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Mission: Success
A success book that both motivates and entertains, this is the gripping story of a World War II bombardier who is granted a very special gift--the gift of success--which he now shares with us all.
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1987
18 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Og Mandino
264 books899 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 23, 2022
This is the 4th book I’ve read of Og Mandino. I’m finding myself finishing them up in an afternoon. I do not think I will find one that I don’t thoroughly enjoy. Although they are relatively short, the characters are so rich that you care for them quickly. I found myself in tears at the end of this one. Thank you again, Mandino, for all that you have written.
April 14, 2011
Short and easy to read like all his books. This one had more appeal to me since it was not so strictly oriented towards making a lot of money or having a successful carrier. This one was more on paying tribute to Friends in High Places. Sweet story.
February 14, 2010
Og Mandino's books are quick, easy reads....packed with wisdom & inspiration!!! Perfect if you are looking for material on self-development.
June 16, 2011
One of the most inspirational books I've ever read. Great job Og!
April 8, 2017
I read this book, cover to cover, at least once yearly. Stay the course.
June 18, 2013
I never thought that the story line would reflect the title in such a way. An excellent read...from start to finish!!
August 2, 2013
Aunque no soy muy amante de los libros de autoayuda y motivación, reconozco que gracias al "storytelling" este es uno de los que me ha gustado.
November 13, 2018
I love Og Mandino's work! Easy to read allegories that allow you to be entertained while learning highly valuable life lessons.
April 15, 2019
This book shows the true value of mentorship.
March 10, 2020
Mandino never fails to tell a heartfelt story with parable type lessons. I'm reading through his books...one at a time!
November 23, 2025
Og Mandino’s Mission: Success! blends wartime drama with timeless wisdom, creating a story that pulls you in from the first page. The writing is incredibly engaging—clear, warm, and easy to follow—making it a book you can finish in just a few hours. Yet despite its brevity, it delivers a message with real depth.
The story follows a young U.S. Army bomber pilot stationed near London during World War II. Between dangerous missions over Germany, he finds refuge in a quiet London hotel—an unlikely sanctuary that becomes the turning point of his life. There, the elderly hotel owner takes him under her wing and teaches him the foundational principles of character, faith, and success. Her guidance, rooted in family values and trust in God, helps him navigate not only the pressures of war but also the path ahead.
When the war ends, he applies these principles back home. With persistence, gratitude, and unwavering faith, he builds an extraordinary life, eventually becoming a multimillionaire—not through shortcuts, but through discipline and purpose.
Mandino’s storytelling is masterful. The lessons are simple yet profound, delivered through a narrative that never feels heavy-handed. The entire book radiates encouragement and clarity, making the wisdom feel both accessible and actionable. I found it deeply inspiring, and it resonated with me in a meaningful way.
Mission: Success! is more than a brief, uplifting read—it’s a reminder that the greatest victories often begin within. If you’re looking for a short, powerful book that strengthens your mindset and renews your sense of purpose, this is a wonderful place to start.
The story follows a young U.S. Army bomber pilot stationed near London during World War II. Between dangerous missions over Germany, he finds refuge in a quiet London hotel—an unlikely sanctuary that becomes the turning point of his life. There, the elderly hotel owner takes him under her wing and teaches him the foundational principles of character, faith, and success. Her guidance, rooted in family values and trust in God, helps him navigate not only the pressures of war but also the path ahead.
When the war ends, he applies these principles back home. With persistence, gratitude, and unwavering faith, he builds an extraordinary life, eventually becoming a multimillionaire—not through shortcuts, but through discipline and purpose.
Mandino’s storytelling is masterful. The lessons are simple yet profound, delivered through a narrative that never feels heavy-handed. The entire book radiates encouragement and clarity, making the wisdom feel both accessible and actionable. I found it deeply inspiring, and it resonated with me in a meaningful way.
Mission: Success! is more than a brief, uplifting read—it’s a reminder that the greatest victories often begin within. If you’re looking for a short, powerful book that strengthens your mindset and renews your sense of purpose, this is a wonderful place to start.
July 21, 2025
A spectacular book by the great Og Mandino, drawing on his experience so as a WWII bombardier to tell the story of Luke Gardiner, a young man who is lost, and how with the help of a guide, one Winnie Marlow, he finds himself and lives a life of success! Well worth reading!
October 6, 2023
"Can you be both Successful and Happy?
Of course, once you realize not to depend on outside diversions like gold,
Titles, or Office Buildings for the satisfaction and tranquility that can only result from the love and Peace that you feel inside of you " Winnie Marlow
" Jesus said the Kingdom of God is inside of you, I am not sure we understand that yet. "
"Wealth and Success are not the most important things in the world,
the most important thing is how you feel about yourself when your head hits the pillow each night " Winnie Marlow
"We can awaken with a Joyful song in anticipation of the day ahead,
and allow harsh words, a spilled cup of Coffee, or a flat tire to ruin our entire day,
ignore these things because nothing external, man or event can have any power over you" Winnie Marlow
"Many of the books on management and Success are not helpful because they focus on a person's outside world. "
"A person's self-esteem is strongly related to what they contribute to the world "
"Friends in High Places are people who may have departed from us and are separated by centuries,
who despite their handicaps and afflictions left us principles on how to live a better life.
Paul calls them "Clouds of Witnesses who watch over us to this very day. "
Of course, once you realize not to depend on outside diversions like gold,
Titles, or Office Buildings for the satisfaction and tranquility that can only result from the love and Peace that you feel inside of you " Winnie Marlow
" Jesus said the Kingdom of God is inside of you, I am not sure we understand that yet. "
"Wealth and Success are not the most important things in the world,
the most important thing is how you feel about yourself when your head hits the pillow each night " Winnie Marlow
"We can awaken with a Joyful song in anticipation of the day ahead,
and allow harsh words, a spilled cup of Coffee, or a flat tire to ruin our entire day,
ignore these things because nothing external, man or event can have any power over you" Winnie Marlow
"Many of the books on management and Success are not helpful because they focus on a person's outside world. "
"A person's self-esteem is strongly related to what they contribute to the world "
"Friends in High Places are people who may have departed from us and are separated by centuries,
who despite their handicaps and afflictions left us principles on how to live a better life.
Paul calls them "Clouds of Witnesses who watch over us to this very day. "
January 21, 2013
My mom loves this guy, but I had never read him until now. She handed me this book as I was going out the door to the airport, and I finished the other books, I was taking, so yeah.
Since it's pretty short, I finished it all in one sitting.
It was a bit heavyhanded, but the message is nice.
I'd say it was okay.
Since it's pretty short, I finished it all in one sitting.
It was a bit heavyhanded, but the message is nice.
I'd say it was okay.
Read
October 16, 2013Excellent book. I read the Seeds of Success every morning and it's done wonders for my perspective. If you're feeling low on recognition and motivation, looking for meaning in life and/or ready for a new start, this book's for you.
July 22, 2009
Inspirational!
February 12, 2013
What an excellent read. Couldn't stop so read it all in less than a day. :)) I'm definitely reading Og Mandino's other sure-to-be-amazing books!
December 5, 2014
I really like the way of Mr. Og Mandino tell their histories so simple to understand, plain and simple.
January 8, 2023
The Seeds of SUCCESS!!!
June 21, 2009
It`s important to have the misssion in life!
August 9, 2011
First published in 1987, but is absolutely timeless. Beautiful and simple.
Read
December 23, 2012Many motivational tips! Excellent read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews