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The Choice: A Surprising New Message of Hope
Choice! The key is Choice. You have options. You need not spend your life wallowing in failure, ignorance, grief, poverty, shame, and self-pity. But, hold on! If this is true then why have so many among us apparently elected to live in that manner? The answer is obvious. Those who live in unhappy failure have never exercised their options for a better way of life because they have never been aware that they had any Choices !
From the Paperback edition.
From the Paperback edition.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1984
139 people are currently reading
4379 people want to read
About the author
Og Mandino
94 books910 followersAugustine "Og" Mandino II (December 12, 1923 – September 3, 1996) was an American author. He wrote the bestselling book The Greatest Salesman in the World. His books have sold over 50 million copies and have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. He was the president of Success Unlimited magazine until 1976 and is an inductee of the National Speakers Association's Hall Of Fame.
Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.
Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.
After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.
Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.
Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.
Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.
After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.
Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
November 12, 2014
This is really one of the best books I've read in a long time. It's a self-help book hidden inside a great story, and one that makes you stop and think. I actually burned the chicken tonight trying to finish the last two chapters!
Mandino takes what is usually a preachy subject (how to live our lives) and turns it into an introspective feast. By setting his advice to a fictional story, he makes it interesting without being trite or lightheaded. I appreciated that. I can't handle the self-help books that take an idea and pound it into your head until you've got a migraine. This one is subtle.
The things that I'll take away from this book are life-altering. It's all about taking time to stop and smell the roses (pardon the cliche). It's about living your dreams. It's about being present in your own life. And we come to that conclusion along with Mark. I love that we are, in a sense, taking the journey with him.
There were also some twists along the way that I liked. I thought I had things all figured out and nicely wrapped up. Turns out, I'd come to the wrong conclusion completely. I didn't see it coming. And then Mandino threw another twist at me and surprised me! I love it when a book does that.
Though this is an older book, I really believe everyone ought to read it. It's good for the soul.
Mandino takes what is usually a preachy subject (how to live our lives) and turns it into an introspective feast. By setting his advice to a fictional story, he makes it interesting without being trite or lightheaded. I appreciated that. I can't handle the self-help books that take an idea and pound it into your head until you've got a migraine. This one is subtle.
The things that I'll take away from this book are life-altering. It's all about taking time to stop and smell the roses (pardon the cliche). It's about living your dreams. It's about being present in your own life. And we come to that conclusion along with Mark. I love that we are, in a sense, taking the journey with him.
There were also some twists along the way that I liked. I thought I had things all figured out and nicely wrapped up. Turns out, I'd come to the wrong conclusion completely. I didn't see it coming. And then Mandino threw another twist at me and surprised me! I love it when a book does that.
Though this is an older book, I really believe everyone ought to read it. It's good for the soul.
July 2, 2014
This book was a quick and easy read. It was a bit odd at times, but overall I appreciated Mandino's message about making the choice to live a successful life through prioritizing those relationships that matter the most. Mandino delivers his message through the story of a man who quits his high-paying, long-hour job to pursue a dream of writing and to spend more time with his family. I liked the following quote very much:
"I am convinced that the greatest legacy we can leave our children are happy memories: those precious moments so much like pebbles on the beach that are plucked from the white sand and placed in tiny boxes that lay undisturbed on tall shelves until one day they spill out and time repeats itself, with joy and sweet sadness, in the child now an adult."
"I am convinced that the greatest legacy we can leave our children are happy memories: those precious moments so much like pebbles on the beach that are plucked from the white sand and placed in tiny boxes that lay undisturbed on tall shelves until one day they spill out and time repeats itself, with joy and sweet sadness, in the child now an adult."
September 21, 2012
I read this 20 years ago and loved it, but this time around found the writing cheesy and found my perspective changed such that the ideas seemed more idealistic than realistic.
January 25, 2013
Spectacular book. I've read this book for the second time three days ago and it still gave me the chills. A wonderful and a good kind of chill, mind you.
