaim that they are 'so glad', 'so happy', or have been impatiently waiting to see or meet him. The sun shines or something sparkles whenever Andrew has a revelation. Ugh.
On a positive note, it's a quick read, and has a website accompanying the book. I think this book may be useful to wealth advisors to remind them that each client is unique and has a different purpose for investing. The book will also make a good (although unflattering) gift to someone wealth-centered like Andrew. Other than that - I wouldn't recommend the book.
Finally, I found it ironic that after talking for the tedious 160 pages about 'uncovering true wealth', the first thing that the authors mention about themselves in the 'About the Authors' section is that they've helped build multi-million dollar businesses or manage over a billion dollars in assets. So much for practicing the 9 principles.
Book Review: Avalanche
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a investment consultant that works with preretires and retires. This book is a great addition to the books that I give to clients to read. I first purchased 3 but after I read it I purchased 10 more.
I hate spending money on thing that are not great so you see I loved the book.
Charles W Shirey, CFP(R), CIMC(R)
Book Review: theme is new age oriented
Summary: 3 Stars
It's easily read. My objection is the "New Age" philosophy of getting in touch with your inner self. There is no reference to God or Christianity, but rather the emphasis is on finding your "inner self." This is contrary to Christianity.Book Review: Great Principles in an Uneven Story
Summary: 4 Stars
The idea that wealth can be measured in something other than money is a good one that should be more actively explored. This book does a decent job of doing this in the form of a parable that has the makings of an interesting story, but lacks the depth of character development necessary to deliver a powerful book. The protagonist experiences a Jerry Maguire type of epiphany on a pretty flimsy basis, and then embarks on a hero's journey that is replete with warmed over elements that we've seen before. I've heard the Zen story about the master filling the students teacup to overflowing to emphasize the need for Beginner's Mind about a million times. It's a good story, but really shouldn't be used in this context any more.
Having aired my gripes, I would say, however, that the principles the authors are exploring are definitely worthwhile and laid out in an easy to recognize form. It is easy to get caught up in a lifestyle based on consumption and acquisition. It requires self-examination and motivation to change. This book provides a good blueprint, so to speak, and also backs it up with a website that is dedicated to exploring these issues further. It's an easy and quick book to read.
Book Review: Outstanding modern day parable!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This book will change the lives of many. Unbelievably insightful for our "busy" society. We can now remind ourselves daily of what True Wealth really is. Achieving True Wealth is now a daily and lifetime goal of mine.
Absolute MUST READ!
Peter C. Merzian, CSFP
Chartered Senior Financial Planner