If There's One Thing I've Learned...: How to Seize Your Once-In-A-Lifetime Chance to Get It Right

James Green's book encourages the reader to look within himself/herself, to focus upon their goals, what's important in their lives and also offers some solace that we can learn from our past, in order to improve upon our future. It's refreshing to read a "guide" which isn't another fad. Rather, the author offers thought provoking experiences from diverse individuals, which can be of benefit to all.

I received this book as a gift and was very moved by its content. The author's personal experiences, as well as those of others he shares, serve to remind the reader of the importance of living life without regret ... something I promote in my romance seminars and coaching. This book is definitely worth the read, not to mention you may want to gift someone you love with a copy. Oh, and don't be surprised if you discover that one of the stories you read is very close to your own. Congratulations, Mr. Green!

One of the things I teach in my networking and marketing workshops is the reality that "People buy on emotions, and justify with facts." The 'problem' here is that you can't buy this book "on emotions" because you've not seen it yet and obviously not read it either. So my recommendation then is "Buy this book FOR the emotions (tears, laughter, goose bumps... I got all of those in 15 minutes of reading) and, if needed, you'll be able to easily justify your purchase with facts. Like the facts the book is beautifully laid out and designed (I know, I'm an author and publisher), very well-written, filled with teaching stories that are not preaching at you. There are two "inspirational" books in my library (of about 200 such books) that I honestly think should be 'mandatory reading' for 18 to 20 years-old (and 'highly recommended' reading for everybody else): one book is "It's Not What Happens To You..." by W Mitchell, and this book by James Green is the other one. I plan to buy many copies more than I already have and offer them as gifts to people I care about. Not CDs, not ties, not earrings or boxes of chocolate...because none of those things have the power to change a life, to help someone MAKE a better life for himself/herself. This book CAN...and possibly WILL do that.

If There's One Thing I've Learned...: How To Seize Your Once-In-A-Lifetime Chance To Get It Right is based on hundreds of the author's personal interviews with people from every part of the country in response to the question "If you could go back and change anything in your life, what would you do differently?" Although the answers to Jim Green's inquiries were diverse, ranging from issues of live, time, career, money, dreams, and childhood, a great many of the interviews touched upon the them of deep regrets due to mistakes and missed opportunities. The anecdotal and illustrative stories related within this unique "self-help" title also reveal the joys associated with good choices and lives well spent. An extraordinary examination of ordinary lives, If There's One Thing I've Learned... is insightful and occasionally inspiring reading that is especially recommended to the attention of anyone seeking to reexamine the possibilities and potentials of their own life choices.

I've always had the belief that when you are ready for the lesson the teacher will appear, be that a person with whom you interact - or not - a personal experience, or a book. Our souls are on a journey in life and our lessons come to us; sometimes we are not ready for them. But even a missed opportunity can teach us something, and very often it is a more memorable thing. Do you have to learn everything the hard way? Or is it possible to gain from other people's experiences? In "If There's One Thing I've Learned..." James Green introduces you to 87 people who share their own moments of truth. As in every lesson, it is up to you to pay heed to the teachers. Read their stories and you just might learn how to "seize your once in a lifetime chance to get it right." At the very least, you will be touched by the memorable tales they tell. These are stories that revolve around every aspect of human life. Read about the one that got away and might have been a soul mate. Listen to an amazing story of someone who escaped the World Trade Tower on 9-11, because of a backpack. Come to understand the viewpoint of "the other woman." Realize how a simple thing like being kind can deeply affect a person you encounter. Be reminded to look for the signs around you. All of these stories touch on the most important things in everyone's lives: love, family, friendships, happiness, and time. Through these tales about careers, marriage, lust, neglect, sorrow, fate and the lessons of life, you just might see yourself. In fact, I dare you to read the book and NOT see some aspect of your own life. I don't think it is possible. James Green has interviewed ordinary people and found the most meaningful story that each one has to share. Each incident is open for examination by the reader. Each person who shared his or her story does so in effort to help you in your own life. It is an unforgettable read that will hopefully remind you to not let that possible soul mate walk on by, not let that nasty boss get you down, not forget to go fishing with your son, and to act on your dreams before it is too late. Review by Heather Froeschl of BookReview.com.