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The Return of the Ragpicker by Og Mandino
In the sequel to The Greatest Miracle in the World, the inspirational self-help author offers a set of principles designed to point readers toward a more promising and prosperous future.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
39 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Og Mandino
259 books891 followersAugustine "Og" Mandino II (December 12, 1923 – September 3, 1996) was an American author. He wrote the bestselling book The Greatest Salesman in the World. His books have sold over 50 million copies and have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. He was the president of Success Unlimited magazine until 1976 and is an inductee of the National Speakers Association's Hall Of Fame.
Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.
Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.
After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.
Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.
Mandino was born December 12, 1923. According to the 1930 U.S. Census, he was named after his paternal grandfather.
Mandino was once the editor of a high school paper and planned to attend the University of Missouri's journalism school. But in the summer of 1940, before Mandino was able to enter college, his mother died suddenly from a massive heart attack. This happened while Mandino's mother was in the kitchen preparing his lunch. After the incident, Mandino decided to work in a paper factory until 1942. Afterwards, Mandino joined the United States Army Air Corps where he became a military officer and a bombardier. He flew for thirty bombing missions over Germany on board a B-24 Liberator during World War II. It was also during this time that Mandino flew with fellow pilot and movie star, James Stewart. Mandino kept a personalized 8 X 10 photograph of Stewart. This photograph hung on the wall of his home office where he wrote his books.
After his military duties, Mandino discovered that many companies were not hiring many former bomber pilots. As a result, he became an insurance salesman. Traveling on the road and sitting in bars at night, Mandino became an alcoholic. He was unable to keep a job. As a result, Mandino's wife, together with their only child, left him. One wintry November morning in Cleveland, Mandino almost tried to commit suicide. But as he sorted through several books in a library, volumes of self-help, success and motivation books captured Mandino's attention. He selected some titles, went to a table and began reading. Mandino followed his visit to the library with more visits to many other libraries around the United States. He read hundreds of books that dealt with success, a pastime that helped him alleviate his alcoholism. It was in a library in Concord, New Hampshire, where he found W. Clement Stone's classic, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, a book that changed Mandino for the better.
Mandino eventually became a successful writer. His works were inspired by the Bible and influenced by Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone, and Emmet Fox.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 8, 2013
A very inspiring read from Og Mandino. Having not read "The Greatest Miracle in the World", I iniially felt like I may have been better off holding off reading this until reading its predecessor, however I found the writer's narrative very easy to read and found myself having to disciple myself to put it down. In other words, it stood well on its own. The dynamic between Og and Simon Potter was intriguing as you could easily appreciate Og's prespective of having his good friend, Simon, the ragpicker, suddenly reappear in his life after 15 years.
In the end, the underlying messages were inspiring and motivational. The world needs more people to uplift others who are facing struggles and we need to prepare ourselves to have thr right state-of-mind to do so.
I would highly recommend this book to those who are seeking answers about some of the more important things in life.
In the end, the underlying messages were inspiring and motivational. The world needs more people to uplift others who are facing struggles and we need to prepare ourselves to have thr right state-of-mind to do so.
I would highly recommend this book to those who are seeking answers about some of the more important things in life.
August 6, 2016
"Until the sun rises again, I have no stake in tomorrow, for it is still unborn"
February 17, 2023
Once again, Mister Og has me sobbing.
To me, and to America at this ever-present moment: when revival is at hand... In the setting of New Hampshire. And to my family personally at this moment in time. This book has never been more relevant or prophetic.
This book is for the here and NOW. Each page I read, I was more and more astonished and gripped as to this very-present happening. How incredible!!!
I've recently learned that the literal Name of God is in stone, from the times of founding from the fathers in this country. Fathers who prayed, and had the fear (respect and awe) of the love of the Father, be on this nation. The history books are distorted with inconsequential information, while the very craftings of our nation have been blotted out. No more
And the Elohim of expectation fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you overflow with expectation by the power of the Set-apart Spirit.
Romiyim (Romans) 15:13 TS2009
יְהֹוָה
Be praised!
To me, and to America at this ever-present moment: when revival is at hand... In the setting of New Hampshire. And to my family personally at this moment in time. This book has never been more relevant or prophetic.
This book is for the here and NOW. Each page I read, I was more and more astonished and gripped as to this very-present happening. How incredible!!!
I've recently learned that the literal Name of God is in stone, from the times of founding from the fathers in this country. Fathers who prayed, and had the fear (respect and awe) of the love of the Father, be on this nation. The history books are distorted with inconsequential information, while the very craftings of our nation have been blotted out. No more
And the Elohim of expectation fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you overflow with expectation by the power of the Set-apart Spirit.