April 18, 2024
O carte cu o poveste frumoasa și un mesaj important. Mark Christopher este cel mai tânăr vicepreședinte al companiei Treasury Insurance. Intr-o dimineața si-a schimbat complet viața. S-a trezit, s-a dus să își pregătească micul dejun și atunci s-au trezit și ce doi baieti ai lui Glenn si Todd. Ei i-au dat câte o felicitare de ziua lui. În acel moment, Mark si-a dat seama ca viata trece pe lângă el și el si-o irosește alergând după bani și pierzând timp prețios fără familia lui. Discuta cu sotia lui și hotărăște să își dea demisia de la locul de muncă și sa se facă scriitor. Rămâne de văzut ce va face. Mi-a plăcut povestea și morala cărții. Mi-a plăcut toată familia. Toți putem învața sa devenim mai calmi, mai fericiți și sa ne bucurăm de ce avem.
August 28, 2020
Very Very NOBLE---I read this 17 years ago, and it still comes back to me, the message resonates..
"Inside every living person is a special ingredient we have never tasted it, never touched it or located it,
but it's there and I am convinced it was put there by God " Mark Christopher
"We lie to each other, we cheat on each other, we brutalize each other, we crawl all over each other all in our race for Wealth, Power, and Fame" Alexander Anthony
I am not sure if the human race is worth saving, and fortunately I don't have to make that decision,
but I do believe there are many humans worth salvaging; for every murderer you point out to me,
I will show you one person who gave his life to save them, even perfect strangers, for every thief you identify,
I will show you ten people who would not steal a slice of bread if their bellies were empty;
what's it worth to our world if we can save even one person from despair, poverty, and sorrow,
and show them how to realize their full potential ? Even the Greatest Teacher who ever lived could not save them all; but we can only try
it may not be enough for you,
but I know it is enough for me" Mark Christopher The Choice
"Inside every living person is a special ingredient we have never tasted it, never touched it or located it,
but it's there and I am convinced it was put there by God " Mark Christopher
"We lie to each other, we cheat on each other, we brutalize each other, we crawl all over each other all in our race for Wealth, Power, and Fame" Alexander Anthony
I am not sure if the human race is worth saving, and fortunately I don't have to make that decision,
but I do believe there are many humans worth salvaging; for every murderer you point out to me,
I will show you one person who gave his life to save them, even perfect strangers, for every thief you identify,
I will show you ten people who would not steal a slice of bread if their bellies were empty;
what's it worth to our world if we can save even one person from despair, poverty, and sorrow,
and show them how to realize their full potential ? Even the Greatest Teacher who ever lived could not save them all; but we can only try
it may not be enough for you,
but I know it is enough for me" Mark Christopher The Choice
April 1, 2021
This book was absolutely phenomenal. The style of which he writes is extremely captivating while giving you the opportunity to extract the perspective you need of character triumph, overcoming’s, and hope.
This book will go on the list of one of the most heart warming books I’ve ever read
This book will go on the list of one of the most heart warming books I’ve ever read
January 3, 2024
Cărțile au puterea de a schimba destine.
March 4, 2022
OG Mandino has been one of my favorite authors for quite some time. I really enjoyed this book because it was more of a story and less of a checklist for life. As always, it was an easy read with short chapters that kept me involved and thinking to the last page. I love how he ends ALL of his books.
May 10, 2011
I really loved this book! :) This book is a reminder of the importance of having your priorities straight. :) It is also about true success and the importance of our choices. I am inspired by Mark Christopher's choice to quit his job to spend more time with his family...even when that meant more uncertainty and risk in making ends meet for a while. I love his choice to write. It's neat to see his success and how he is able to help others, but especially that he doesn't let that change him. "I choose a better way to live!" :)
A few of my favorite thoughts from his big final speech are:
Choose to be happy: "So many of us spend our lives searching for happiness. Like children hunting for Easter eggs, we dash hither and yon hoping to discover some mystical bluebird. Life would be so different, we sigh, if only we were happy. And so, one hurries home to be happy and another flees home to be happy. One is getting married to be happy and another is getting divorced to be happy. One takes expensive cruises to be happy and another labors overtime to be happy. Endless search....
