Gadzooks: Dr. James Dobson's Laws of Life and Leadership

This is not your typical leadership book. Author Paul Batura seamlessly weaves delightful stories about Dr. Dobson as a person and a leader in an easy to read format that gives the reader practical nuggets to emulate. While Dr. Dobson's success and integrity is undeniable, Batura has given us a deeper look into the public figure and captures the heart of the man in this well-written and gem-packed book.

Author Paul Batura has hit a home run with GADZOOKS! I thoroughly enjoyed the wit, wisdom, and warmth I found in this book. I learned a lot too ... about the heart attitudes that motivate and energize the great evangelical leader James Dobson and about the guiding principles that have shaped his character and work ethic. GADZOOKS! is an engaging, easy "read. " I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about "the man behind the ministry" or about excellence in leadership (practical information that can be applied -- at work or home).

I veraciously read more than 100 business books annually and have developed a very skeptical view of most new releases that attempt to repackage dung with a clever title and mass marketing from the publisher. When I receieved a copy of Gadzooks! to review I was pleasantly surprised by this author's articulation of timeless wisdom. Instead of writing about concepts and theories developed in the halls of academia, he has shared with readers real life, practical application of leadership principles from an insiders perspective. Too often authors interview CEOs to ask their opinion on what makes a great leader and as a result we end up with packaged opinions. On the other hand, the stories this author shares are from eyewitness accounts of true leadership in action. This book will inspire and encourage any executive who is leading others in business and remind them that leadership is in the walk, not the talk.

I don't generally care too much for the "self-help/life's lessons" genre of literature, but I decided to flip through the book anyway because the author had been recommended to me. I was admittedly less than enthusiastic, particularly because I knew little or nothing about James Dobson (around whom the book is centered) and because I'm keenly aware of the mountains of literature by people trying to cash in by providing their "life's advice" to gullible buyers. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only was it written in a very engaging and entertaining style, but it wasn't preachy and I never got the impression that it was anything but sincere. The narration is such that I felt as if I was sitting by the fire listening to my grandfather spin stories with subtle messages that take some time to fully sink in--an effect that speaks to the author's skills as a writer. It's a quick read, and at that price, I consider it a wise investment on my part as regards both time and money. I'm still suspicious of the genre overall, but this was a diamond in the rough.

Gadzooks! made me laugh, while it helped me learn. The book, on the surface, discusses the lifestyle and leadership of Christian leader Dr. James Dobson. After reading a few chapters, you realize that the wisdom in this book can easily be applied to your own life. But wait, there's no preaching and no stuffiness. It's a lighthearted and funny offering. If you want to know how to apply godly wisdom to your life, read this book. It's a true story of how one man does it. If he can do it, then so can you!