The Go-Getter

April 7, 2003
This audiobook, based on a 1921 story, follows Peck, a war veteran and double amputee eager to work for Ricks' Logging Company. The firm's executives hire the hardworking and honest Peck almost as a lark, because they're unhappy with several current employees' performance. Peck immediately surprises them by going out and selling the most undesirable lumber for unbelievably high prices. He's back in the office briefly before heading out on another sale when he's asked to do an odd errand: he has to track down a particular blue vase in a shop on Sunday and deliver it to the company president by that evening. The intrepid Peck finds the store, tracks down the owner and finally obtains the vase, proving he is indeed a go-getter. The story is undoubtedly old-fashioned, but the actions and attitudes of both the worker and the manager still ring true today. Although using an exaggerated tone at times, Morey brings Peck to life, particularly in portraying the salesman's frustration when he has difficulty finding the vase. The brief afterword, summarizing the message and highlighting the lessons—diligence, persistence, honesty—is useful, though not overly original, and Morey reads it straightforwardly, with no theatrics. This lighthearted parable may interest fledgling salespeople and less experienced employees. Simultaneous release with the Times Books hardcover.

January 6, 2003
Although Kyne's tale of business smarts has been around for some time (it was first published by William Randolph Hearst in 1921), it doesn't feel dated. Indeed, lumber wholesaler Cappy Ricks's situation (he "had more troubles than a hen with ducklings") mirrors that of many business leaders today. It's a straightforward parable about a young war veteran who's handed an opportunity that will either make or break his career. If he accepts the job and pulls it off, he's a go-getter; if he fails, it's curtains. The kid's motto-"It shall be done"-sums up Kyne's point: even if you're unsure, say you can do it. Then figure out how to do it and make sure you succeed. Go above and beyond. The 82-year-old story gets some slight spiffing up by business book writer Axelrod (Everything I Know About Business I Learned from Monopoly), and the afterword is especially helpful in pinpointing Kyne's main ideas.