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The Secret to Success
From homeless high school dropout to one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the country, Eric Thomas has truly found the Secret 2 Success. In this, his debut autobiography, Eric shares that secrets with the rest of the world. By chronicling his days sleeping in abandoned buildings in the unforgiving Detroit winters, to his rise as a successful husband, father, CEO, educator and motivational speaker, Eric inspires the masses to reach greatness.
In 2009 one of Eric's entitled Secrets 2 Success surfaced on YouTube and quickly went viral reaching over 1 million views. It was the response to this video and the subsequent thousands of emails and phone calls from viewers ranging from high school teachers and students, to professional athletes and CEO's of fortune 500 companies seeking Eric's advice on how to reach their maximum potential that ultimately led to the writing of this book. In the book, Eric not only details his struggles and successes, he also provides invaluable advice on how anyone can take their life from its current state to places they never dreamed imaginable.
In 2009 one of Eric's entitled Secrets 2 Success surfaced on YouTube and quickly went viral reaching over 1 million views. It was the response to this video and the subsequent thousands of emails and phone calls from viewers ranging from high school teachers and students, to professional athletes and CEO's of fortune 500 companies seeking Eric's advice on how to reach their maximum potential that ultimately led to the writing of this book. In the book, Eric not only details his struggles and successes, he also provides invaluable advice on how anyone can take their life from its current state to places they never dreamed imaginable.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2011
330 people are currently reading
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About the author
Eric Thomas
9 books72 followersEric Thomas, Ph.D., is an Educator, Best-Selling Author, Motivational Guru, and international business phenom. Eric's unique brand of pragmatism continues to take the world by storm. It has made him the preferred "go-to" problem-solver for many of the world's largest corporations, sports franchises, colleges, and universities. Through a thorough examination and application of these same principles, his conference attendees continue to maximize their successes both in the office and at home. This trusted and proven approach to sustained personal and professional growth and success has made his firm, Eric Thomas and Associates, LLC., one of the most highly sought-after consulting agencies globally. Husband, father, and philanthropist, ET, as he is known in the wider world, aims to improve the lives of others through self-empowerment, self-assessment, and consistent execution.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
April 28, 2013
This book, "The Secret To Success" by Eric Thomas; is an inspirational story of one man's hard work and determination to come from nothing and soar to the top. This book is a step by step guide on how to live your life. Thomas isn't saying this is the only way to make it; but the knowledge contained in the book gives the reader an upper hand in the game called life. Admittedly,Eric confesses he has not lived a perfect life; but through perseverance and a few lucky breaks he made it out of the poverty ridden streets of Detroit. Once being a homeless high school drop-out, he was able to flip a switch in his head and with help from the people around him, make it to college and better his life.
The setting of this autobiographical novel starts off in Eric's mid to late teen age years. This boy, uneducated, unmotivated, and surrounded by bad influences was going nowhere fast. After learning that the man he had lived with his whole life, the man he called Dad, wasn't truly that; he felt betrayed. A fight ensued, eventually landing a broken Eric out on the cold Michigan streets (his own doing). Moving from house to house, young Thomas drops out of school, despite the strong feelings of the members of his church; where he often found refuge. The Deacon of his church and his wife play a major part in pushing Eric to get his GED and make it out of Detroit. Another one of his confidants, Tim, whom Thomas idolized; provided Eric with wisdom and shelter whenever he needed. Possibly the most important factor for a teenage boy is love, he most undoubtedly would not have made a better life for himself if Dee wasn't in the picture. She gave him one ultimatum, 'Stay with me, and go to college; or continue down the same path and find someone else.' Eric chose the former, he took the GED test and entered college with his muse.
Throughout the book, Eric Thomas gives the reader many different principles on how to be successful in this world. They range from, just having the right mindset to succeed to putting yourself in the right environment and surrounding yourself with the right people to do so. There is no way to make a long story about this man's live short, without loosing the meaning in it. But in saying that, cutting to the chase; Eric grew up to be a Pastor and a motivational speaker around the world. He trampled his obstacles, he silenced the naysayers, and in the end; He became successful!
I would recommend this book to anyone, any age, race, or background to pick up this book and learn the essential formula for a successful life. This book, this man, has truly changed my life; and I guarantee if you indulge in this unparalleled text, your life will never be the same.
