I appreciate a good book describing a person’s story on how they “made it” in this world, particularly from a businessman’s point of view.  I think I know a good business book when I see one because of my own 20 years of experience and education in business.  That’s why I recommend Obstacles Welcome. Ralph de la Vega describes his inspiring story coming to America alone as a child from Cuba.  By escaping Communist Cuba and living hand-to-mouth for several years, De la Vega learned the value of hard work, excellence, and salesmanship.  These qualities – and more – are described in his life-story in Obstacles Welcome.
I recommend this book for what it will do to inspire and challenge you to never quit.  There are some subtle lessons for managers and managing well but those are not as clear as perhaps they could have been.  De la Vega wants to communicate some principles of management and leadership but there are few nuts-and-bolts techniques here.  That might be okay since he works in a highly specialized area (telecommunications).   Don’t let that stop you, however, from reading about his life and what drives him.  Some of us who have not had to scrap the way he has will find a measure of gratefulness for our families and a heightened sense of patriotism for our country.  It is a good reminder for those days when you wonder why you do what you do.
Who taught you what you do now?  When have you thanked those who helped make you successful?