American Speechwriter’s principal wrote a humorous book:
Anthony Trendl’s The Book of Endorsements is not your typical self-help guide. Published by Tree Fort Books, Trendl presents a work of satire centered around a deceptively simple, two-word principle: “Be holy.”
The book’s conceit is to explore the world of endorsements, often found in self-help and leadership books, and apply them to a message that, at its core, is ancient and spiritual. Trendl states upfront that all endorsements within are “fictitious, satirical, or public domain”, with any resemblance to actual persons or characters used for parody. This playful approach allows him to gather a wild collection of “endorsements” from figures like Mark Twain, Albert Einstein, and even a Persian cat named Desidia.
Beyond the humor, Trendl’s “note from the author” reveals a Christian perspective, though he acknowledges a secular interpretation of his central message. He aims for brevity, trusting the message to be complete and requiring no amplification. While he suggests the book can help increase self-esteem and add purpose to life, he also humorously cautions that it won’t necessarily lead to a longer or wealthier life, or even guarantee better relationships or happiness.
The Book of Endorsements is a clever commentary on the publishing world and the often-over-the-top claims made in self-improvement literature. By distilling a profound concept into two words and surrounding it with a barrage of outlandish praise and “rebuttals”, Trendl encourages readers to look beyond superficiality and consider the enduring power of a simple, timeless truth. It’s a book that invites you to read slowly, think deeply, and perhaps, have a good laugh along the way.
Call us if you need help with a speech. It’s what we do.