The setting of this autobiographical novel starts off in Eric's mid to late teen age years. This boy, uneducated, unmotivated, and surrounded by bad influences was going nowhere fast. After learning that the man he had lived with his whole life, the man he called Dad, wasn't truly that; he felt betrayed. A fight ensued, eventually landing a broken Eric out on the cold Michigan streets (his own doing). Moving from house to house, young Thomas drops out of school, despite the strong feelings of the members of his church; where he often found refuge. The Deacon of his church and his wife play a major part in pushing Eric to get his GED and make it out of Detroit. Another one of his confidants, Tim, whom Thomas idolized; provided Eric with wisdom and shelter whenever he needed. Possibly the most important factor for a teenage boy is love, he most undoubtedly would not have made a better life for himself if Dee wasn't in the picture. She gave him one ultimatum, 'Stay with me, and go to college; or continue down the same path and find someone else.' Eric chose the former, he took the GED test and entered college with his muse.
Throughout the book, Eric Thomas gives the reader many different principles on how to be successful in this world. They range from, just having the right mindset to succeed to putting yourself in the right environment and surrounding yourself with the right people to do so. There is no way to make a long story about this man's live short, without loosing the meaning in it. But in saying that, cutting to the chase; Eric grew up to be a Pastor and a motivational speaker around the world. He trampled his obstacles, he silenced the naysayers, and in the end; He became successful!
I would recommend this book to anyone, any age, race, or background to pick up this book and learn the essential formula for a successful life. This book, this man, has truly changed my life; and I guarantee if you indulge in this unparalleled text, your life will never be the same.
May 3, 2013
One doesn't go to McDonalds and buy a pizza, likewise, one ought not to go to a speaker and expect a thrilling book.
I'm a big fan of some of Thomas's material, I've even been to one of his live events and there's no doubt the man is a phenominal speaker with the capacity to inspire the masses but his book, like his material, lacks an overall message. The book can be guilty of slipping into the Eric Thomas "I've made it" show, where the author proclaims his "success"... sometimes forgetting to add the "you can do it too" part.
His story of rejection and revival lacks any real emotive edge. Thomas rarely, if ever, goes into any details of his struggle, the emotions or difficulties. This makes his journey seem hollow and brushed over "I was homeless, but I'm better now" is the general impression I was given.
The book is very "entry level" in terms of its capacity to motivate or provide any real material for "self improvement", the best it does in these fields is to pay lip service to some of the real quality pieces in these generes.
With all this in mind I would struggle to recommend this book to anyone, it's short, lacks a clear message and to round off the rushed feeling.... it has spelling mistakes.
I'm a big fan of some of Thomas's material, I've even been to one of his live events and there's no doubt the man is a phenominal speaker with the capacity to inspire the masses but his book, like his material, lacks an overall message. The book can be guilty of slipping into the Eric Thomas "I've made it" show, where the author proclaims his "success"... sometimes forgetting to add the "you can do it too" part.
His story of rejection and revival lacks any real emotive edge. Thomas rarely, if ever, goes into any details of his struggle, the emotions or difficulties. This makes his journey seem hollow and brushed over "I was homeless, but I'm better now" is the general impression I was given.
The book is very "entry level" in terms of its capacity to motivate or provide any real material for "self improvement", the best it does in these fields is to pay lip service to some of the real quality pieces in these generes.
With all this in mind I would struggle to recommend this book to anyone, it's short, lacks a clear message and to round off the rushed feeling.... it has spelling mistakes.
November 20, 2015
We mostly know ET for his phenomenal motivational speeches on YouTube. I remember the first time I got to see him speak was in an amateurishly recorded video, while he was giving his "guru speech," and I thought, "Wow ... This guy knows how to pump you up. It's a wonder he's not famous." Some time passed before I stumbled upon his YouTube channel "ETTheHipHopPreacher," and it was like a source of inspiration I would go to whenever I felt out of gas.
This book cast a whole new light on the challenges ET has had to overcome to get to this point and shows you that the reason there's so much passion in his speech is that he's telling you what he's learned firsthand. Even though at times while reading I felt the title is perhaps misleading and not very well thought as the book is more of a biography, I still appreciate much of the content as it narrates a story and uses the story to reach each tip for success.
I specially enjoyed one segment of the book which focused on strategies on being a better teacher and can say made me long for teaching, although I've just temporarily quit to focus on my studies.
This book cast a whole new light on the challenges ET has had to overcome to get to this point and shows you that the reason there's so much passion in his speech is that he's telling you what he's learned firsthand. Even though at times while reading I felt the title is perhaps misleading and not very well thought as the book is more of a biography, I still appreciate much of the content as it narrates a story and uses the story to reach each tip for success.
