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The Hero's Choice
Hal's Stratton's life is turned upside down when, without warning, the board of directors of his own company fires him. The event sends Hal into a tailspin and he alienates everyone around him as he struggles desperately to make sense out of what happened and find a way forward. Eventually, the crisis awakens him to a new way of seeing and thinking. But old habits die hard. Gradually and haltingly, Hal opens his heart to the lessons of life and eventually discovers an inner peace, joy, love, and abundance he'd never thought possible. Circumstances have not changed. But life, for Hal, has changed dramatically. The book is a beautiful story of becoming; of learning to handle the challenges of life in new and empowering ways; of coming from a "bigger place;" of learning to communicate openly so people can stop seeing one another as adversaries and come to a shared understanding of the challenges they face.
- GenresSelf Help
270 pages
First published January 1, 2008
1 person is currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Roger K. Allen
5 books4 followersRoger K. Allen, Ph.D., is an expert in personal development and family relationships as well as organizational leadership and teams. Using his engaging style, Roger has delivered thousands of workshops, retreats, and seminars around the country which have been acclaimed as among the most powerful learning experiences available anywhere.
In 1980, Roger founded and served as president of the Human Development Institute, providing thousands of hours of individual, marriage, and family therapy to a diverse client population and supervising the work of other members of the professional staff. During this time he created and taught, along with other HDI staff, experiential programs in personal development and family relations in a number of cities around the country.
In 1992, Roger, along with Preston Pond, co-founded the Center for Organizational Design to help leaders create high performance organizations. Roger helps leaders do the deep work to become a cohesive team capable of defining the direction of the organization and rallying employees behind them to achieve outstanding and sustainable business results. He has spearheaded major executive and organizational development projects with many Fortune 500 companies.
Programs developed by Roger have helped hundreds of organizations and hundreds of thousands of people transform their personal and professional lives. More than 800 trainers, coaches, and consultants from around the country have been certified to teach programs that Roger and his business partners have developed.
An outdoor enthusiast and father of four adult children and fifteen grandchildren, Roger resides in metro Denver, Colorado, with his wife Judy.
In 1980, Roger founded and served as president of the Human Development Institute, providing thousands of hours of individual, marriage, and family therapy to a diverse client population and supervising the work of other members of the professional staff. During this time he created and taught, along with other HDI staff, experiential programs in personal development and family relations in a number of cities around the country.
In 1992, Roger, along with Preston Pond, co-founded the Center for Organizational Design to help leaders create high performance organizations. Roger helps leaders do the deep work to become a cohesive team capable of defining the direction of the organization and rallying employees behind them to achieve outstanding and sustainable business results. He has spearheaded major executive and organizational development projects with many Fortune 500 companies.
Programs developed by Roger have helped hundreds of organizations and hundreds of thousands of people transform their personal and professional lives. More than 800 trainers, coaches, and consultants from around the country have been certified to teach programs that Roger and his business partners have developed.
An outdoor enthusiast and father of four adult children and fifteen grandchildren, Roger resides in metro Denver, Colorado, with his wife Judy.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 16, 2019
This was one of the first books in a very very long time that I had a hard time putting down and it was so compelling that I was thoroughly engrossed in the book and the entire outside world was beyond my perception.
The overall story line and writing was phenomenal, following the mature emotional development of a father who at the beginning of the book could not take responsibility for his actions and saw the wold as his enemy. What I liked most about his development was the fact that it was not a straight line up to perfect, he still slipped up and created a more relatable and 'real' (if you will) character.
The book is written in 1st person limited but all of the characters feelings in the book were made clear by the narrator and his description of the other's behaviors despite his warped perception of reality, especially at the beginning of the book. Allen nicely balances the perception of an unreliable narrator and ensuring the reader understands the true situations occurring in the book.
My overall favorite part of the book was actually the underlined phrases in the book that were real bits of psychology tied into a fiction novel. Beyond creating relatable characters that the reader is easily able to care about and empathize with, Allen has also intuitively placed bits of real world wisdom/knowledge throughout the book. As a result of this book and Roger Allen's ability to write a compelling self-help fiction novel. The theme that stood out to me most was the teacher can be completely invested in teaching the student, but if the student isn't willing to learn there is no point in teaching (or on the flipside being a student who doesn't want to learn) I personally have improved and others around me have noticed it as well. I fully intend on re-reading the book a few times and buying my own physical copy.
*Spoiler*
The end of the book left me wanting more when the "mountain man" just moved out and disappeared without a word. It made me question the sanity of the main character when he decided to show the rest of his family the man that he had been talking to and improving with his help, and the man was gone and the house was empty. I honestly with there was a follow up or a conclusion, but it also leaves the reader with a sentiment that after one has helped you, even when they're gone, you can continue to live the improved life you achieved and pay it back/pay it forward by helping the next person who is willing to learn.
The overall story line and writing was phenomenal, following the mature emotional development of a father who at the beginning of the book could not take responsibility for his actions and saw the wold as his enemy. What I liked most about his development was the fact that it was not a straight line up to perfect, he still slipped up and created a more relatable and 'real' (if you will) character.
The book is written in 1st person limited but all of the characters feelings in the book were made clear by the narrator and his description of the other's behaviors despite his warped perception of reality, especially at the beginning of the book. Allen nicely balances the perception of an unreliable narrator and ensuring the reader understands the true situations occurring in the book.
