The Cabin at the End of the Train: A Story About Pursuing Dreams

by Michael V. Ivanov

From the author of The Mount of Olives comes an enriching story about pursuing dreams. Author Michael V. Ivanov beautifully blends true events from his personal life with fiction and allegory in an entertaining and inspiring instruction manual for better living. From a chance meeting with a remarkable old man by the name of “Carl,” a mysterious WWII veteran who shows up on the train at just the right time, The Cabin at the End of the Train provides 12 priceless lessons about purpose, life, and the importance of perspectives. The Cabin at the end of the train will provide you
Other Books by

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Inspirational, Self Help, Spiritualism, Christian Fiction

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 20, 2022

About the author

Michael is a Game-Changing speaker and Best-Selling author who has impacted millions with his message of resilience. He motivates readers and audiences of all ages and backgrounds to take personal responsibility for their lives, reconnect to their purpose, and cultivate success in every aspect of their lives. As a child, he immigrated to the United States just before the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War and is the grandson of a ‘Siege of Leningrad’ and Dachau camp survivor. Michael's talent for story-telling and his success principles motivate and empower readers and audiences to smash fears, limitations, and passive, excuse-oriented mindsets. He reveals how the personal choices we make, the attitudes we carry, and the principles we choose to live by, determine the success & quality of our lives.

He is writer and a motivational speaker on a mission to helping people stay alive all their lives!

Reviews

[Michelle Frankson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Life is happening with or without you”

A few weeks after my mum passed away, I saw a special in the supermarket on a favourite item of hers and was about to message her when I remembered that it’s not a problem for her anymore. In that moment more than any other it hit me hard that life goes on whether we are here or not. The question is how you will choose to live and experience the life that you have. This book reminded me of this fact.

The story appears to be autobiographical so I found myself reading it in the author’s voice. I follow him on IG so that’s how I know what he sounds like😊. The author takes us on two journeys. One being his train ride which is filled with rich imagery and the other, a far more personal journey which is written from the heart and is very authentic. The characters are down to earth and easy to relate to.
If you find yourself feeling a little lost or stuck or you feel like you are doing all the right things but the level of success you seek keeps eluding you, then do read this book. It’s a quick but impactful read that will help you to just take a step a back, re-assess and identify a way forward.
Great book!

[Andrea Kallfa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational

Author is on the right track but too many times I felt a disconnect between his words. I appreciate his trying to motivate his readers to be their best selves but something was lacking. Maybe it was because I felt like he was trying too hard.
I cannot put my finger on what was bothering me. Sorry for my negativity.

[becs · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!
By the halfway point, I was leaning more towards 4 stars, but by the end, I was back at 5.
These thoughts are fresh in my mind, but this book is an overall reminder of just coming back to the simple things in life, this is grounding. It reminds you that the only thing stopping you is you. Your thoughts are confining and can be limiting. It reminds us of how lucky we are.
A small reminder of this is the poem, "The World Is Mine", on pages 57 and 58.
I will say, after Carl was speaking for awhile,, It was starting to feel so scripted you know, for lack of a better phrase, but when you get to the end, you realize that there is a big time constraint, he only has so little time and so much to say, so much to remind us of, to bring us back to ourselves. And I understood then. I am curious as to why the author decided to make it so that Carl was this sort of dreamed up, figment of Michaels imagination, and Austin didn't remember him either..I suppose to have more meaning in the end, a sort of divine intervention, using his own real life story.
I don't have much to say other than that this is quick read that encompasses so much of what a lot of society is lacking, things that we forget, and its easy to lose yourself. This book is just- grounding. and encouraging. You have to have the will, you have to have an emotional connection, but affirmation is nothing without action.
Do it scared, all that matters is that you. did. it.

~And, I can't help but feel like this book found me at the right time, because I am starting something new with my career, starting a new part of my life. Simultaneously, I am trying with some effort to get my health back on track, so this was a good reminder of what it takes to make change.

[Pamela Hollebrands · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this book, didn't finish this book, threw this book away. I felt like I was back in school, should be taking notes for a group discussion. It's just not my type of book, I'm sure other people enjoyed it, I did not.

[Sam Mansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very strong, emotional story. I absolutely enjoyed this read. Many life-lessons can be gleaned from this story ad the setting was perfect. The ending was very emotional for me. Thanks for the read.

[Maggie Shaver · Rating 1 out of 5]

Forced and meandering.

[Michelle Connors · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST book I have read in a long time...had to finish it! Stayed up late to read it in it's entirety. I got this book from used bookseller... as I closed the book... I lifted the cover to find that I had a signed book by the author Michael Ivanov . "Never give up!" :) it read... with a smiley face and his signature. What a treat for me in many ways!!! Thank you Michael Ivanov!!

[Pam Sanderlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, inspirational and motivational. The story takes you on a journey to help in find the passion and joy in his life. Lots of wisdom we could all use in our own lives. Short read.

[Emily Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I was sure that once I accomplished my goals, I would stop doubting myself, my mind would be at peace, and I would be content"

Sometimes you read a book and it just stays with you and gives you perspective and a different view on your own life.
This book was like that for me.

