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Quest, Inc.

by Justin Cohen (Goodreads Author)

3.57 of 5 stars 3.57 · rating details · 23 ratings · 14 reviews

The World s #1 Personal Development Agency . . . has to prove it. What if you brought together five top personal development experts equipped with virtually everything we know about unleashing human potential and gave them some lives to change? Could they really coach anyone to lose fifty pounds, fix a broken relationship, or get rich? What would they do for a homeless per...more

Paperback, 1, 284 pages

Published March 2012 by Telemachus

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Mar 25, 2013 Dale rated it 3 of 5 stars

Quest, Inc. features an all-star cast of self-improvement experts who have joined together to offer the complete package for those seeking self-improvement. There is an expert on fitness, a psychotherapist with a focus on relationships, a financial expert, a therapist who deals with addictions and a body language and image consultant.

The book starts out with Robert Rivera, the fitness expert, He has become fat and completely unmotivated. He has lost his home and his wife and fails at an attempt...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Quinn Barrett rated it 4 of 5 stars

Quest, Inc. is a self-help book posing as contemporary fiction. The Celestine Prophecy was the template for many books in which authors promoted their beliefs and values using a fictional narrative. But what James Redfield’s book lacked in terms of plot and storytelling, author Justin Cohen was able to make his story fun and interesting as well as enlightening.

The story starts off with a bang. Robert Riviera, America's former favorite health and fitness expert, has succumbed to obesity. Because...more Quest, Inc. is a self-help book posing as contemporary fiction. The Celestine Prophecy was the template for many books in which authors promoted their beliefs and values using a fictional narrative. But what James Redfield’s book lacked in terms of plot and storytelling, author Justin Cohen was able to make his story fun and interesting as well as enlightening.

The story starts off with a bang. Robert Riviera, America's former favorite health and fitness expert, has succumbed to obesity. Because of his downward spiral, he's literally lost everything: wife, home, money, business . . . the whole shebang . . . all because of his pesky food addiction which he can't seem to shake on his own, despite once being the country's foremost authority on health, fitness, and weight loss.

Robert's personal struggles become the impetus for his former personal development compadres to get the band back together, help their friend who has fallen on hard times, and use his renewed success story to launch a personal development agency to help others in their pursuit of personal freedom, satisfaction, and fulfillment.

This is a good book with lots of great advice. It risks being a little preachy, but Cohen balances the messages within his book with interesting and diverse characters. His personal development experts are flawed in much the same way as are the clients they’re committed to help.

Quest, Inc is a great example of authority figures teaching what they most need to learn themselves. And yet their obvious flaws do not diminish the powerful messages of the story. To the contrary, the imperfections of Carter King (relationships), Jay Lazerus (emotional well being), Alexia Redmond (image makeovers), Robert Riviera (health and fitness), and Mickey Prodi (money and finance) make the drama of the story more believable and fun.

A minor complaint is that the various client stories suffer a little from the "Dr. Phil Syndrome" which means that all of the problems the personal development experts are enlisted to assess and resolve can't possibly be dispensed so quickly, including Robert Riveria's food addiction issue. Perhaps fewer characters and more story development might have been practical given that the author has chosen a novel as the format, not a non-fiction self-help book.

The main crisis of the novel is an aggressive reporter intent on writing an exposé on the self-help experts. I didn't think this element generated a lot of excitement or angst, but I thought it was a clever device for bringing up an obvious issue which is that a lot of people just don't believe in self-help gurus.

I liked the presence of the reporter and her role in the novel. It's a good reminder that the self-help movement isn't really about the experts as much as it's about learning to help yourself. My favorite scene in the book is when the reporter learns this lesson for herself.

Quest, Inc. is an unconventional novel that is well written, edited, and digitally formatted. It has some shortcomings as a novel, but the story does flow well and it's packed with lots of great content. So in that respect, the author was smart in setting his book apart by using a fictional narrative; otherwise, this important content could have gotten lost in a sea of traditional self-help books.

This book was reviewed as part of the Wise Bear Digital Book Awards competition. Entry fees associated with the contest are administrative in nature and do not influence our honest, unbiased book reviews.(less)

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Sep 05, 2012 Tia Bach rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ever wondered how a self-help guru might change your life? How many self-help books have you read searching for that "something"? What if you could go to one facility and have several of the nation's best self-help gurus all help you at once?

Five such experts come together to form Quest Inc. when a colleague, Robert, fails in his own field. You see, Robert is a fitness guru who is now obese. In complete dispair, he attempts suicide. His former colleagues, part of a personal development crusade t...more Ever wondered how a self-help guru might change your life? How many self-help books have you read searching for that "something"? What if you could go to one facility and have several of the nation's best self-help gurus all help you at once?

