My name is Alex Hines. I am 12 years old, in the 7th Grade and I disobeyed my mother, so she decided to require me to read your novels and write a summary on what I read. I would like to share my thoughts with you. Since I really enjoyed your first book, will you please send me a autographed copy?
After receiving this note, we did indeed send Alex an autographed copy of The Go-Giver—and we were blown away by his book report. In more than two years since the book’s release, Alex is the very first person to write to us with insight on why we chose the name Pindar for the mentor in the story, and what its implications are. Remarkable insights. Keep your eye on this young man: he’s going places. Here is the report:
The Go-Giver
By Alex Hines
This is a story of a man, Joe, who learns the 5 Laws.
My understanding of this book is that Joe is learning all these laws and putting them into everyday life. Once he learns all of them and does that, he receives great things, in his case a major part in a business.
He learned through Pindar, but I don’t think Pindar is the person who is teaching them, I think that it is many people who pass on the 5 Law philosophy once they have learned it from their own Pindar.
For example, in the end of the book, Joe took Claire, a seeker of his secret, to Ernesto Iafrate’s Café so she as well could learn. So in my mind, Joe just became another Pindar, and after Claire learns, she will become one as well.
Pindar is also a very symbolic name for the teachers. Pindar is a Greek poet and philosopher who taught many life lessons through his stories. Pindar is described as someone with a great storyteller’s voice in the book. I think Mann and Burg purposefully picked that name for the group of people.
Another thing that led me to have this view on the book: on the Internet, Pindar’s age was never revealed and nobody knew his last name. Do you want to know why? Because the author purposefully wanted you to see that it was a passed down philosophy for success that everyone can learn and teach.
Now I can go by Pindar’s laws and become a Pindar myself.
Hey Alex! I just read your report, and I wanted to let you know two things:
1- You’ve got one great mom there! In fact, since she made you read “The Go Giver,” you might see HER as a Pindar in YOUR life too!
2- Your report was really well done, and I’m sure you have a great future ahead of you – I hope you’re proud. I’m sure your mom is too!
Hi Alex,
The apple did not fall too far from the tree. That was a very insightful book report. Keep reading and filling that bright young mind of yours with great books and good thoughts and you will have an amazing future!