I specially enjoyed one segment of the book which focused on strategies on being a better teacher and can say made me long for teaching, although I've just temporarily quit to focus on my studies.
March 23, 2014
If there is one thing you got to realize its this: Its amazing how much BS you went through and still end up being okay. Give credit to where you are now. You've gotten this far. You are much stronger than you think. Once you know this You Can Do Anything
Eric Thomas is down to earth and keeps it real. He doesn't sugarcoat pain, he acknowledges it, yet he doesn't let pain conquer. Its all about perspective :) "Remember Pain is Temporary, Quitting however lasts forever"
Stories like this, help us see we aren't alone, and in truth we all have a story to tell.
Eric Thomas is down to earth and keeps it real. He doesn't sugarcoat pain, he acknowledges it, yet he doesn't let pain conquer. Its all about perspective :) "Remember Pain is Temporary, Quitting however lasts forever"
Stories like this, help us see we aren't alone, and in truth we all have a story to tell.
March 6, 2012
Very inspirational book, the whole time I was hooked and sometimes had trouble putting the book down. Eric Thomas has a lot to share and just made me feel better after reading it and made me want to work harder. Easy read --> the book has a very good flow to it and while I was reading it I got lost to the outside world because I was so into the book.
October 29, 2012
The Secret to success was a good book. Its very easy to read and understand, especially for people my age. Its a motivational book for young readers mainly. Eric Thomas provides you with many lessons and tips for life. He also connects them with past stories in his life. Not only does he have this book, he also has a few videos that are just like the book.
The book starts off with Eric's parents leaving for Chicago to visit his aunt Wanda. He throws a party while they are gone and tries to cover it up. Little did he know, his dad makes an early return. Eric clearly didnt do the best job of cleaning up. He gets caught and everything from there goes down hill. Overall this was a great book and I highly recommend it for teenagers/young-adults. Its very motivational and can help you get by from day to day. My favorite quote which is from this book is, "when you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful."
The book starts off with Eric's parents leaving for Chicago to visit his aunt Wanda. He throws a party while they are gone and tries to cover it up. Little did he know, his dad makes an early return. Eric clearly didnt do the best job of cleaning up. He gets caught and everything from there goes down hill. Overall this was a great book and I highly recommend it for teenagers/young-adults. Its very motivational and can help you get by from day to day. My favorite quote which is from this book is, "when you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful."
January 2, 2013
The secret to success is an inspiring story about how someone changed from being homeless to being successful. although, i did not agree with ALL of it's messages. when Eric Thomas's mom and stepdad disown him because he seemed to have no future eric has to get in gear and get his life back. can he do it? this book is a good one was recommended to me by a teacher in my school and contains lots of good advice with a good message, however Eric's success included a huge element of luck and starts with a truly sad story of unfortunate individuals.The secret to success is a wonderful example of memoir writing because it tells about parts of Eric thomas's life in which he struggled with and overcame obstacles, instead of his entire life. This book would give good ideas and advice mostly to people in elementary school-college because it gives those age groups the motivation. This book would be great to have in school libraries or in easily accessible places. i rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
December 26, 2014
Came across Eric Thomas through his inspirational youtube videos. The book clearly came off the back of the video's success, and gave deeper insight in to Eric's background and life story. While it lacked any tangible advice or direction, it was certainly a motivational read and provided a strong reminder to keep battling, keep pushing forward and keep working hard in the pursuit of dreams.
Some quotes from the book...
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
- Leo Tolstoy,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 4: Change Starts with You
Don’t make a habit out of choosing what feels good over what’s actually good for you.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 4: Change Starts with You
You are the executive director and screenwriter of your life.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 5: Where Do I Start?
What you envision in your mind, how you see yourself, and how you envision the world around you is of great importance because those things become your focus.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 5: Where Do I Start?
A year from now you may wish you had started today.
- Karen Lamb,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 6: When I Move, You Move
Both desire and imagination are stored in the mind of the individual and when stretched, both have the potential to position a person for greatness.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 6: When I Move, You Move
Things change for the better when we take responsibility for our own thoughts, decisions and actions.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 6: When I Move, You Move
When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
- Peter Marshall,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 7: Go Where You’re Celebrated
Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last.