Five such experts come together to form Quest Inc. when a colleague, Robert, fails in his own field. You see, Robert is a fitness guru who is now obese. In complete dispair, he attempts suicide. His former colleagues, part of a personal development crusade that earned them the Presidential Service Acknowledgement, come together to save their friend but realize they want to start helping people again. As Robert fights his way back, they form Quest Inc.

In addition to Robert, there's a psychotherapist, a financial guru, a man who invented the measurement known as Gross Domestic Happiness, and a beauty expert. Carter, Mickey, Jay and Alexia, respectively, all the while are battling their own issues. Then a Huffington post reporter, Victoria, enters the scene determined to sniff out the real story.

The reader is treated to a wonderful cast of characters, not just through the lives of the professionals but through the stories of their clients. There are several touching stories, but I was most impressed with the story of George, a terminally ill patient looking to make amends.

With so many characters, the stories became a bit too fast-paced for me. And I say that only because I wanted to know more about each of their lives. But because of the variety, there really is a character that will appeal to almost every reader. Plus, be warned, the book ends on a cliffhanger that will make you want to read the second book right away. I wasn't expecting it.

And I really liked how the author weaved in the reporter's blog posts and had each professional touched by something. Not one of them knew it all, and that was quite refreshing.

For any reader who likes to peek into many characters' lives and situations while also reflecting on their own life.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.(less)

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Aug 17, 2012 Ruth Hill rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books

From the beginning, this book drew me in. Since weight loss is close to my heart (I am a former obese girl who has kept it off for several years), I was quite intrigued to read about Robert. I was on the edge of my seat in those first few pages to see if he made the right decision. No spoilers on that part from me.

There are many characters and intricate stories in this well-written tale about the self-help movement. Can people truly change? Will the change be lasting? I would say that this book...more From the beginning, this book drew me in. Since weight loss is close to my heart (I am a former obese girl who has kept it off for several years), I was quite intrigued to read about Robert. I was on the edge of my seat in those first few pages to see if he made the right decision. No spoilers on that part from me.

There are many characters and intricate stories in this well-written tale about the self-help movement. Can people truly change? Will the change be lasting? I would say that this book would speak to anyone who has ever tried to change behaviors and lifestyles. And it is so easy to look at leaders in those movements and criticize their failures.

I was glad to read that this book dealt with more than weight loss. It deals with racism, job issues, dreams, nightmares, and living and dying. I would say that everyone can find someone with whom to identify in this book. And regardless, the principles are the same no matter what you are trying to change about yourself.

I was impressed how the author dealt with these issues of changing one's life. Since it was a secular book, it made perfect sense that one important element was missing--the spiritual element. Once in a while, God was alluded to, but this book took the normal secular view, and most of the time without God, true, lasting change is impossible. I would have loved to have seen the author put a Christian in the book even if that person were ridiculed because most self-help gurus do say the spiritual element is important.

There was some profanity, but there was thankfully no sex. I was glad to see that some of what the organization had done did help people. There were some great changes, and you could only hope those changes will continue.

The most interesting part of the book was the last few pages. I say that because the author threw a little wrench into the work that I don't think anyone saw coming. It made me very glad to see that the author is coming out with a second book in the series. I would recommend this book to just about anyone. Though not a true story, it is very realistic and speaks to contemporary issues.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100 percent mine, and I was not financially compensated.(less)

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Aug 12, 2012 Gina Butler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I read this book for Tribute Books in exchange for an honest and fair review.

This story starts out with us meeting Robert. Robert is a man that has fallen on hard times. His life is in shambles. It's to the thanks of his friends that he came back from his all time low point in his life.

Robert starts a new company with his friends, called Quest Inc. They say they can help you change your life. Sounds easy doesn't it? Of course not everything is as it seems.

While the team is helping people that hi...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Chrissy (The Every Free Chance Reader) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-on-blog

Did I enjoy this book: This book was good. Quest, Inc. was a quick read that had some entertaining parts in it. It was not a book that I had to read every free chance I had though.

The five main characters - the mentors of Quest - each had their own issues to work through as they helped their clients. Robert, the body builder health nut, had fallen off the wagon and reverted back to his "fat" stage. He got back on the wagon after he hit rock bottom with the help of his friends. He recognized the...more Did I enjoy this book: This book was good. Quest, Inc. was a quick read that had some entertaining parts in it. It was not a book that I had to read every free chance I had though.

