Dave Liniger

A day after I read this book, I'm still trying to decide exactly how i feel about it. It was very well-written, and the life-or-death struggle the author endured really pulled me into his story. My hat is off to him for his courage, perseverance, strength of will, and determination. I admired him, too, for his military service and the brave way he lives out his belief that no man or woman should ever be left behind. He is clearly devoted to his loving family, as they are to him.

I was show more disconcerted, though--and this is my bias, as a person of faith--that he didn't really seem to reach out to God during his illness and recovery. But Mr. Liniger says upfront that he's not a religious person, so there's no reason to expect that he would. It would be wrong of me to make a judgment about the book because I have a different kind of faith. I only mean that if I were going through a similar trial, i would look for a book that would encourage me to not give up because I had a God who loved me and cared for me. In a situation like the author's, a book that told me only to rely on myself would not be enough, because i believe we need God.

I suspect the author might see that admission as my weakness or failing, because he does rely almost completely on his own will and determination and personal strength. But I've known people who also had a strong will, and great determination, and they didn't always prevail. It's not always about having a strong spirit. Human bodies can be frail and they can fail. Overcoming illness or disability is not always a matter of physical or emotional strength. Sometimes, there is a visible grace demonstrated when a person realizes they aren't going to survive, and they stop fighting and accept what is going to happen. That's not weakness, or giving up, or surrender. It's acceptance and making peace with the inevitable--because in the end, none of us live forever.

I also felt some discomfort when I read how Mr. Liniger was able to have only the best care--the best hospitals, treatment centers, doctors. He mentions a hospital as being like a fine hotel, with delicious food. Not that I wouldn't choose the same for myself or my family, if I were financially able. But there again, being able to afford the best care gives a patient a better chance of survival or recovery. Money makes a difference; it's not all about how determined or strong you are.

It also bothered me to read copies of letters, which are included in the book, that Mr. Liniger's staff sent out to his Re/Max employees.The letters spun his serious illness in the best possible light. I understand that no one wanted alarm the employees, and this is how business is done. But I didn't care for it. It felt less than honest to conceal much of what was happening to the leader of this company, when so many jobs and families depended on it. But then again, there must be a fine line between sharing what employees and customers need to know, and a family's right to privacy. My inclination is toward transparency, however, when others are depending on you.

In short, I was inspired by the first few chapters of this book, but some of that gave way to these concerns. The book was very well structured and written; it's an absorbing story; and i do sincerely hope that the author will recover fully and resume what sounds like a wonderful life. I wish him and his family the best.

I received a review copy of this book from LibraryThing. show less

I received this book as an Early Reviewer. I was anticipating an inspiring story of someone who overcame a very serious infection (MRSA). I found the references to RE/MAX CEO, conferences, etc. distracting and took away from the human struggle to overcome his illness. He did write quit a bit about his family support, but I would like to have seen more of his own perspective in his own personal struggle.

My Next Step is a memoir, co-written by Dave Liniger, one of the co-founders of Re/Max. After reading it (which took me about 1/2 day), my initial response is "Yay Me". The book seems more promotional and self-serving than inspirational. I found very little in it that a person challenged with catastrophic health issues could use, especially when not blessed with the resources this man has. The sidebars from his children were so carefully worded - my cynical side instantly thought they were show more trying to preserve their possible "inheritance" so they only recounted the positive things they did and thought. Every paragraph that said something about "my father" was written to cast Dave in a positive light. While I appreciate the loyalty that shows, as one who has nursed a loved one through a horrific medical crisis, I can honestly say that every day is a roller coaster - and none of the emotional ups and downs were captured. Either these people are very robotic, or very controlled, and either way, I couldn't relate to them.

Of most interest to me was the parts of the book that dealt with his recounting the start of Re/Max. Interesting enough that I went to their website to look at the member bios, etc. His next book should definitely be about Re/Max. He seems much more in touch with his company that with his feelings. show less

My Next Step: An Extraordinary Journey of Healing and Hope by Dave Liniger was a disappointment to me. There was just too much of REMAX in this book. Mr. Liniger is the chairman and Co-Founder of that business.

Mr. Liniger was having some back pain which later turned out to be MRSA. That is potentially deadly. It is a Staph infection that can is terribly difficult to fight. I heard a presentation from a woman whose son has it and he nearly died several times. That brought me to tears, this show more book did not.

What I did like about the book was Mr. Liniger’s reconstruction of the events and his emotions during the whole experience. He was very fortunate to have a large family and many concerned co-workers. They rotated their care and never left his side. Mr. Liniger was in a great deal of pain so it must have been challenging for him to recount this experience. There were spots of humor included that I appreciated. b Mr. Liniger seemed to have a good personality and it is reflected in this book.

Just as I was really feeling for Mr. Liniger, he would pull away and bring the company’s goals and principles in this book. If that had been reduced, I would have liked the book more. There was a Super Bowl Party set up in the Urgent Care waiting room. I just felt that a separate quiet place should have been set up for the people with relatives in danger so they could go there.

I recommend this book to people interested in MRSA or REMAX but I do think it could have been improved.

I received this book from Library Thing as a win and that in no way influenced my review and no monetary reimbursement was received. show less