"Henceforth, my pursuit of happiness has ended. How blind I have been! Now I know that happiness hides not in that new house, that new career, that new friend. And it is never for sale. When I cannot find contentment in myself, it is useless to seek it elsewhere. Whenever I depend on things outside myself to supply me with joy I am doomed to disappointment. Happiness, I see now, has nothing to do with getting. It consists of being satisfied with what I've got and what I haven't got." (p. 148-149)
Embrace opportunities: "So may of us think ourselves into smallness, into inferiority, by thinking downward. We are held back by too much caution. We are timid about venturing. We are not bold enough. And so we die before we reach middle age, although we will not be lowered into the ground until we pass three score and ten. What happened to the grand dreams of our youth?" (p. 151)
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
"I shall pass through this world by once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." (p. 153)
These are inspiring and important ideas....very applicable to some of my current thoughts and decisions. I'm glad for the reminders and for the opportunity and freedom to CHOOSE! :)
A few of my favorite thoughts from his big final speech are:
Choose to be happy: "So many of us spend our lives searching for happiness. Like children hunting for Easter eggs, we dash hither and yon hoping to discover some mystical bluebird. Life would be so different, we sigh, if only we were happy. And so, one hurries home to be happy and another flees home to be happy. One is getting married to be happy and another is getting divorced to be happy. One takes expensive cruises to be happy and another labors overtime to be happy. Endless search....
"Henceforth, my pursuit of happiness has ended. How blind I have been! Now I know that happiness hides not in that new house, that new career, that new friend. And it is never for sale. When I cannot find contentment in myself, it is useless to seek it elsewhere. Whenever I depend on things outside myself to supply me with joy I am doomed to disappointment. Happiness, I see now, has nothing to do with getting. It consists of being satisfied with what I've got and what I haven't got." (p. 148-149)
Embrace opportunities: "So may of us think ourselves into smallness, into inferiority, by thinking downward. We are held back by too much caution. We are timid about venturing. We are not bold enough. And so we die before we reach middle age, although we will not be lowered into the ground until we pass three score and ten. What happened to the grand dreams of our youth?" (p. 151)
"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
"I shall pass through this world by once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." (p. 153)
These are inspiring and important ideas....very applicable to some of my current thoughts and decisions. I'm glad for the reminders and for the opportunity and freedom to CHOOSE! :)
October 26, 2012
This book have brought out how we must make our choices to live a better life. The story is really touching and reiterates the importance of the family. The moments and experiences well spent with the person you love and the happiness you get from it. It was an almost perfect life with a twist of some tragedy will happen in the end that will break your heart. It also includes some ghost or a heavenly manifestation which is not that bad but gives some kind of feeling that ruins the story. It just made me confused knowing that I'm already reading fiction. Its just like reading a fiction inside a fiction. Overall, the book did serve its purpose. Giving a really good realization that what we are right now and what we have is a sum or result of a choice we did. It makes us realize that we always have a choice and we must use our judgement and the knowledge we have to make the choices so as to give us a better life. Og Mandino surely gave us another book to read on to remind us of the things in life that matters most.
January 6, 2013
Well first off; I've never read a motivational book such as this. However I was recommended this book by a family friend and frankly, I couldn't put it down. It starts with an extremely successful business man who is making more money than he can spend, and is about to be promoted. However the nauseatingly quick development of his son shocks him when he recognizes it. He's spent all of his time working instead of enjoying life and his family. He quits his job, rejecting his promotion to Vice President. He sells his old life away and buys and ancient household with a backyard lighthouse, once owned by a author himself. The book carries him through the next five years until he is confronted with a dilemma. He must make a choice; and this choice decides his entire future. This book carries morals and the keys to a brighter future; that should be heeded with immense gravity, and truly taken to heart. I've learned a lot from this novel and highly recommend it.
September 18, 2011
Every summer since everyone gets the same disease (boreness) so my dad makes me read an inspirational book from his whole bookshelf. Afterwards, he makes me write an essay, summarizing the book. Since I was forced to read this book by my dad 2 years ago I was soooooo mad. But after I actually gave the book a chance it was pretty good. The first 30-50 pages it was pretty boring but later on it became really interesting and it grabbed my attention. It might be a little too complicated for some people. It puts you in a situation to make a choice about a question you would never think you would ever be asked. You have to make this choice before a specific time. This book has to do a lot with God and will teach you to always think positive when life throws you down and to see the important things in life.
February 25, 2012
The blessing of sickness is that you sometimes get to read more than normally. I was happy to have this book find me at our local Deseret Industries last week. And then I got sick and had a lovely time reading this short story.As I read I wondered about Og and his master story telling ideas. How does he keep you wanting to find out what happens?
