Review for "Fearless" by Eric Blehm

Adam Brown is a modern day hero. Like many heroes, his life was humble, his story largely unknown except to those in his circle. I am so glad that Eric Blehm took the initiative to tell Adam's story! It is a heart-tugging, inspiring, motivating story. What makes this book so captivating is the man who is it's hero. Eric Blehm presents Adam Brown in full color, no blemishes removed, but also in full glory. Adam went through some very dark times - as a young person enjoying success and popularity but then feeling lost and aimless and turning to drugs. Adam's family and friends persisted for years in loving him, and eventually, strengthened by their faith in him, Adam courageously fought his drug addiction and became a selfless member of the elite Navy SEAL Team SIX. "Undaunted" is a word that keeps coming to mind as one reads Adam's story. He faced emotional and physical barriers to becoming a Navy SEAL, but refused to give up or give in. His wife, Kelley, was steadfast in her belief in Adam and likewise undaunted by the extreme challenges that life as his wife brought. It's a great story about an extraordinary man who rose above every challenge in his life until the moment he gave his life on a mission of freedom. It is also a testament to the brotherhood of the members of the SEAL Team SIX. Not having a military background myself, I enjoyed this glimpse into that elite group. It was obvious to me how much Adam's SEAL brothers thought of him, how highly his family and friends regarded him, and how unselfish his life and service to his family and country were. This is a book men and women alike would enjoy. It is a story that deserves to be told, a story that in turn is inspiring others to face their own challenges. I received this book on a complimentary basis from Waterbrook Multhomah Publishers for purposes of review, and am not required to give a positive review. 5 out of 5 stars. For more information, visit the website: www.fearlessnavyseal.com

Review for "I've Got Your Back" by James Galvin

"A leadership parable" is the subtitle for this new book by James Galvin, and that's exactly what it is. Galvin presents his leadership principles in story form. It's the story of four young adults who are having difficulty in their work situations. They seek out the advice and counsel of a retired Army Sargeant and former missionary. The leadership ideas he presents are put into play in their specific situations, with varying and sometimes surprising results! The book is in two parts: the first is the parable; followed by a smaller section concisely stating a summary of the leadership principles. Galvin indicates in the introduction that he wanted to create a book on leadership that the younger generation would actually read. I believe his choice of presenting ideas in the form of a story is clever. The book reads more like a novel but is full of leadership nuggets. As a story it is somewhat shallow and unrealistic, but taken for what it is - a fleshed-out leadership model - it rates as one of the more interesting books on leadership I have read. The premise of Galvin's leadership principle is that everyone needs to learn how to follow well before they can lead well. I appreciated this perspective. I have run into many "bosses" who were "toxic" in their leadership, and wish I knew then what Galvin presents here about following well even when the leader does not lead well. It's a humble, servant-minded perspectve. I recommend this book for anyone who is in the early stages of their career, positioned under another's leadership, or already leading. There is wisdom here to keep us all learning and growing. 4 out of 5 stars. For more information on the book, you may visit www.tenthpowerpublishing.com/ivegotyourback