The Diary of a West Point Cadet

Captivating and Hilarious Stories for Developing the Leader Within You

By: Preston George Pysh

Narrated by: Jack Hicks

Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Let's be honest. A lot of books about West Point or leadership can be very dry. Learning doesn't have to be that way.

In The Diary of a West Point Cadet, by Captain Preston Pysh, the author teaches essential West Point leadership through the most fun and unique reading of any book in its class. Each intriguing firsthand account of Preston's top 12 enthralling and hilarious stories from attending West Point, will capture your interest and imagination. The stories walk the reader down a personal journey many outsiders never see behind the thick stoney walls. As an added bonus, Preston efficiently summarizes how each gripping story taught him a vital leadership lesson that prepared him to be a combat commander with the renown 101st Airborne Division. If you are an aspiring cadet, a small-group leader, or even an emerging leader in corporate America, this book is for you.

If you like twists and turns while reading and learning, you are in for a treat. Learning about leadership and the United States Military Academy has never been this fun. Prepare to be glued to your seat and the text as you experience unforgettable stories and lessons from "The Point."

©2011 Pylon Publishing LLC (P)2014 Pylon Publishing LLC

Inspirational

This is a fun and at the same time inspirational listen, which is rare for a book about leadership.

Surprisingly good

I was expecting a dry textbook like feel to this book. I was pleasantly surprised.

Entertaining and Educational!

6 stars. This book is a fun, entertaining, set of stories with lessons that apply to the real world. Are you looking to become a better leader in life and business? This book is for you. This author, Preston, does a fantastic job relating his experiences at West Point to your everyday life. If you're looking to increase overall efficiency, productivity, and become the best version of yourself, this book will push you to do just that.

If you, your son, or daughter, is looking to apply to West Point, this book is a must read. The stories Preston tells will allow you to gain insight on what happens at the military academy and more importantly, why. You can use this book to develop a mindset of what to expect before going in cold turkey.

One of the best pieces of advice you will get out of this book is to write down on a piece of paper 5 short-term and 5 long-term goals you want to accomplish. By writing them down, the chances of you completing them will increase exponentially. You will get the most out of life by accomplishing your goals. But first, you have to spend time thinking about and continually updating what goals are most important to you.

The narrator of the audio book, Jack, also does a fantastic job of telling the stories. The best way humans communicate is through stories. I could clearly picture what was happening every step of the way!

Thank you, Preston and Jack!

Entertaining and Educational

What made the experience of listening to The Diary of a West Point Cadet the most enjoyable?

I liked how he laid out the book. Every chapter was a mini-story of its own, with a leadership lesson at the end of each one.

What other book might you compare The Diary of a West Point Cadet to and why?

One of a kind.

What does Jack Hicks bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Could start to feel the emotions of every character.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I very much appreciated the balance he struck between highlighting his accomplishments and taking a humble position so all of us could relate.

Any additional comments?

If you always wonder what it must be like at Westpoint, this audio books gives you a sneak peak into a life of a Westpoint graduate.

Closure. Thank you!

After having a breakup 6-months ago with my first love who graduated from West Point Military Academy. I realized that after the relationship ended - I really didn’t know anything about the academy. All I had were photos of the ring, yearbook, and more. I was blind-sided and searching for answers to figure out what happened during my exes years at West Point.

I took it upon myself to learn about the academy to find some answers behind this broken heart of mine. Not only did Preston’s story bring a smile to my face that I hadn’t had in months. I felt like I was walking beside Preston every step of the way learning about West Point. Not only did Preston explain everything. But it did give me some light hearted revelations about the behaviors at the academy. Everything made perfect sense to me with my exes behaviors and I was able to find the closure that I needed.

If I didn’t find this book I think I would have been searching for any book on West Point to learn of the academy and the mental breakdowns our cadets go through. I give this book 5 stars and I know I will listen to this again.

Thank you Preston for sharing your story. I know your book will help a lot of people learn about this great academy.

Exceptional

I was impressed at how well the author was able to take me through his entire experience through West Point. I felt as if I were his roommate experiencing the same things. I also enjoy that with every story in each chapter there is a vital leadership point that he ties into his experience. Great read.

Future Cadet

This read did a great job getting me excited and somewhat more ready in becoming a cadet. It was entertaining to listen to, and had many great lessons that I will try and implement in my military and regular life.

Great Information

Great preparation for my family as we start our West Point journey! Thank you for your service. I loved it

Captivating and inspiring

This was my first audiobook and I enjoyed every chapter. The narration was extraordinary and the stories well supported by the main message the author wanted to share.

Entertaining

Very entertaining book. However, I guess West Point didn’t teach the author the meaning of “BLUF,” or Bottom Line Up Front. The author kept using the term BLUF for his chapter conclusions. If it isn’t at the front, then it isn’t a BLUF, it’s just a bottom line, summary, or conclusion. Other than this little annoyance, I found it very entertaining and the narration was great.