This book by Charles Paul Conn was introduced to me twenty years ago and has since gone out of print. Conn's approach to some of the ways to percieve God is oriented toward a man's view. It had such a profound effect that I have been wanting to purchase several copies to give to my sons as a possible guide to augment their faith. This is an easy read, but the simplicity of the authorship makes it a very desirable study for men of any age. It can be found as an inter-library loan if one is willing to search several states.

A groundbreaking book on the very foundations of what it takes to be successful and the meaning behind it, regardless of your endeavors in life...Great for teenagers or young adults just getting started. A classic.

This is s good source of ideas for teaching your kids about how to act and react to their environment.

For those of you who enjoy reading the exploits and successes of folks who believe in hard work, this is the book for you, written by someone who has committed his life to understanding the AMWAY business. Yes, it's that business that this book is about, but that shouldn't scare you away. If anything, it should alert you that there are alternatives out there to making a living, and a life.

Charles Paul Conn highlights the many folks who are in a circle of "winners," and maybe you think of winners as those who are in sports. Well, so do these people, and they run to win. Great book!!!

Charles Paul Conn has written a laughably one-sided book, and tries to present it as unvarnished fact - the phrase 'yellow journalism' keeps popping into my head.

If you're already positive that Amway is the best thing since sliced bread, this book will probably be just what you're looking for - a pleasant, Pollyannaesque romp through the fluffy clouds and green meadows of Amway's public relations machine. To the outside observer, however, this book is just another example of propaganda work-for-hire.

It is worth noting that the word 'obviously' in the text invariably appears whenever Conn has run out of facts and wants to make some breathtakingly irrational leap of logic. For an example, read the first paragraph on page 53, where Conn states that the solution to Amway's leadership problem (his words, not mine) "lies obviously with the children of the co-founders..." Or look at the last paragraph on page 55, where he declares that the Amway founders' children are "obviously destined by birth and training for higher things." It's a shame he doesn't have any footnotes or a bibliography or anything to back up these interesting statements.

In all fairness, however, the book is reasonably sturdy, making it an excellent coaster or candidate to shim up a short table leg, and is, therefore, worth the nickel this book may cost you at a yard sale.

-- Jake Boone

Charles Paul Conn has written a dispassionate look at the AMWAY phenomenon, with facts, figures, insights, and observations about this incredible organization. Unlike a previous reviewer who thought it was "Pollyanna" writing, nothing could be further than the truth, and maybe the movie Pollyanna isn't such a bad movie, either. The fact remains that if you're looking to do valid research (Conn is a newspaper reporter), this book will not gloss over anything and will answer many of the questions you may have about this company.

Highly recommended, even if you aren't a distributor, or what they called a "business owner" now.

I have married into this business. Promises to Keep has been a very informational tool in helping me understand what our business is all about. The facts about the day to day functioning may be dated, but the book is not about facts, it is about the foundation of a large corporation and the fundamentals of keeping a great business going. I am purchasing this book for family that may only have a snapshot of what we are involved in. I cannot wait to share it!

I had to read Kathy for a school project. It was very interesting and I enjoyed it very much. I would like an update on Kathy Millers life though. How she is doing and what she is doing. It was a great book and I would recommend it to anyone.

More mindless dribble from a writer whom Amway helped make thousands of dollars by writing a book that is required reading for all new distributors. To give you a hint, Amway is now on the web under the name of to hide who they are; a website where you can purchase toilet paper . Nowhere does the writer talk about the hundreds of lawsuits that have been filed against Amway, that most of the money in Amway is through the sale of books and tapes created by organizations independent of Amway, or the thousands of people deceived every year. Don't waste your money on this book: instead read False Profits by Fitzpatrick.

I really never liked Amway. Of course, I never really knew anything specific about Amway or the founders of that organization...until I started reading about them in business journals and the Dunn and Bradstreet report of stability. The business community greatly respects the founders of Amway. They give away millions every year to charities. They help their community and society in general. The best thing is, this book is designed to show you what they did to get to where they are.

This title presents an overview of the philosophy of the founders of one of the largest privately owned companies in the US and the world. They are successful people who explain how one might be a success as well.

I've also noticed that most of the negative reviews for this title do not address the content of this title. Whereas, those who enjoyed it comment on the content. Interesting, wouldn't you say?

The book is written clearly while maintaining the focus on encouragement and reaching one's goals.

Good read even if you aren't saving money with Amway. They have a sister company called Quixtar. Very similar philosophy and quality products. Quixtar was founded in 1999 and is also privately owned. This philosophy works!

Well another great book by Paul Conn. People think sometimes Mr.Conn is a distributor but he is not and never has been one! He is though a great Dean of student's at Liberty University. For those who think there is no MONEY in the business has never experienced what I have. Im also an Independent Business Owner and if I wasn't making good profit like some people say! I would have QUIT long ago!!!!!!!

During my many years as an Amway distributor, we were taught to idolize Charles Paul Conn and his writing about the Amway business. However, as I learned to my chagrin, there is a lot going on behind the scenes that Conn wasn't privy to, or was forbidden to write about.

Conn presents a glowing testimonial to Amway by presenting participation in the "business" as the path to "true freedom" -- economic, political, spiritual, and most of all material freedom. He uses "real life" examples of this freedom. However, the reality is far different: a failure rate in excess of 99%, broken marriages, families and relationships, bankruptcies and financial disasters. The few "successes" he writes about constitute about 0.01% of all distributors.

One wonders how a writer as obviously intelligent as Conn could have accepted anecdotes as "evidence" without any substantive proof about what really goes on behind the scenes, and been taken in by the surface glitz and glamour without seeing the seamy underbelly.

Unlike a previous reviewer who said that "..as an AMWAY distributor, he was taught to idolize Charles Paul Conn, I am saddened that this was his experience. I, too, had many years of experience with AMWAY, and we were not taught to do this. He is a man with a mission, and just because he thinks highly of the company should not make him someone who is not credible. Yes, he highlights stories which inspire, and gives facts which should encourage the distributors. Maybe the failures in the business are attributable to other facts (i.e., lack of motivation, poor performance, an "I quit" attitude, not being teachable, etc.) For those who succeed, I salute them, as should others. No one forces anyone to get into the AMWAY business, as no one forces anyone to be a dentist, mechanic, or prison guard. You make your choices and live with the consequences. Charles Paul Conn shows the consequences of Devos and Van Andel, and the fruit of their hard work. It's a good book. Read it and get informed.

There are many controversial opinions about the Amway business and the chances of success or failure. The simple fact remains that the Amway business is a business that you can start with a very small capital investment and become financially successful far beyond what a traditional job will offer. My personal experience with the Amway (Quixtar) business is one of financial success, rewards, and many great friendships. Charles Paul Conn depicts this business venture as a great ray of shining hope. It has been just that for me and my family.

I have been a fan of the Mandrells for many years, and have followed their personal and professional lives for quite some time. Having met all of the Mandrells on several occasions, I know that most of the information contained in this book is false. The author apparently didn't get his information from credible sources. Although some of the info is true, the majority of it reads like he ripped it from the headlines of grocery store tabloids. The Mandrells are a strong family, who has certainly seen their share of heartache with failed marriages and Barbara's accident, but they remain true to their roots and supportive of each other. This book tries to stir up pain regarding the family, and is not worth the money to burn it.

Knowing the Mandrells personally makes this book seem like a compilation of tabloid rumors. This book is filled with false and unjustifed rumors and heresay based upon reporters' opinions and great lies, claiming them to be true. The book does not do justice to Barbara Mandrell or her family