The reading of this is timely as we have been hold discussions about moral agency and the choice to act or be acted upon. Here is a quote we talked about: " ....the vast majority of humans wander along the pathway of years without any destination or goal or even a road map?" How sad. We talked about our road maps, the gospel of Jesus Christ. The author does mention another of authors and their quality books. Is this how Og gets you to read other worthy writings?
The key is Choice. You have options.
The reading of this is timely as we have been hold discussions about moral agency and the choice to act or be acted upon. Here is a quote we talked about: " ....the vast majority of humans wander along the pathway of years without any destination or goal or even a road map?" How sad. We talked about our road maps, the gospel of Jesus Christ. The author does mention another of authors and their quality books. Is this how Og gets you to read other worthy writings?
The key is Choice. You have options.
June 27, 2013
The book was recommended by my father. I really enjoyed it and it hit me on several different levels. Although the book is a bit dated (30+ years old), it still has the same morals and values that I think are important in any motivational book.
There are some deeply spiritual messages in this book, so if that's not something your comfortable with, you probably won't want to read it. If you're okay with that, then it's a must read!
There are some deeply spiritual messages in this book, so if that's not something your comfortable with, you probably won't want to read it. If you're okay with that, then it's a must read!
August 2, 2017
This book was weird for me. I wanted to read the main character's book, which as far as I can tell doesn't exist, but the author has a book of the same title. I like the main character taking a step into the unknown and taking risks. I recognize this a little bit in my own life. However, it was really hard for me to finish the last chapter. I just wanted to take a nap and had to slog through it...
February 6, 2019
The key is Choice. You have options. You need not spend your life wallowing in failure, ignorance, grief, poverty, shame, and self-pity. But, hold on! If this is true then why have so many among us apparently elected to live in that manner? The answer is obvious. Those who live in unhappy failure have never exercised their options for a better way of life because they have never been aware that they had any Choices!!!!
August 18, 2017
Og Mandino was a genius
Never before have I read words and sentences arranged in a manner that enlarge my heart and open my soul. Being a melanoma survivor with three young children, I had a very raw connection with the main character. Beautifully written with principles for all ages.
Never before have I read words and sentences arranged in a manner that enlarge my heart and open my soul. Being a melanoma survivor with three young children, I had a very raw connection with the main character. Beautifully written with principles for all ages.
April 6, 2019
A surprisingly captivating read. The suspension of the actual success principles until the end made that part a bit preachy, but it let us focus on the narrator's journey for most of the book. The story was engaging, although the dialogue sounded a bit unnatural at times, more like a stage play. But there are many great principles and ideas hidden throughout.
January 25, 2009
mandino's books are always inspiring
March 28, 2010
Superb!!! I just love ALL his books! Highly recommend!
June 4, 2011
could not put it down , keeped me going . luved it
November 18, 2011
The first book by Og Mandino I ever read.
I kept coming back for more and haven't left since. The Choice is yours...Read it!
~ James Artre
I kept coming back for more and haven't left since. The Choice is yours...Read it!
~ James Artre
October 1, 2012
It changed my life (: thanks to Arantxa for share it to me (:
November 19, 2017
I will review this book with a quote by Rainer Maria Rilke: "The natural growth of your inner life will lead you and slowly to other insights... Everything is gestation and then bringing forth."
January 2, 2022
The challenge to long-standing books of advice is the passing of time and the changeover of cultures during this time. As a kid, I remember hearing about 'timeless' art, music, and literature from adults who honestly believe that something made many years ago can retain its full impact many years forward. In many cases, the 'brilliance' of each era is consolidated into a few exemplars and vindicated by the fact they are still in mind so many years (and changes) later [i.e. the Beatles, William Shakespeare, Napoleon Hill, or Vincent Van Gogh].
My introduction to Og Mandino came via a reading of W. Clement Stone's thoughtful work, SUCCESS THROUGH A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE, a decade or so ago. In a fit of self-improvement pique, I had purchased a handful of his paperbacks at the time, and gradually saw them get buried over newer (and more enticing) books on my reading stack. Choosing to purge a large backlog of books, I recently stumbled into this cache of paperbacks, and decided to devote a few weeks to reading through them and deciding what to do with them.
