Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Launch Book: Motivational Stories to Launch Your Idea, Business or Next Career (Concise Advice Lab) is a nonfiction motivational self-help book written by Sanyin Siang. Siang is a CEO coach, an educator and a startup advisor. She is also a co-founder and the leader of Duke University's Coach K Center on Leadership & Ethics. What is a launch? In her introduction, Siang describes it as a “change from the status quo,” and she demonstrates how that new approach, new way of thinking or totally divergent direction can make all the difference in your personal and professional success. She discusses both her own launches on the personal and professional levels as well as giving the reader a number of stories from industry leaders and others who have experienced their own launches. Siang shows how launches work best when there’s a tribe behind you, including mentors, partners and people you can feel comfortable with hashing out new ideas and theories. Her final chapter, Launching the Launch Book, shows how the principles she discusses in the book made the writing and eventual publication of this book a reality.

Sanyin Siang’s approach to instruction and coaching, which she follows in her book, employs a technique which works so well for me -- she told me stories, or rather, she let those participants who shared their experiences in the book tell their stories. I was instantly engaged and hooked into learning more about the subject. I especially appreciated the way in which Siang finishes each chapter. Her boxed comments and Take-Aways lists really help to cement the concepts covered. I also loved reading her final chapter on launching this book. Siang eloquently communicates the different moods she experienced as she grappled with what at times seemed an impossible task. Her eventual triumph was made all that more compelling after seeing her moments of doubt and indecision. Siang’s writing style is marvelous! Her informal and direct manner makes one feel as though she’s there coaching you as you read. Everything that was promised by this book came through for me. It’s that good. The Launch Book is most highly recommended.