- Hamilton Holt,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 11: You should have put a ring on it
There is nothing wrong with dreaming big dreams, just know that all roads that lead to success have to pass through Hardwork Boulevard at some point.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 11: You should have put a ring on it
Never underestimate the importance of the beginning. The beginning has the seeds of everything else to come. Started a G.E.D. program in the hood and the rest was history.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 14: P.U.S.H. (Push Until Something Happens)
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 18: If I Could Be Like Mike
We all have the ability to produce greatness in our lives.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Epilogue
Some quotes from the book...
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
- Leo Tolstoy,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 4: Change Starts with You
Don’t make a habit out of choosing what feels good over what’s actually good for you.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 4: Change Starts with You
You are the executive director and screenwriter of your life.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 5: Where Do I Start?
What you envision in your mind, how you see yourself, and how you envision the world around you is of great importance because those things become your focus.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 5: Where Do I Start?
A year from now you may wish you had started today.
- Karen Lamb,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 6: When I Move, You Move
Both desire and imagination are stored in the mind of the individual and when stretched, both have the potential to position a person for greatness.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 6: When I Move, You Move
Things change for the better when we take responsibility for our own thoughts, decisions and actions.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 6: When I Move, You Move
When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.
- Peter Marshall,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 7: Go Where You’re Celebrated
Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only way to accomplish results that last.
- Hamilton Holt,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 11: You should have put a ring on it
There is nothing wrong with dreaming big dreams, just know that all roads that lead to success have to pass through Hardwork Boulevard at some point.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 11: You should have put a ring on it
Never underestimate the importance of the beginning. The beginning has the seeds of everything else to come. Started a G.E.D. program in the hood and the rest was history.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 14: P.U.S.H. (Push Until Something Happens)
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Chapter 18: If I Could Be Like Mike
We all have the ability to produce greatness in our lives.
- Eric Thomas,
The Secrets to Success, Epilogue
February 14, 2015
I listened to the audiobook and I imagine that this would be the way to go for this book. The audio version is narrated by Eric Thomas himself and his narration is rich and engaging. Here are some of the takeaways I enjoyed.
- Consider all the consequences of your choices. You don't know what you have till its gone. E.T ran away from home at the age of 16 only to realize how great, physically at least, his life at home was.
- Give to others. Be that good friend who supports and adds value onto others. E.T hosted GED workshops even when he didn't get paid all in the pursuit of his dream job. He credits his success to a few key individuals who believed in him and mentored him in ways he didn't think were possible.
- Never give up, look inward, and pray. Good things happen to good people. Indeed, multiple times in his life, seemingly random events occurred to help him survive the situation.
- Believe in yourself and believe in hard work. You will reap what you sow. I enjoyed this analogy. You may sow many seeds, the result will depend on the goodness of the seed and it will take time to see the results.
This book is especially powerful for at risks youths as E.T is someone who barely finished high school but ended up getting a Ph.D. His approachable style and modern twist makes it an inspirational read for anyone.
- Consider all the consequences of your choices. You don't know what you have till its gone. E.T ran away from home at the age of 16 only to realize how great, physically at least, his life at home was.
- Give to others. Be that good friend who supports and adds value onto others. E.T hosted GED workshops even when he didn't get paid all in the pursuit of his dream job. He credits his success to a few key individuals who believed in him and mentored him in ways he didn't think were possible.
- Never give up, look inward, and pray. Good things happen to good people. Indeed, multiple times in his life, seemingly random events occurred to help him survive the situation.
- Believe in yourself and believe in hard work. You will reap what you sow. I enjoyed this analogy. You may sow many seeds, the result will depend on the goodness of the seed and it will take time to see the results.
This book is especially powerful for at risks youths as E.T is someone who barely finished high school but ended up getting a Ph.D. His approachable style and modern twist makes it an inspirational read for anyone.
June 14, 2022
So, i am a huge fan of all the public speaking content Eric does. I think I’m person he does a great job illustrating his story and than making others feel they have it in them too. However, you have to pick your words of wisdom out of this book and take them with you. This book was a lot about him, his success story, and not so much about “the secret to success”
August 19, 2024
Great book, honestly at first I didn't know much about Eric Thomas.
But he went through quite a difficult life and this book really felt like he extracted each of those life turning lessons and shared them with us.
Solid quick read.
But he went through quite a difficult life and this book really felt like he extracted each of those life turning lessons and shared them with us.
Solid quick read.
