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Avalanche: The 9 Principles for Uncovering True Wealth (Modern Parable)x$9.20
  (21 reviews)
Best Price: $9.20
“Are you thinking there has to be more to life? There is. Avalanche will inspire you to discover True Wealth and lead a meaningful life filled with wealth, health and happiness.” —David Bach, #1 New York Times Best Selling Author, The Automatic Millionaire and Start Late, Finish Rich Meet Andrew Craver, a real-estate developer who grew up with a chip on his shoulder and an insatiable hunger for money. Though his bank account is stuffed and his home could grace the cover of a magazine, he’s exhausted, overweight, and emotionally bereft. At middle age, an ethical dilemma leaves him unemployed and without the protection of the money that he has held so dearly for more than twenty years. In this life-changing parable, you’ll go on a spiritual journey with Andrew as he struggles to transform himself and find meaning and purpose amidst the pressures of life. While opening up to wealth advisor Hank Kinnick, old soul Dr. Graham, and personal trainer Tamara Ross, Andrew begins to get his finances—and his life—in order. Suddenly, disaster strikes and all bets are off as Andrew drops into the depths of despair. But it is in the darkness of sorrow that he will finally find his true inner strength—the stuff it takes to emerge enlightened into a life of lasting significance. Creatively illustrating today’s most important lesson—that money can’t buy happiness—this profound tale is your field guide for redefining success and creating true wealth in your life and in the lives of the people you love.
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Customer Reviews
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Mediocre Read at Most
By A1ZB83JYUFARBR on 2007-10-06
"Avalanche" topped the Wall Street Journal list of business books several weeks ago and caught my attention. After reading the reviews here, which at the time all happened to give the book five stars, I bought and read it, and now feel obliged to add a more critical perspective for those considering this book.
The ideas that money doesn't make you happy, that you should cherish your relationships, have a good purpose in life, stay healthy, help others, use your money wisely, etc are all wonderful but far from new, let alone eye-opening. If you are someone who understands this, understands that monetary wealth is far from equal to true wealth, you won't get much from this book. If you don't, and if you keep an open mind, chances are it will give you something to contemplate about and has the potential of changing the way you look at things. My feeling, however, is that if you are already aware of these ideas and appreciate them, this book will be essentially worthless to you, whereas if you are not (like Andrew, the main character before his revelation), chances are you won't pick up this text.
The book is very poorly written. It's incredibly predictable, with convenient plot turns, and describes in very tedious detail every conversation, at times reminding of a soap opera. Andrew, the main character, tells his life story and the recent changes he underwent to everyone he meets, and the authors feel obliged to retell it to the reader every time as well. The dialogs are boring and 'overly sweet': Andrew's wife calls him 'honey' on every page; whenever Andrew meets a 'good' person, they exclaim that they are 'so glad', 'so happy', or have been impatiently waiting to see or meet him. The sun shines or something sparkles whenever Andrew has a revelation. Ugh.
On a positive note, it's a quick read, and has a website accompanying the book. I think this book may be useful to wealth advisors to remind them that each client is unique and has a different purpose for investing. The book will also make a good (although unflattering) gift to someone wealth-centered like Andrew. Other than that - I wouldn't recommend the book.
Finally, I found it ironic that after talking for the tedious 160 pages about 'uncovering true wealth', the first thing that the authors mention about themselves in the 'About the Authors' section is that they've helped build multi-million dollar businesses or manage over a billion dollars in assets. So much for practicing the 9 principles.
Avalanche ranked a spot in my priority book shelf
By A1D6XQO4TA9P2M on 2007-08-28
I have a book shelf in my office that holds the books that have had the biggest impact on my life. This is where Avalanche is kept. I read this book on an airplane between Toronto and Los Angeles and I was so happy that it was a long flight as it allowed me to read the entire book in one sitting. I was enroute to Hawaii at the time.
Avalanche is one of those books that has the impact to completely change your life. The book is written in an entertaining parable-style. It has a story that leads you to the most important life-lessons you may learn.
I've bought copies for friends and it is with complete integrity that I recommend this book. You may want to consider buying it as a gift for someone.
One little suggestion -- when you do sit down to read Avalanche, please make sure your afternoon (or evening) is open because you won't want to put it down.
New York Times Best Selling Author of Your Destiny Switch, Peggy McColl
Simple and Profound
By A2BPFPVOWCTKDJ on 2007-08-29
I think we all feel a little lost at times, and many of us have chased the almighty dollar only to find, that there's got to be more to life that capturing buckets of those dollars.
The protagonist is this book faced the same dilemma, and his journey to a healthier happier life was blessed by the support of friends and loved ones. And yes, he lived happily ever after, AFTER surviving a challenging, enriching life event.
This book is structured like a simple parable, and yet it's meaning is profound. There's more out there to see and be than the obvious, and more substance to you if you will just open yourself to discover it, as did Andrew.
Great book and easy read. Start it early otherwise you'll be up late.
A Soul Searching Read
By A28BM33IM11ZE0 on 2007-06-21
I am a journalist, a single mom, and always on the go. This book made me take a step back and look at my life. It was an easy--thought provoking read. I found myself on the pages of this book. It is a must read for anyone looking to fine tune their life!
Mary from Omaha
Can be life changing.
By A3KYFA8F4PV4P7 on 2007-08-14
This is truly a modern parable.
There are many reasons why this is a fantastic book:
1. It is a quick read. Great for on a plane or business trip.
2. It makes you reflect on yourself and your life's direction.
3. It gives perspective on what is really important.
4. It changes the way you think about what wealth really is.
Brief synopsis of the book:
The main character Andrew goes through an existential crisis at his place of business and it leaves him loosing his identity. He comes across some pivotal and influential people that help him change his overall perspective. Andrew's wife, his doctor, his physical trainer and his financial advisor all play key roles in changing Andrews's life.