For the most part, THE CHOICE is a parable that feeds its advice through the semi-autobiographical tale of his fictional proxy, Mark Christopher. Like earlier works, Mandino employs a more than a bit of biblical references and the use of another magical spectral character to convey the story. It does feel a little formulaic, and as Mark hits new lows and ultimately finds larger success; we learn of the hidden costs and the ultimate price paid to reach a level of greatness.
While I credit Mandino's style for covering this topic without the usual preachiness; this book may be more enjoyable for its intended lessons, rather than for the story itself. As to whether this book holds sway nearly 40 years after the story's events had happened; we may consider a short analog to a book referenced a few times here, JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL, in that it may reek too much of its own era to really reach readers who hadn't lived through it. Mandino's work has been referenced and taken forward by the next generation of self-help writers, but there are still a few takeaways from THE CHOICE.
The first takeaway would be the idea of CHOICE being a gift from one's creator; and that in the face of expectations, fulfillment of personal needs, and the maintenance of relationships, that (the use of) time is the ultimate currency. Our main character undergoes many difficult choices throughout the story, including what do to in the face of a spectral character who once inspired him, and eventually challenged him over the use of time.
The second takeaway are the questions that are referred to in the start of the main character's speech at the climax of the story. They are: (1) Are you in control of your life? (2) Are you at peace with yourself and those around you? (3) Are you proud of your life's accomplishments? (4) Are you and your family enjoying the fruits of your labor? (5) Are you happy and content?
What is significant is how these questions often dictate to directions we go after reading most self-help literature. It's not intentional that we make many errors in pursuit of the answer we want in most of these areas. For instance, the 'control' question indicates how much power we give others. In many situations having full control may feel satisfying on the surface, but kind of lonely and meaningless without a mission and people to support us in completing it. Conversely, the last of these questions often indicate a lack of ambition or a lack of vision. Particularly in self-help work focusing on personal success, answering yes to that last question is more a sign of surrender than of any sense of satisfaction with one's life. Still I feel that considering these questions often sets the foundation for the moves we make afterward.
A final takeaway may not be as clear in the present age. It also consists of four parts in that (1) Each new day is a blessing regardless of trials and troubles that may be part of it. (2) When one cannot find contentment internally, there is no point seeking it elsewhere. [Also that joy has to be made internally, and increases as we give it to others rather than taking.] (3) Doing every task to the best of one's ability may be the only to 'show' what one is actually 'worth' as well as what is 'beneath them' going forward. [Kind of a paraphrase on the idea of being a person who 'adds value'.] Lastly, (4) there is no greater regret than having the ability and talent to do great things without the courage to try.
Like many parables, Mandino's ending here is intended to be an uplifting one that 'explains' the magic; but in my own mind messes with the first of his five questions (the one regarding control).
Overall, this is information that has since been repackaged by future writers in the genre and re-explained in the context of changing times. There may still be some value in the philosophical considerations of Mandino's offerings, but the manner of execution could be challenging as times continue to change.
My introduction to Og Mandino came via a reading of W. Clement Stone's thoughtful work, SUCCESS THROUGH A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE, a decade or so ago. In a fit of self-improvement pique, I had purchased a handful of his paperbacks at the time, and gradually saw them get buried over newer (and more enticing) books on my reading stack. Choosing to purge a large backlog of books, I recently stumbled into this cache of paperbacks, and decided to devote a few weeks to reading through them and deciding what to do with them.
For the most part, THE CHOICE is a parable that feeds its advice through the semi-autobiographical tale of his fictional proxy, Mark Christopher. Like earlier works, Mandino employs a more than a bit of biblical references and the use of another magical spectral character to convey the story. It does feel a little formulaic, and as Mark hits new lows and ultimately finds larger success; we learn of the hidden costs and the ultimate price paid to reach a level of greatness.
While I credit Mandino's style for covering this topic without the usual preachiness; this book may be more enjoyable for its intended lessons, rather than for the story itself. As to whether this book holds sway nearly 40 years after the story's events had happened; we may consider a short analog to a book referenced a few times here, JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL, in that it may reek too much of its own era to really reach readers who hadn't lived through it. Mandino's work has been referenced and taken forward by the next generation of self-help writers, but there are still a few takeaways from THE CHOICE.