My overall favorite part of the book was actually the underlined phrases in the book that were real bits of psychology tied into a fiction novel. Beyond creating relatable characters that the reader is easily able to care about and empathize with, Allen has also intuitively placed bits of real world wisdom/knowledge throughout the book. As a result of this book and Roger Allen's ability to write a compelling self-help fiction novel. The theme that stood out to me most was the teacher can be completely invested in teaching the student, but if the student isn't willing to learn there is no point in teaching (or on the flipside being a student who doesn't want to learn) I personally have improved and others around me have noticed it as well. I fully intend on re-reading the book a few times and buying my own physical copy.
*Spoiler*
The end of the book left me wanting more when the "mountain man" just moved out and disappeared without a word. It made me question the sanity of the main character when he decided to show the rest of his family the man that he had been talking to and improving with his help, and the man was gone and the house was empty. I honestly with there was a follow up or a conclusion, but it also leaves the reader with a sentiment that after one has helped you, even when they're gone, you can continue to live the improved life you achieved and pay it back/pay it forward by helping the next person who is willing to learn.
November 27, 2013
Loved this book from my friend Roger Allen. He's a master. Best coach/consultant/advisor I've ever had. Lots of his wisdom can be found within the pages of this book. Give it a read!
November 27, 2022
This was given to me by a friend who insisted I read it or I never would’ve finished it. It was extremely cheesy and a watered down version of Bonds that Make us Free and Leadership & Self-Deception. I loved Bonds that make us free—I thought leadership and self deception was okay, but this was difficult to make it through I think because I was already very familiar with the ideas it was presenting. The way the author presented the ideas in this one felt patronizing and a bit canned.
October 31, 2024
Positive and helpful life principles taught through a compelling story.
I especially liked his four stages of emotional maturation: survival (fear), security (duty), success (ego), serenity (love). Very applicable and helpful.
I wish there were more books like this out there, both fun and educational.
I especially liked his four stages of emotional maturation: survival (fear), security (duty), success (ego), serenity (love). Very applicable and helpful.
I wish there were more books like this out there, both fun and educational.
December 27, 2018
Structured like many other self-help/"message" novels (guy experiences crisis, meets mysterious old sage who he routinely visits for wisdom-dumps, changes life and saves the day), but definitely the most heartfelt and meaningful I've read. Recommended!
December 1, 2008
I have to admit I was nervous to read this book since it is written by my Uncle and his daughter is on my Good Reads list so I knew she would probably see my review if I reviewed it. What if I didn't like it? I wouldn't be able to write that! But I am pleased to say that it was wonderful! Well done Uncle Roger. It was well written and had a great message about taking accountability for your own choices-something I think most of us know we need to do but could sure stand to be reminded of. Loved it!
December 13, 2011
Not sure that I like the style of writing where you try to teach a method of living like this. The theories and ideas are great. I just don't like them put in book format, I guess. Still, I figure it's good information that easily digestible for others, so, what the heck!
May 13, 2015
Great book, everyone should read this. It does a great job showing that we choose the way we respond to everything. It
also showed how we perceive situations differently depending on how we choose to see it. Great book!
also showed how we perceive situations differently depending on how we choose to see it. Great book!
August 13, 2008
Awesome book!! Everyone must read it. It will change your life and you way of thinking. It has helped me become more positive in life!
August 14, 2008
Well I can't say enough good about this book! Everyone should read it and I have a copy I'm willing to share!
February 3, 2009
the was a great book i recommend about human relationships and behavior.
November 16, 2013
book that is similar to peacegiver. it takes you through a fictional life event and shows how the man could have had a different outcome if he had softened his heart.
June 21, 2012
Lots of things to think about in regards to my own behavior....
January 10, 2018
This is a book I believe I was very lucky to find and read ..
It is a novel that could be more of a self help book addressing emotional maturity, personal growth and with a beautiful touch of spiritually.
In telling the story of Hal Stratton, his journey of personal growth after being fired from his job , the author cleverly fits his concepts about emotional maturity within the different phases of the journey. The bulk of the wisdom, life lessons are found in the chapters on the meetings Hal had with his " mountain guru " Donald which I really enjoyed reading. The way Hal then applied his learnt lessons in real life is equally enjoyable ..
This was a great book where as I mentioned is more of self help book than a novel where the author summarized his experience on emotional maturity which can be very useful for anybody in life and it's journey .. raising awareness .. promoting love and positivity .. hopefully helpful in achieving serenity ..
Straight recommendation !
It is a novel that could be more of a self help book addressing emotional maturity, personal growth and with a beautiful touch of spiritually.
In telling the story of Hal Stratton, his journey of personal growth after being fired from his job , the author cleverly fits his concepts about emotional maturity within the different phases of the journey. The bulk of the wisdom, life lessons are found in the chapters on the meetings Hal had with his " mountain guru " Donald which I really enjoyed reading. The way Hal then applied his learnt lessons in real life is equally enjoyable ..
This was a great book where as I mentioned is more of self help book than a novel where the author summarized his experience on emotional maturity which can be very useful for anybody in life and it's journey .. raising awareness .. promoting love and positivity .. hopefully helpful in achieving serenity ..
Straight recommendation !
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews