To begin, let me say that I was expecting good things from this book, given all the positive reviews. I was really interested in learning some insights to success that I had overlooked. Unfortunately, I was able to only get through about 90 minutes of this book before resigning myself to the fact that it had nothing to offer me.

The problems? First, I was excited to see the word "principles" in the title, something that suggested a scientific approach to success, based on facts and logical reasoning, not just some get-rich-quick scam. Unfortunately, the author made sure to dash that hope in the foreward, where he declares that while his principles are universal, they actually come from God. Later, he talks about solving problems through faith and prayer. The religious premise of the book, while mostly disguised as common sense or proven principles, is not something that will help with success.

Later, the author decries independence as being overrated and states that real success comes from "interdependence" and that real fulfillment comes from serving others. This stance is completely unfounded, and actually very dangerous. A book teaching how to achieve success through sacrificing your interests...I didn't stick around to learn the proper technique to sing 'cumbaya'. Undoubtedly, this is another unfortunate result of the author's religious base.

If you are looking for rational, reality-centered principles to living life, do not waste your time and money on this book. If you want to listen to a mixture of pop psychology mixed with new age warm fuzzy religous teachings, enjoy.

There may be a few usable tid-bits of information, but Covey spends far too much time in praise of himself and how he is the true possessor of the Higher Moral Ground. He also cant stop hinting that he is a Mormon, influential, a Mormon, successful, a Mormon, conservative, a Mormon, well connected and a Mormon.

Even a Cliff Notes version would have been too long, his major points could be printed on the back of a box of corn flakes.

This book should be in the Spiritual section, for it is far more than self-help. It provides a practical guide to being a modern-day karma Yogi

too many references to god. quotes the bible several times and cites psalms. i feel like it is a misrepresentation and i am going to trade this book in on something else.

I couldn't finish this book. It seemed to be so abstract that I couldn't get a concise understanding from his explanations.

The title and the author are well-known. What I know now as well is that it is such a boring book. I did not expect this. This was not inspiring at all for me. Maybe browse the paper copy and see if you like it before you torture yourself by listening to it.

I read the book many years ago. I really enjoyed the audio presentation. This book is worth your time. The references to God are annoying, but there are not a lot of them. I would rate give it five stars if not for the religious references.

The book might be a best-seller, but the audio presentation is mind-numbing. I tuned it out after 30 minutes. Unless you're on a lot of Ritalin, this will bore you to tears. Buy the book and skim it -- at least that way you won't be forced to hear all the boring anecdotes that support eaching sub-heading. On the other hand, if you're an insomniac, I think you've just found your cure to quick and deep sleep!

I have heard so much about this book I felt the need to buy it. I converted the book into ELEVEN audio CD's. Hour after hour I kept waiting for "some meat". Finally, after the 8th CD, I had to quit listening. This work certainly could have been shaved down (by at least half) and cut all of the fluff. I'm not usually quick offer a negative review but I was put to sleep by this work. If you're looking for some inspiration or looking to download something in regards to self-improvement, I suggest downloading a Wayne Dyer lecture. You'll get much more bang for your buck.

First of all, Audible sucks. The phone app (WP7) is really malware. Once you turn it on it drains the battery in a couple of hours even if you don't use it. I had to uninstall it and burn CDs instead. I listened a little more than one cd (the book is on 8 or so). He does have some very good ideas that get lost in a sea of talk-talk-talk. Having the book would be much better (as it's always the case) - you could skip the fluff and get the main ideas faster. I don't think I will ever listen to the whole book.