There is something in this book for everyone. Give your life a new direction and perspective. Read this book!
- Avalanche
By A2E9611PRVS30T on 2007-08-27
Avalanche turns the spotlight on Andrew, a middle aged man who is going through the motions of living. Outwardly, he looks sucessful, but when he really examines his life it is in shambles. He embarks on a journey of enlightenment and begins to work on himself and his relationships with the help of his doctor, personal trainer and his financial advisor. Avalanche speaks to everyone who is wounded and seeking nourishment and healing. Take the journey with Andrew as he seeks and finds his purpose, peak potential and true wealth.
- Great Principles in an Uneven Story
By AVXGN90BU95P8 on 2007-09-23
The idea that wealth can be measured in something other than money is a good one that should be more actively explored. This book does a decent job of doing this in the form of a parable that has the makings of an interesting story, but lacks the depth of character development necessary to deliver a powerful book. The protagonist experiences a Jerry Maguire type of epiphany on a pretty flimsy basis, and then embarks on a hero's journey that is replete with warmed over elements that we've seen before. I've heard the Zen story about the master filling the students teacup to overflowing to emphasize the need for Beginner's Mind about a million times. It's a good story, but really shouldn't be used in this context any more.
Having aired my gripes, I would say, however, that the principles the authors are exploring are definitely worthwhile and laid out in an easy to recognize form. It is easy to get caught up in a lifestyle based on consumption and acquisition. It requires self-examination and motivation to change. This book provides a good blueprint, so to speak, and also backs it up with a website that is dedicated to exploring these issues further. It's an easy and quick book to read.
- I was disappointed
By A1ZNCMFIECPTVT on 2007-10-17
I'm always looking for a good metaphysical story or stories based on truth principles. The truth for me about this one is, I felt like the story was rushed. So much happened in such few pages. I found it unbelievable and was disappointed that I bought it based on some 5 star review. I felt the messages they were getting across important enough to make it into a longer story. On one page he is dreaming about climbing a mountain, the next page, 6 months later he is saying good bye to his family, to run off and climb the mountain. A quick read that falls flat!
- I couldn't relate
By AZKDK4IWJMMQL on 2008-03-19
I did not relate to the person in this book, so therefore, I couldn't get interested or engaged. I thought it was ridiculous, and I cannot believe it has received legitimate 5 star reviews from anyone other than these two authors' parents and friends. I also can't believe it went on the NY Times bestseller list -- that is a farse. I won't trust that list again.
- Avalanche is a must read!!!
By A1PLVIG7SZZ1T0 on 2007-07-31
Avalanche was the first "story" I have read in a long time. Once I started reading it I was hooked; I couldn't put it down. I took it with me to read between appointments and even while on the bike at the gym. I had to know how Avalanche would end. I read it in record time. Avalanche will be in the hands of every client, every family member and every friend I have by year end. The message in the book is one that everyone needs to hear. This is a message I have been trying to get across to people I care about for years. Now it comes in a nice little book, not too long, not too short and makes the perfect gift.
A must read!
Michelle Ogden, CRPS®, CFP®
- High impact easy read
By A3VGSED7CLQQ73 on 2007-08-24
This book reminds me of someone I know and it was a great story line.
- theme is new age oriented
By A30XKNV61PZM0A on 2007-09-28
It's easily read. My objection is the "New Age" philosophy of getting in touch with your inner self. There is no reference to God or Christianity, but rather the emphasis is on finding your "inner self." This is contrary to Christianity.
- Avalanche
By AD1FZVO3G6THQ on 2007-10-01
I am a investment consultant that works with preretires and retires. This book is a great addition to the books that I give to clients to read. I first purchased 3 but after I read it I purchased 10 more.
I hate spending money on thing that are not great so you see I loved the book.
Charles W Shirey, CFP(R), CIMC(R)
- True Wealth..."the things money can't buy and death can't take away"
By A14BOKGHEVM7L1 on 2007-08-07
What an incredible concept and a terrific story! I welled up numerous times as I read the book. There are so many parallels between my own life and that of Andrew Craver's that I felt (at times) as though I was reading my own biography. Great lesson on what's important in life! A must read for loved ones, clients, staff members and anybody else that's looking to add life to their years! Highly recommended!
- Inspiring Story on How to Develop True Wealth
By A3HOOF5PKKRRIA on 2007-08-14
Remarkably inspiring story on how to develop one's true wealth, meaning, and purpose in life. Mr. Sanduski latest book really hits home-A must read by all.
- Avalanche: The 9 Principles for Uncovering True Wealth
By A33CKHCUS72AH1 on 2007-08-14
A great read! I could not put it down. If you are now or have been in the great rat race, you have to read this book. Start your journey to uncovering true wealth!
- "Very Inspirational and Easy Read"
By A11PB0WIMZD18E on 2007-08-27
Puts in perspective all the little things you always wanted to do in life, but haven't because....
This book will show you the way!!
- Outstanding modern day parable!!!
By A3ADSGOBATT8RL on 2007-09-17
This book will change the lives of many. Unbelievably insightful for our "busy" society. We can now remind ourselves daily of what True Wealth really is. Achieving True Wealth is now a daily and lifetime goal of mine.
Absolute MUST READ!
Peter C. Merzian, CSFP
Chartered Senior Financial Planner
- Avalanche The 9 principles for uncovering true wealth
By A3RWR8DNO8OBNE on 2008-02-21
A profound story that has inspired me to more introspection in my life. I will be providing a copy to all of my financial planning clients.
- Avalanche
By A2HP4AYI95CLS2 on 2008-02-23
Excellent book on ethics, should be required reading for all LAWYERS , Law Students , Accountants and Financial Planners .
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