Extraordinary People: Real Life Lessons on What It Takes to Achieve Success

Success shares with readers Mr. Smith, a popular contributor to the

"Leaders & Success" column of Investor's Business Daily, draws on his experience

as an entrepreneur and business reporter to show the common traits and behaviors

that are often shared by high-achievers. These can include courage, the

willingness to make dramatic changes, optimism, having an innovative

imagination, and persistence in the face of adversity.

While learning what it takes to reach enduring success, readers learn about such

fascinating people as musician Ray Charles; Martha Harper, inventor of the

franchise system; Simon Bolivar, liberator of six South American nations; and

novelist Anne Rice.