The Cabin at the End of the Train: A Story About Pursuing Dreams

by Michael V. Ivanov

From the author of The Mount of Olives comes an enriching story about pursuing dreams. Author Michael V. Ivanov beautifully blends true events from his personal life with fiction and allegory in an entertaining and inspiring instruction manual for better living. From a chance meeting with a remarkable old man by the name of “Carl,” a mysterious WWII veteran who shows up on the train at just the right time, The Cabin at the End of the Train provides 12 priceless lessons about purpose, life, and the importance of perspectives. The Cabin at the end of the train will provide you
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Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Inspirational, Self Help, Spiritualism, Christian Fiction

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2022

About the author

Michael is a Game-Changing speaker and Best-Selling author who has impacted millions with his message of resilience. He motivates readers and audiences of all ages and backgrounds to take personal responsibility for their lives, reconnect to their purpose, and cultivate success in every aspect of their lives. As a child, he immigrated to the United States just before the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War and is the grandson of a ‘Siege of Leningrad’ and Dachau camp survivor. Michael's talent for story-telling and his success principles motivate and empower readers and audiences to smash fears, limitations, and passive, excuse-oriented mindsets. He reveals how the personal choices we make, the attitudes we carry, and the principles we choose to live by, determine the success & quality of our lives.

He is writer and a motivational speaker on a mission to helping people stay alive all their lives!

Reviews

[Michelle Frankson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Life is happening with or without you”

A few weeks after my mum passed away, I saw a special in the supermarket on a favourite item of hers and was about to message her when I remembered that it’s not a problem for her anymore. In that moment more than any other it hit me hard that life goes on whether we are here or not. The question is how you will choose to live and experience the life that you have. This book reminded me of this fact.

The story appears to be autobiographical so I found myself reading it in the author’s voice. I follow him on IG so that’s how I know what he sounds like😊. The author takes us on two journeys. One being his train ride which is filled with rich imagery and the other, a far more personal journey which is written from the heart and is very authentic. The characters are down to earth and easy to relate to.
If you find yourself feeling a little lost or stuck or you feel like you are doing all the right things but the level of success you seek keeps eluding you, then do read this book. It’s a quick but impactful read that will help you to just take a step a back, re-assess and identify a way forward.
Great book!

[Andrea Kallfa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational

Author is on the right track but too many times I felt a disconnect between his words. I appreciate his trying to motivate his readers to be their best selves but something was lacking. Maybe it was because I felt like he was trying too hard.
I cannot put my finger on what was bothering me. Sorry for my negativity.

[becs · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!
By the halfway point, I was leaning more towards 4 stars, but by the end, I was back at 5.
These thoughts are fresh in my mind, but this book is an overall reminder of just coming back to the simple things in life, this is grounding. It reminds you that the only thing stopping you is you. Your thoughts are confining and can be limiting. It reminds us of how lucky we are.
A small reminder of this is the poem, "The World Is Mine", on pages 57 and 58.
I will say, after Carl was speaking for awhile,, It was starting to feel so scripted you know, for lack of a better phrase, but when you get to the end, you realize that there is a big time constraint, he only has so little time and so much to say, so much to remind us of, to bring us back to ourselves. And I understood then. I am curious as to why the author decided to make it so that Carl was this sort of dreamed up, figment of Michaels imagination, and Austin didn't remember him either..I suppose to have more meaning in the end, a sort of divine intervention, using his own real life story.
I don't have much to say other than that this is quick read that encompasses so much of what a lot of society is lacking, things that we forget, and its easy to lose yourself. This book is just- grounding. and encouraging. You have to have the will, you have to have an emotional connection, but affirmation is nothing without action.
Do it scared, all that matters is that you. did. it.

~And, I can't help but feel like this book found me at the right time, because I am starting something new with my career, starting a new part of my life. Simultaneously, I am trying with some effort to get my health back on track, so this was a good reminder of what it takes to make change.

[Sam Mansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very strong, emotional story. I absolutely enjoyed this read. Many life-lessons can be gleaned from this story ad the setting was perfect. The ending was very emotional for me. Thanks for the read.

[Michelle Connors · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST book I have read in a long time...had to finish it! Stayed up late to read it in it's entirety. I got this book from used bookseller... as I closed the book... I lifted the cover to find that I had a signed book by the author Michael Ivanov . "Never give up!" :) it read... with a smiley face and his signature. What a treat for me in many ways!!! Thank you Michael Ivanov!!

[Pamela Hollebrands · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book, didn't finish this book, threw this book away. I felt like I was back in school, should be taking notes for a group discussion. It's just not my type of book, I'm sure other people enjoyed it, I did not.

[Pam Sanderlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, inspirational and motivational. The story takes you on a journey to help in find the passion and joy in his life. Lots of wisdom we could all use in our own lives. Short read.

[Maggie Shaver · Rating 1 out of 5]

Forced and meandering.

[Emily Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I was sure that once I accomplished my goals, I would stop doubting myself, my mind would be at peace, and I would be content"

Sometimes you read a book and it just stays with you and gives you perspective and a different view on your own life.
This book was like that for me.

[Baba Boeey · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

[Tamara S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it felt a bit anticlimactic, an overall sweet story with a thought provoking message and lots of inspiring quotes. Also fun to read about the train route after having just traveled through most of the cities listed!

[Julie Cooney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book club convinced me 2/5 stars…

[Jack Darida · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grabbed this book for free from Amazon Prime, intrigued by the cover and the title. Hoping for a moving novel, I was treated instead to a self-help book with advice akin to Zig Ziglar, Norman Vincent Peale, and Tony Robbins. While there are certainly some motivational nuggets scattered throughout, they are not life-changing, as the main character experiences them. I am saddened by references to the Bible and the church as motivational examples, without any direction to seek the God of the Bible through His Son, Jesus Christ. Pursuing dreams is good. But, following self-help principles will only get you so far. Pursuing God and loving others well is the ultimate train to fulfillment in life, and apart from a relationship with the living God through His crucified and risen Son, these stories and principles are just empty platitudes.

[Janice Anders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too short and missed the mark

Unfortunately I did care for this book. The story was suddenly cut short and I was left wanting more from Michael and how he helped the kid, and how he went on to be the motivational speaker and writer he was meant to be. The first part of the book was great and then it ended with a thud. So much more could have been said and done. The story lacked action which I believe was the whole point of the story?

[Angelique · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel was NOT one of my favorites, but I finished it for book club. The supporting characters were limited, the narrator was an arrogant ass and if he talked about mediocre lives any more often, I was going to burn the book.
Are the messages important lessons? Sure, but they were so contrived and simplistic they became manipulative and sophomoric.
If you are looking for something that will uplift you and reach to the depths of your heart, keep looking, this is not that story.

[Rae Payette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching book full of wisdom and life lessons with a sweet little twist at the end!!
Such a beautifully written journey of introspection and self discovery and reconnecting to your true self, with a shroud of mystery and intrigue tied within the story.
Carl - WOW! What a character! I saved almost every quote or thought he uttered. What wisdom can be gleamed from people like him.
OUTSTANDING story! 5 SOLID STARS 🌟

[Katherine McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book…I have listened to it on Audible many times!

[Bryan Burks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great and inspiring book! Highly recommend!

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, tones of Mitch Album.

Short, but impactful

[Phanisree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly quick read and to be frank that was my motivation for picking it up — I needed to complete my Goodreads goal. However, I’m deeply grateful that I did. While the book doesn’t necessarily reveal anything groundbreaking or lessons that you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere, Michael is strangely a relatable character. There is nothing I cherish more than a good story, especially one that has characters disparate characters that seem to find each other in a great time of need. I was deeply touched by Carl’s kindness and enthusiasm and Michael’s fear and anxiety. Although the book made frequent references to religion but they were heartfelt and sincere. The book reaffirms that we need to remember to dream and choose to leave the prisons we’ve made in our minds. Good sentiments to walk into the new year with.

[Samuel Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! This book is one of those inspirational books that I could read over and over again! I am not a huge fan of motivational books because I typically tend to think what kind of authority do you have to give me advice, but when I saw this book at a local thrift store something called to me. I know that sounds weird but I picked it up and looked inside and the author had signed it! I was not familiar with him but since I’m a book lover, I picked it up and I’m so glad I did. This book taught me so much about not taking things for granted when trying to pursue your dreams and not to dwell on challenges. It answered so many questions about the author’s journey to get to where he is today but there are still a lot of questions that I have unanswered in regard to the characters…read it and you’ll be just as confused and maybe a tad emotional.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know what kind of people you will meet on a long train ride. But quiet frankly, we all need a Carl in our lives.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Co-worker chose this as our book study. Super quick, easy read with a nice message.

[Twobchelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not what I was expecting …. Life lessons and counting your blessings before time runs out.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book at the right time.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading so many positive reviews, I was really looking forward to reading this book. It's difficult for me to review after so many glowing comments because I did not find it "the best book I've ever read" as so many have said. It's not a bad book and I do appreciate the message the author tried to convey, but the writing was so-so. Is the book fiction? A biography? A self help book? Perhaps all of them. The ending seemed contrived. The author goes back and forth between stating his fears and in the next paragraph almost brags how famous and talented he is. Because of that, I feel his message got lost in the jumble of his thoughts.
Again, it isn't a bad book. I just did not find it motivational.