August 12, 2018
Part biography part instructional low level take-home points. Interesting life.
December 13, 2021
One of the best books I have ever read in my life! Highly recommend it to anyone who wants to be better in life and reinvent themselves ❤️
November 8, 2021
greet book
January 9, 2023
Excellent. ET has an amazing story and a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed.
September 4, 2022
A great story of redemption, unrelenting faith. God worked many miracles in his life.
July 4, 2017
Definitely a great starter read to those seeking self-help or inspirational books or even those in high school or college for sure. ET tells a great story and shares great advice but this is more of a success story versus shedding light on his secrets to success, although he does touch on that briefly throughout parts of the book. Part of me is glad it wasn't a "step by step guide" on how to be successful or a "What It Takes" book. ET gives off this energy that is untouchable and incomparable and you get that energy in this book. ET finishes (no spoilers) the book flawlessly though and does give you that primary ingredient to success.
I decided this book was 5 stars primarily for personal reasons and not just based on the content within the book, as I stated above, because it beat my expectations that I had going into it. ET really has a gift for inspiring others, I listen to his TGIM videos, mix-tapes, read his books and follow him on social media, because there was a time when I was in a dark place and I had stumbled upon an inspirational video that had ET's voice preaching in the background and his energy just lifted me up out of my seat and got me moving again and I haven't looked back since. He showed me there was still light at the end of the tunnel and I haven't even met the dude. Give it a read!
I decided this book was 5 stars primarily for personal reasons and not just based on the content within the book, as I stated above, because it beat my expectations that I had going into it. ET really has a gift for inspiring others, I listen to his TGIM videos, mix-tapes, read his books and follow him on social media, because there was a time when I was in a dark place and I had stumbled upon an inspirational video that had ET's voice preaching in the background and his energy just lifted me up out of my seat and got me moving again and I haven't looked back since. He showed me there was still light at the end of the tunnel and I haven't even met the dude. Give it a read!
November 30, 2012
Eric Thomas' The Secret to Success was recommended to me by a friend, and I'm glad I stopped to read this inspring book. Thomas did a great job weaving in elements of his personal story to remind you he's more like you than not and assure you the principles were derived from real-life experiences not theories. There are moments when you fault the book's editor(s) for not doing more to help this first-time author with the structure and formatting of the book, but the errors often hint back to the real and raw nature of the message and messenger. With that said, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who is consistently and/or intentionally living beneath their potential. I believe this book would especially resonate with adolescents, minorities and educators. After completing this book, my first thought was "who can I share this book with?" Now, I know why my friend shared this book with me; it begs to be shared.
April 22, 2013
The secret to success is an inspiring story about how someone changed from being homeless to being successful. although, i did not agree with ALL of it's messages. when Eric Thomas's mom and stepdad disown him because he seemed to have no future eric has to get in gear and get his life back. can he do it? this book is a good one was recommended to me by a teacher in my school and contains lots of good advice with a good message, however Eric's success included a huge element of luck and starts with a truly sad story of unfortunate individuals.The secret to success is a wonderful example of memoir writing because it tells about parts of Eric thomas's life in which he struggled with and overcame obstacles, instead of his entire life. This book would give good ideas and advice mostly to people in elementary school-college because it gives those age groups the motivation. This book would be great to have in school libraries or in easily accessible places. I give this book 5 out of 5 !!!
October 23, 2021
What I am finding with the bios of millionaires and influencers are singular in theme. They are hungry. Driven to be successful. Different reasons why. Difference histories, but they all rose due to a iron will. Many times they came from poverty, sorrow, or personal pain. They wanted to fix something in their life and no matter the cost or opposition...they would find a way. No matter how long it took.
Eric Thomas is one of my favorite motivational Speakers. His words have a raw hunger and force in each sentence given. Eric was homeless, desperate and hurting. He used his past not as a stumbling stone but as a catalyst for his drive.
I am a fan of a man who made motivational videos in the woods, who got up at 3 am daily, facing his demons...who "wanted to succeed as bad as he wanted to breath"...and is now speaking to corporations and sport industries as one of America's top professional speakers.
Book has some bad language in it. But the body of this written work is solid.
Eric Thomas is one of my favorite motivational Speakers. His words have a raw hunger and force in each sentence given. Eric was homeless, desperate and hurting. He used his past not as a stumbling stone but as a catalyst for his drive.
I am a fan of a man who made motivational videos in the woods, who got up at 3 am daily, facing his demons...who "wanted to succeed as bad as he wanted to breath"...and is now speaking to corporations and sport industries as one of America's top professional speakers.
Book has some bad language in it. But the body of this written work is solid.
November 23, 2012
I've always been hesitant listening to or reading literature by motivational speakers because I feel as though it's the same general "do more and you will become successful" tactics! But Eric Thomas has given me the much needed inspiration and motivation to believe again and that in order to succeed you need that "can do" attitude. He has taken the desire to being the best at everything to a whole new level. I have accepted that failure is an option but only if you are willing to try again! This book is a short read that can be read in less than a week (guilty!!). This is a great book for high school and college students, professionals or adults who just haven't a clue what to do with their lives. ET encourages, inspires, and excites! And if a high school drop out can amount to great success, so can YOU!
September 18, 2013
I really enjoyed reading The Secret to Success by Eric Thomas. It was one of those books that the reader doesn't want to set down. Eric Thomas does a phenomenal job of using his path to success to pull out tips and principles that the reader can use to become more successful. He incorporates his real life experiences into the book to show the reader what he could have done differently and how he can learn from his past mistakes and failures. The book really motivated me after seeing that someone who was a high school drop out and living on the streets can turn there life around in such a drastic way that they are now earning a six-figure salary and being invited to speak at some of the top colleges and sports teams around the nation. After reading this book it motivated me to begin doing these things I'm currently doing now.
July 19, 2022
I believe this book targets young men. I am a forty-year-old man and I feel like I'd already learned 90% of the wisdom in this book. Where ET really nails it is his inspiration. Late in the book after listening to the chapter about teaching, I immediately went on, feeling like that chapter didn't apply to me. I was afraid the book would have a dull ending. I wish I hadn't doubted him. It was one of the strongest endings I've ever read, and I've read my fair share of books by Christian authors. Dr. Thomas definitely has a brilliant gift of encouragement. I think I will buy this book for the young men in my family.
January 4, 2013
A very easy read, but enlightening nonetheless. There are multiple lessons that one can learn from reading this book as well as tips about how to approach life and/or school. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever doubted themselves or felt indecisive at times in their life. The biggest of these lessons that I learned, there is no secret to success which I had already knew there wasn't one. Heart power is fueled by desire and desire along with heart will take you to your destination. Another important lesson is that success is NOT a destination, but rather a journey.
January 14, 2014
I am giving this book a 4, slightly reluctantly. It was a good, descriptive book, but it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. His "Secret to Success" is just an autobiography on his life. He does give some elementary life lessons, but they all aren't close to what this guy does on YouTube. I was hoping the book would be more like his speeches. I did enjoy the book, I'm glad I read it, but it really wasn't what I was looking for.
May 22, 2021
Thomas does an excellent job of combining his own imspirational story with motivating quotes and advice to help you understand that you won't succeed until you want to succeed as badly as you want to breathe. Success comes from within us because we work hard and persevere. An excellent read for anyone who is feeling down on their luck, stuck in life or career, or those who like to read stories about people who have overcome great challenges to be where they are today.
June 15, 2022
I had the privilege of meeting Eric Thomas when we were on the campus of Michigan State University. I was a student, and he was helping at-risk college students succeed. He was an inspiration to me then, as he is now. This book is primarily autobiographical, with principles of success sprinkled throughout. It’s a great book to give to young adult men struggling to find their way. I recommend the audiobook as ET reads it himself.
January 30, 2013
Great book if you believe in Eric Thomas' message! I had heard of his struggles through homelessness, and it was great seeing how he got to where he is now.
The reason I give it a 4 is because I downloaded the Kindle version which isn't yet formatted correctly. I would recommend buying the physical copy or waiting for the correctly formatted Kindle version
The reason I give it a 4 is because I downloaded the Kindle version which isn't yet formatted correctly. I would recommend buying the physical copy or waiting for the correctly formatted Kindle version
August 16, 2013
One of the most motivational books I've ever read [listened to]. Eric Thomas tells us his story and the different things he's learned along the way (sometimes, the hard way). He overcame all sorts of adversity to make it to where he is today. Loved the story and the audiobook was extremely enjoyable with him narrating. Highly recommended; officially one of my favorites.
May 16, 2015
Inspiring autobiography by E.T. the Hip Hop Preacher. Since he is an inspiring speaker I chose to listen to the audio book version rather than read it. Besides, they were his words. Better to hear them in his voice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews