Confessions of an Accidental Businessman: It Takes a Lifetime to Find Wisdom

Rarely does a book live up to the glowing blurbs on its front and back covers. This one does. James A. Autry, former president of Meredith Corp.'s Magazine Group (home of Better Homes & Gardens, among others) has written a searingly honest, heartfelt, often amusing autobiography with plenty of insights into the business of journalism, business in general, corporate culture and what it takes to be a manager and a leader. Between chapters, Autry includes many of his poems (he's had two poetry books published). Many chapters include management advice from the wisdom that he's accumulated. His counsel rises above most of what you read in popular management and how-to books, and his writing style is lively, as one would expect from a former journalist and editor. We at getAbstract recommend this book to readers in all business areas and to anyone who wants an inside glimpse of the magazine industry, or of the real workings of high-level management.

I have loved many books, but there are few that caused me to grieve when I turned to the final page and had to deal with the end of an emotional journey. This book, which Jim Autry mistakenly refers to as his memoirs, is a touching and revealing look deep into his heart. Considering his success, he could have told a story of brilliance, strong and motivating leadership, and a life of success. But this man, whose soul awakened deep in the American south, would have considered that dishonest. Instead he traces his life, revealing his failures and inadequacies along with his joys and success. This work is so self-revealing, I often felt as though I was privy to those reflections a man typically shares only with himself.The subtitle of this book is, It Takes a Lifetime to Find Wisdom. Luckily for me, my life has been enriched immeasurably by Jim Autry's gift for profound reflection.