Rarely does a book live up to the glowing blurbs on its front and back covers. This one does. James A. Autry, former president
of Meredith Corp.’s Magazine Group (home of Better Homes & Gardens, among others) has written a searingly honest, heartfelt, often amusing autobiography with plenty of insights into the business of journalism, business in general, corporate culture and what it takes to be a manager and a leader. Between chapters, Autry includes many of his poems (he’s had two poetry books published). Many chapters include
management advice from the wisdom that he’s accumulated. His counsel rises above most of what you read in popular management and how-to books, and his writing style is lively, as one would expect from a former journalist and editor. getAbstract recommends this book to readers in all business areas and to anyone who wants an inside glimpse of the magazine industry, or of the real workings of high-level management.