[Baba Boeey · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

[Tamara S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it felt a bit anticlimactic, an overall sweet story with a thought provoking message and lots of inspiring quotes. Also fun to read about the train route after having just traveled through most of the cities listed!

[Julie Cooney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book club convinced me 2/5 stars…

[Jack Darida · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grabbed this book for free from Amazon Prime, intrigued by the cover and the title. Hoping for a moving novel, I was treated instead to a self-help book with advice akin to Zig Ziglar, Norman Vincent Peale, and Tony Robbins. While there are certainly some motivational nuggets scattered throughout, they are not life-changing, as the main character experiences them. I am saddened by references to the Bible and the church as motivational examples, without any direction to seek the God of the Bible through His Son, Jesus Christ. Pursuing dreams is good. But, following self-help principles will only get you so far. Pursuing God and loving others well is the ultimate train to fulfillment in life, and apart from a relationship with the living God through His crucified and risen Son, these stories and principles are just empty platitudes.

[Janice Anders · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too short and missed the mark

Unfortunately I did care for this book. The story was suddenly cut short and I was left wanting more from Michael and how he helped the kid, and how he went on to be the motivational speaker and writer he was meant to be. The first part of the book was great and then it ended with a thud. So much more could have been said and done. The story lacked action which I believe was the whole point of the story?

[Angelique · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel was NOT one of my favorites, but I finished it for book club. The supporting characters were limited, the narrator was an arrogant ass and if he talked about mediocre lives any more often, I was going to burn the book.
Are the messages important lessons? Sure, but they were so contrived and simplistic they became manipulative and sophomoric.
If you are looking for something that will uplift you and reach to the depths of your heart, keep looking, this is not that story.

[Rae Payette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching book full of wisdom and life lessons with a sweet little twist at the end!!
Such a beautifully written journey of introspection and self discovery and reconnecting to your true self, with a shroud of mystery and intrigue tied within the story.
Carl - WOW! What a character! I saved almost every quote or thought he uttered. What wisdom can be gleamed from people like him.
OUTSTANDING story! 5 SOLID STARS 🌟

[Blanche Konieczka · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a good story but he did way too much motivational preaching. It ruined the story for me and I had a hard time getting through the first chapter because most of it was him obsessing about his life choices and insecurities.
Motivational talk can be gently added to a story, he used a bulldozer to cram it in every page.

[Katherine McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book…I have listened to it on Audible many times!

[Bryan Burks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great and inspiring book! Highly recommend!

[Melissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, tones of Mitch Album.

Short, but impactful

[Phanisree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly quick read and to be frank that was my motivation for picking it up — I needed to complete my Goodreads goal. However, I’m deeply grateful that I did. While the book doesn’t necessarily reveal anything groundbreaking or lessons that you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere, Michael is strangely a relatable character. There is nothing I cherish more than a good story, especially one that has characters disparate characters that seem to find each other in a great time of need. I was deeply touched by Carl’s kindness and enthusiasm and Michael’s fear and anxiety. Although the book made frequent references to religion but they were heartfelt and sincere. The book reaffirms that we need to remember to dream and choose to leave the prisons we’ve made in our minds. Good sentiments to walk into the new year with.

[Samuel Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! This book is one of those inspirational books that I could read over and over again! I am not a huge fan of motivational books because I typically tend to think what kind of authority do you have to give me advice, but when I saw this book at a local thrift store something called to me. I know that sounds weird but I picked it up and looked inside and the author had signed it! I was not familiar with him but since I’m a book lover, I picked it up and I’m so glad I did. This book taught me so much about not taking things for granted when trying to pursue your dreams and not to dwell on challenges. It answered so many questions about the author’s journey to get to where he is today but there are still a lot of questions that I have unanswered in regard to the characters…read it and you’ll be just as confused and maybe a tad emotional.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

You never know what kind of people you will meet on a long train ride. But quiet frankly, we all need a Carl in our lives.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Co-worker chose this as our book study. Super quick, easy read with a nice message.

[Twobchelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not what I was expecting …. Life lessons and counting your blessings before time runs out.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book at the right time.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading so many positive reviews, I was really looking forward to reading this book. It's difficult for me to review after so many glowing comments because I did not find it "the best book I've ever read" as so many have said. It's not a bad book and I do appreciate the message the author tried to convey, but the writing was so-so. Is the book fiction? A biography? A self help book? Perhaps all of them. The ending seemed contrived. The author goes back and forth between stating his fears and in the next paragraph almost brags how famous and talented he is. Because of that, I feel his message got lost in the jumble of his thoughts.
Again, it isn't a bad book. I just did not find it motivational.

[Karlene Blackmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting a self-help pep talk book. The story felt forced. The author was the narrator for the audio book and I wished it had been someone who reads these books professionally. It felt like he was just reading words off of the page instead of telling the story. It was short so I finished it but I can’t say I really liked it.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a cry for help.
I have no idea why it’s so highly reviewed. It’s unbearable. The author has nothing enlightening or inspirational to say. He’s selfish, condescending and in need of therapy and a 12 step program.
Do not waste your time.

[Lori · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found the writing to be boring.