The first takeaway would be the idea of CHOICE being a gift from one's creator; and that in the face of expectations, fulfillment of personal needs, and the maintenance of relationships, that (the use of) time is the ultimate currency. Our main character undergoes many difficult choices throughout the story, including what do to in the face of a spectral character who once inspired him, and eventually challenged him over the use of time.
The second takeaway are the questions that are referred to in the start of the main character's speech at the climax of the story. They are: (1) Are you in control of your life? (2) Are you at peace with yourself and those around you? (3) Are you proud of your life's accomplishments? (4) Are you and your family enjoying the fruits of your labor? (5) Are you happy and content?
What is significant is how these questions often dictate to directions we go after reading most self-help literature. It's not intentional that we make many errors in pursuit of the answer we want in most of these areas. For instance, the 'control' question indicates how much power we give others. In many situations having full control may feel satisfying on the surface, but kind of lonely and meaningless without a mission and people to support us in completing it. Conversely, the last of these questions often indicate a lack of ambition or a lack of vision. Particularly in self-help work focusing on personal success, answering yes to that last question is more a sign of surrender than of any sense of satisfaction with one's life. Still I feel that considering these questions often sets the foundation for the moves we make afterward.
A final takeaway may not be as clear in the present age. It also consists of four parts in that (1) Each new day is a blessing regardless of trials and troubles that may be part of it. (2) When one cannot find contentment internally, there is no point seeking it elsewhere. [Also that joy has to be made internally, and increases as we give it to others rather than taking.] (3) Doing every task to the best of one's ability may be the only to 'show' what one is actually 'worth' as well as what is 'beneath them' going forward. [Kind of a paraphrase on the idea of being a person who 'adds value'.] Lastly, (4) there is no greater regret than having the ability and talent to do great things without the courage to try.
Like many parables, Mandino's ending here is intended to be an uplifting one that 'explains' the magic; but in my own mind messes with the first of his five questions (the one regarding control).
Overall, this is information that has since been repackaged by future writers in the genre and re-explained in the context of changing times. There may still be some value in the philosophical considerations of Mandino's offerings, but the manner of execution could be challenging as times continue to change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
Og Mandino’s The Choice is one of those rare books that quietly slips into your hands and ends up shifting something deep within. True to Mandino’s signature style, it’s an easy, engaging read that flows beautifully and uplifts you from the first chapter. The book is short—a quick read you can finish in an afternoon—yet it carries a message with real staying power.
The story follows a man who once enjoyed great success, only to watch his life unravel as he drifted away from the principles that mattered most. After losing his direction, his career, and even the connection with his family, he’s confronted with a truth that sits at the heart of the book: life is shaped by the choices we make, and at any moment, we can make a new one.
Mandino takes us through the protagonist’s journey of rebuilding—step by step—anchored in faith, responsibility, humility, and renewed purpose. It’s a story of redemption, reminding us that no setback is final when you’re willing to realign your life with your deepest values.
What makes The Choice so compelling is its humanity. The writing feels honest and relatable, offering practical wisdom without ever becoming heavy. It inspires reflection while encouraging you to move forward with clarity and conviction.
This is, in every way, classic Og Mandino: simple, engaging, inspirational, and deeply heart-centered. A great story and highly recommended for anyone seeking motivation, reassurance, or a fresh start.
The story follows a man who once enjoyed great success, only to watch his life unravel as he drifted away from the principles that mattered most. After losing his direction, his career, and even the connection with his family, he’s confronted with a truth that sits at the heart of the book: life is shaped by the choices we make, and at any moment, we can make a new one.
Mandino takes us through the protagonist’s journey of rebuilding—step by step—anchored in faith, responsibility, humility, and renewed purpose. It’s a story of redemption, reminding us that no setback is final when you’re willing to realign your life with your deepest values.
What makes The Choice so compelling is its humanity. The writing feels honest and relatable, offering practical wisdom without ever becoming heavy. It inspires reflection while encouraging you to move forward with clarity and conviction.
This is, in every way, classic Og Mandino: simple, engaging, inspirational, and deeply heart-centered. A great story and highly recommended for anyone seeking motivation, reassurance, or a fresh start.
