BOOK REVIEW by OnTheIssues.org:

This is not a political book at all, but more of an advice book for success in business and personal life. If Cain were not running for president, this book would be in the "advice" section -- but since he is running, then observing his advice becomes political.

Cain's personal life advice centers around the metaphor that you are the "CEO of SELF, Inc." You have board members -- your family, for example -- but you ultimately have responsibility for decisions about your path, to benefit both yourself and the board members.

Cain's business life advice centers around his "decade goals" -- he recommends that everyone make a similar big-picture plan. He has had decade goals since his teens:

Cain also served as president of the National Restaurant Association -- a position which involved a lot of representative politics. He served as chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (a regional branch of the national institution) for two years in the 1990s. He had a radio talk show, and was a frequent political commentator on Fox News, prior to his presidential run. Those, combined with his Senate run in 2004, earned him sufficient credentials to warrant his appearances in the 2011 presidential debates as the only debater who had not held elective office.

Cain wrote this book in 2001. That's years before Cain's presidential aspirations. Cain also ran for Senate in the 2004 GOP primary; hence the book served as a pre-introduction to the voters. Cain closes the book with the rationale for his political career: Upon the birth of his first grandchild, in 1999, Cain's thinking shifted from the usual parent's question "How do we give her a better start in life?" Instead, he considered the larger question, "How do I make this a better world?" He has cited that story in several debates in the 2012 presidential race. Cain cites numerous other aspects of his personal history and business history on the 2012 campaign trail too -- this book provides the original source material in detail.

-- Jesse Gordon, editor-in-chief, OnTheIssues.org, Sept. 2011

OnTheIssues.org excerpts:  (click on issues for details)

Civil Rights     I removed the barriers rather than let barriers remove me.     Women face added challenge of male dominated higher ranks.

Education     High school salutatorian; scholarship to Morehouse College.

Health Care     1993: Clinton health plan would negatively impact jobs.

Principles & Values     Think of yourself as the CEO of SELF, Inc.     Unlikely candidates succeed under more uncertainty.     Leaders must be self-motivated, focused risk-takers.     To make decisions, a leader must be comfortable with risk.     If right questions not asked, biggest problems go unsolved.     Happiness equation: something to do + someone to love.     Hope is key to happiness; happiness is key to success.     Principles of happiness and success: you're the CEO of SELF.     Make a strategic plan as CEO of SELF.

Click for quotations from other sources by:
• Herman Cain

The above quotations are from CEO of SELF
You Are In Charge
by Herman Cain.

Autobiographies for 2012 GOP primary candidates: No Apology, by Gov. Mitt Romney, Mar 2, 2010 Real Change, by Speaker Newt Gingrich, Dec 18, 2007 Biographies: CEO of SELF, by Herman Cain, 2001 Joe Biden: A Life of Trial and Redemption, by Jules Witcover, 2010 Rick Santorum: A Senator Speaks Out on Life, Freedom, and Responsibility, 2005 Michele Bachmann: Why She Will Win, by Ron Paul Jones, 2011 A Mormon in the White House? 10 Things Every American Should Know about Mitt Romney, by Hugh Hewitt Mitt Romney: The Man, His Values and His Vision, by Lisa Ray Turner and Kimberly Field

Policy books: Confidence Men, by Ron Suskind, 2011 Core of Conviction, by Rep. Michele Bachmann, 2011 It Takes a Family, by Sen. Rick Santorum, 2005 On My Honor, by Gov. Rick Perry, 2008 End The Fed, by Rep. Ron Paul, Sep 16, 2009 Gold, Peace, and Prosperity: The Birth of a New Currency, by Ron Paul, 2007 My Journey to the White House, by Herman Cain, 2011

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Page last edited: Oct 03, 2011