Book Review: 'The Obstacle is the Way' by Ryan Holiday

By Roger Dooley

http://www.forbes.com/

June 4, 2014

Here’s a quick quiz. Which would you prefer to read, given these choices?

1. A philosophy book focused on the ancient concept of Stoicism.
2. A short, inspiring book packed with stories describing how famous leaders and entrepreneurs achieved success by pragmatic action in the face of overwhelming odds.

Author Ryan Holiday has cleverly disguised the first choice in the guise of the second in his new book, The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph.

In fact, this book reads far more like a book of practical business advice than a dusty philosophy tome. Holiday is a media strategist, Director of Marketing for American Apparel, and the author of the best selling book, Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator.

What makes this relatively short book so engaging is that it is packed with stories. Each brief chapter focuses on a principle, usually illustrated with at least one example of a leader who employed that principle to overcome adversity.

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http://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerdooley/2014/06/04/the-obstacle-is-the-way/