March 31, 2019
I had never never before looked as deeply into myself and the choices I alone made along the way that have led to my current status in my life . This book has brought these matters to the forefront of my mind. I will absolutely recommend this book to family and friends. It has certainly made a difference to me. I am in the 77th year of my earthly experience and am so e excited to know that as long as there is life, there is hope I need not despair. Each new day is a blessing and an opportunity. I say Thank God for the gift of Mr Mandino and his God given talent to awaken in me what has laid dormant for many years. Thanks and Glory be to God, our omnipotent creator. And may all who dare to read this book be moved to take hold of its Tennant's and live a Better Life.
I have never never before looked as deeply into myself and the choices I have made along the way that have led to my current situation. This book has brought these matters to the forefront of my mind. I will absolutely recommend this book to family, friends and to anyone who will listen . It has certainly made a difference to me.
I have never never before looked as deeply into myself and the choices I have made along the way that have led to my current situation. This book has brought these matters to the forefront of my mind. I will absolutely recommend this book to family, friends and to anyone who will listen . It has certainly made a difference to me.
February 25, 2022
I read one book by this author about 3 years ago and refused to read anything else by him for fear his other books wouldn't top the one I read, man was I wrong!
On a whim, I decided to to try another one of his books because our used bookstore happened to have one there, and it was The Choice. I read this book in one sitting, not only because it's short, but also because I couldn't put it down.
Let me tell you, I wept at the end. It was so beautifully written and stirred my heart in way that I absolutely needed at the time. Every struggle suddenly felt bearable and hope felt renewed once again.
Og mandino writes so simply, but captivates his audience so easily. And stirs their hearts so fiercely. I wish I could sit down and talk to him face to face because he is one of those authors that gets you without even knowing you. I want to purchase this book for everyone I can think of... And now I'm eagerly waiting to read all of his books because now I know, they are all going to be that good and probably better than I imagined. This man has a gift from God and a message that everyone needs to hear.
On a whim, I decided to to try another one of his books because our used bookstore happened to have one there, and it was The Choice. I read this book in one sitting, not only because it's short, but also because I couldn't put it down.
Let me tell you, I wept at the end. It was so beautifully written and stirred my heart in way that I absolutely needed at the time. Every struggle suddenly felt bearable and hope felt renewed once again.
Og mandino writes so simply, but captivates his audience so easily. And stirs their hearts so fiercely. I wish I could sit down and talk to him face to face because he is one of those authors that gets you without even knowing you. I want to purchase this book for everyone I can think of... And now I'm eagerly waiting to read all of his books because now I know, they are all going to be that good and probably better than I imagined. This man has a gift from God and a message that everyone needs to hear.
July 4, 2022
Each person has free will (as long as they do not live in a dictatorship like in Communist China, Cuba, Venezuela or Russia). Free will means that we always have choices, to try to select the best things that will lead us to success, to always be responsible of the choices we make and the choices we choose not to make.
Although Og Mandino is strongly religious and spiritual, his ideas on self improvement and success are worthy and clear. The idea that the main character has to make a life-death choice with red or blue, that choice is such an important part of our lives, reminds me of Morpheus, Neo and the Architect in the Matrix series. Maybe the Wachowski Brothers inspired some of their extremely successful movie series on this book. Or they both deal with the cause and effect of having to deal with the consequences of having free will and making choices every day.
With less than 100 pages, it is more like a short story than a book, but it's teachings are valuable anyways. It is a time travel return to the early 80's. With news programs, magazines and television networks and the journalists that created them, that have disappeared 40's years later.
Although Og Mandino is strongly religious and spiritual, his ideas on self improvement and success are worthy and clear. The idea that the main character has to make a life-death choice with red or blue, that choice is such an important part of our lives, reminds me of Morpheus, Neo and the Architect in the Matrix series. Maybe the Wachowski Brothers inspired some of their extremely successful movie series on this book. Or they both deal with the cause and effect of having to deal with the consequences of having free will and making choices every day.
With less than 100 pages, it is more like a short story than a book, but it's teachings are valuable anyways. It is a time travel return to the early 80's. With news programs, magazines and television networks and the journalists that created them, that have disappeared 40's years later.
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