[Karlene Blackmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting a self-help pep talk book. The story felt forced. The author was the narrator for the audio book and I wished it had been someone who reads these books professionally. It felt like he was just reading words off of the page instead of telling the story. It was short so I finished it but I can’t say I really liked it.

[Donavan Wadsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

- A man takes a 4 day train trip to Chicago as a last ditch effort to escape his life and fears and discover who he is. He is an author and motivational speaker who hasn’t found much success, but he hopes to find some inspiration to improve his life. He finds himself in the back of a train in an old completely unlike the other cabins vintage car. In the car he hopes to have some alone time when an old 95 year old WW2. Veteran named Carl comes in. They get to talking and Carl shares all kinds of wisdom with the man. After this another man named Austin comes in. Turns out he has had an unsuccessful time selling roofs and he has a daughter with cancer. He feels like a failure and his life is falling apart. They all get to talking and Carl shares so much good wisdom about finding meaning for life. “Sometimes you need a little perspective.” “Don’t wait to be discovered.” Because if the snow they have a layover in a small town called Whitefish where in Christmas Carl wants to go to an evening service. The man does not but helps him get into the church and just before sneaking out a nervous man comes up on stage with burn marks on his face and sings a beautiful rendition of O Holy Night. This reminds him of the sacrifice of his Grandparents and then the Sacrifice of his immigrant parents. It moved the man. The next morning the train is set to leave at 9:00 and Carl is nowhere to be found. Him and Austin search everywhere for him until they find him at the church serving warm food for anyone in need. They get back in the train and Carl tells them. “When your heart breaks for those less fortunate; then you can be entrusted with Diamonds.” After Austin leaves to go get lunch Carl tells the man not to waste his only chance to do what he found himself in this train for and that was to discover who he really was. The man taken aback by this went to his cabin and napped. When he woke up Carl had disappeared actually apparently he had never been on the train at all. When he finds Austin he has no idea who the man is, but the man knows him. He sits down with him and encourages him and is moved emotionally. the man then Catches another train so he can get back home early. He realized he had been so focused on himself that he completely took everything for granted and realized who he really is, is a man who helps others.
- it’s a good book has moments that feel a little preach, but does a good job at the end showing yes the man is focused on himself, but then realizes the true meaning of life. Great story, great message.
- Is this based in a true story? Because it’s crazy, but I wouldn’t doubt it at all.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book on a Sunday afternoon in the sunshine. In some ways, it was a disappointment in that, figuratively speaking, the train never left the station. And it was predictable. However, the story had a great message, and that shouldn't be overlooked.

Don't give up on your dreams. If they aren't realized immediately, pick them up and pursue them when ready, and the dream can be explored further. Above all, don't let others' judgment of you sway you from your pursuit of a life well-lived. They are not who you are, and their reflection on you is not a true reflection of you. No two of us are the same, and we each bring a version of ourselves to light up the world. Make yours the brightest it can be. "Sometimes all we need is a little perspective." The old man in the book's sage advice always holds. I would add a change in attitude helps, as well.

"I definitely know where I'm headed. I just don't know if I can get there...or if I should get there...or if I even belong there." This quote is near the beginning of the book when the main character meets the old man, which sets the theme for the story. It asks what we often explore without knowing how to explore it. How do we get from here to there? And do we want to go?

If you're wondering about your life path, this story may inspire you.

[Brooke]

A short inspirational book written by a real life motivational speaker. The story takes place on a train, as Michael tries to escape his life and regain some perspective. He is a motivational speaker (in the story too) who doesn’t feel very motivational. He meets Carl, a WWII veteran, who gives him loads of wisdom and things to consider, and Austin, a down on his luck roof salesman with a daughter with cancer. These 3 unlikely friends spend the day together in the cabin at the end of the train, soaking in all Carl’s tidbits of advice. Then Michael takes a nap, and after he wakes up Carl is no where to be found and Austin and the train conductor (Oren) don’t remember ever meeting Michael. Very odd…then he goes home and googles Carl Talbot…to discover he’s part of the 20th Armored Division (who liberated the prisoners at Dachau Concentration Camp). So was he just a ghost all along? I figured about halfway through the book that it wasn’t a true autobiography, bc Michael was “recalling” entire conversations that supposedly happened. So the ghost thing is weird, but I think the point was to list out a bunch of inspirational quotes and make it seem like a story. It’s a very short book, probably not a careful editor (lots of commas in weird places and some awkward sentences).