The five main characters - the mentors of Quest - each had their own issues to work through as they helped their clients. Robert, the body builder health nut, had fallen off the wagon and reverted back to his "fat" stage. He got back on the wagon after he hit rock bottom with the help of his friends. He recognized the choices he had to make and the impulses that everyone faces. Carter, the psychologist, has issues of her own to deal with but she was the driving force behind the formation of Quest and keeping everyone together to help others. Mickey, the property mogul, was the character that I liked the least. He was very arrogant and hard to trust and like. Jay, the inspirational guru so-to-speak, seemed to be the one person in this group that got it the most - you can't make other people be what you want them to be, you have to help them be a better version of themselves. And Alexia, the beauty expert, who seemed to be the most superficial but she has a lot going on with herself and her goddaughter.

Watching each of their journeys was interesting and kept me reading. Also watching them help others (though sometimes it wasn't apparent if the help was working) was also fascinating to read. Quest, Inc. read like a self-help book in some respects, but not in a bad way.

The one thing that I did not enjoy so much was the scene jumping. It may have been the digital version that I received, but there did not seem to be many clear transitions. For example, at one point Robert was giving Victoria a tour of the Quest facility and the next paragraph he was in front of the refrigerator contemplating what to eat. These transitions made it difficult to really follow along smoothly. But, as I said, it may have been the review copy that I was given.

Would I recommend it: Maybe. It would depend on the reader.

Will I read it again: I will not. I would be interested in reading the next book in this series, though, because Quest, Inc. ended with a cliffhanger.

http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blo...(less)

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Sep 04, 2012 Heath rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads-giveaways

Received book from First Reads Giveaway.

At first I was confused as to whether this was a fictional book or self-help. The setup flawlessly integrates a fiction storyline while creating a non-traditional self-help book. You are reading a story while receiving a secondary book of self-help.

The story itself is enticing and inspiring. The simplicity of the writing makes it all the more inspiring.

As for the second nature of the book, the self help portion, you can definitely say you are inspired. Yo...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Lenore Webb rated it 5 of 5 stars

Now I day dream of how I could lose the weight I have carried around for years. Or if I could earn more money and not always be in such a bind. Dear Hubby fights with smoking and has tried to quit several times. And we hear of the seminars and CDs to listen to that can help all of these things just melt away. Yes I do know that having positive reinforcement helps but it does not do the work. Only we can do it ourselves. But what if? Justin Cohen has had these very same talks with thousands and b...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Alexia561 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, review-copy

When I first heard about this book, I thought it was a great idea! I also thought it was non-fiction, so was a little surprised that it's a fictional story, featuring fictional characters. My mistake. While it didn't have the impact I expected, it was still an interesting premise.

The story starts with the worst day of Robert Rivera's life. Rivera is a former fitness/health guru who is now obese. Evicted on the same day that his wife leaves him, he feels that he has nothing to live for. Saved by...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars

This wasn't what I expected - It was listed as self help/how-to instead of fiction, but I quickly adjusted my expectations and enjoyed this story. Another surprise is that this wasn't a novel but the first in a series. My plan is to give the second book a shot, too, and see what else this author has written.

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Jul 30, 2012 Shawn Looker rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ques, Inc. isn't really the type of book I read normally but it pretty much held me riveted from the beginning to the end. It was really interesting seeing the people who are the pinnacle of their fields in health, finance, psychiatry, happiness, etc are really just normal human beings with the normal problems and normal failings. Justin did a good job of making me become really interested in what was going to happen next, and really rooting for the people in the book.

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Aug 27, 2012 Sherry rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a fun book to read. It went quick too...only took me a couple of days to read it. I had trouble quitting when it was time to cook dinner.

I liked the characters. I would love to read the next book in the series.

I learned a few things about personal development too.

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Jul 29, 2012 Kristin (Kritters Ramblings) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kritter-reviewed-2012

Check out my full review at Kritters Ramblings

What an interesting book, that even after finishing it I am still trying to pull my thoughts together! From the synopsis, I wasn't sure if this was fiction or non-fiction and even after the first few pages, I was still a little confused. The beginning starts with a former self help fitness guy who has clearly fallen off the train that he created himself - gained weight, marriage about to fall apart and just loosing his life in general, so his former...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Alison rated it 1 of 5 stars

I did not like this book. I thought it was very unrealistic and the characters were not believable. Just did not like it and could not finish reading it.

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Sep 22, 2012 Inga rated it 4 of 5 stars

A different, but very interesting read!

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About Justin Cohen

Justin is the author of four books and seven audiobooks. He produced and hosted a television talk show in which he interviewed some of the world’s top experts on success. As a leading authority on personal development, with an honors degree in Psychology, Justin Cohen speaks, trains and writes in the fields of motivation, sales, service and leadership. Justin's latest book is Quest, Inc, an inspir...more

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