Romiyim (Romans) 15:13 TS2009
יְהֹוָה
Be praised!
August 28, 2018
Wrong Book Title
I have read and loved Og Mandino for 'nigh on to 30 years but this book was less about the ragpicker and more about the accomplishments of Og and his career. The title of this book should have been "How Great am I"
I have read and loved Og Mandino for 'nigh on to 30 years but this book was less about the ragpicker and more about the accomplishments of Og and his career. The title of this book should have been "How Great am I"
July 21, 2023
Descubrí a Og Mandino hasta hace muy poco. Inicié con este libro y paré por un tiempo al enterarme que había un libro previo a este.
En mi opinión el libro tiene demasiados contexto, el cual entiendo porque si no, no sería libro, sin embargo llegar al mensaje final vale la pena.
En mi opinión el libro tiene demasiados contexto, el cual entiendo porque si no, no sería libro, sin embargo llegar al mensaje final vale la pena.
October 27, 2019
As the sequel to The Greatest Miracle In the World, I rated it 4 stars. One less star than the predecessor.
While I loved both the Simon Potter character and the author's own character, there wasn't enough description of the characters in this book or lessons shared before the end. There was a great deal of conversation about how great OG Mandino was as a writer. While I agree, it should have only been mentioned once in the book, instead of multiple times.
At the end of the book, the "For the Rest of My Life" section is an incredible set of guidelines to live your life. Only OG Mandino has the ability to write in a way that makes a few pages so full of wisdom yet so accessible for readers.
Recommended read!
While I loved both the Simon Potter character and the author's own character, there wasn't enough description of the characters in this book or lessons shared before the end. There was a great deal of conversation about how great OG Mandino was as a writer. While I agree, it should have only been mentioned once in the book, instead of multiple times.
At the end of the book, the "For the Rest of My Life" section is an incredible set of guidelines to live your life. Only OG Mandino has the ability to write in a way that makes a few pages so full of wisdom yet so accessible for readers.
Recommended read!
May 24, 2013
Mr. Mandino turns a very nice descriptive phrase and his attention to detail makes certain scenes and passages come alive and there is a simplicity and directness to his writing style that makes this an easy, comfortable read; sometimes even "thin" and watered down.
There is an inevitability to the plotline and message that Mr. Mandino is trying to reach and the reader gets there well before the author does. This creates a feeling of impatience that is somewhat surprising for a such a slim book. Ironically, the ending is disturbingly abrupt.
A New Age take on a fundamental Christian message with a pop culture lightness. Not about to rock your belief, but a pleasant enough read.
There is an inevitability to the plotline and message that Mr. Mandino is trying to reach and the reader gets there well before the author does. This creates a feeling of impatience that is somewhat surprising for a such a slim book. Ironically, the ending is disturbingly abrupt.
A New Age take on a fundamental Christian message with a pop culture lightness. Not about to rock your belief, but a pleasant enough read.
Read
January 25, 2016Altruism according to Webster's is unselfish regard for, or devotion to the welfare of others. For reasons that science and medicine do not even understand yet, it appears that those who give of their time and energy to assist others on a voluntary basis and with no expected reward, seem to suffer from far less depression and stress in their lives while enjoying many more invigorating moments of self-satisfaction, pride, and a greater capacity for work along with peace and contentment.
Also, anyone fueled by these positive life charges will rarely suffer through the negative jolts of self-pity, hopelessness and failure that always cause so much damage to anyone's immune system.
Also, anyone fueled by these positive life charges will rarely suffer through the negative jolts of self-pity, hopelessness and failure that always cause so much damage to anyone's immune system.
March 14, 2019
So this is my assessment of the book The return of the Rsgpicker by Og Mandino according to my 6 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non English native) -
5. too long and boring story or every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
6. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
Total 3.8 stars.
1. Related to practice - 3 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non English native) -
5. too long and boring story or every sentence is interesting - 3 stars
6. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
Total 3.8 stars.
April 24, 2013
Although it was an enjoyable, slow-paced read, this was not my favorite Mandino book. I felt the key points were slow in developing and some chapters a little depressing. Nevertheless, I was still able to draw some inspiration and hope from this installment of Mandino's works.
February 1, 2015
Ragpicker by Og mandino
I have started Reading his series of books they are amazing I can't seem to put one down I start reading it. Very very powerful books
I have started Reading his series of books they are amazing I can't seem to put one down I start reading it. Very very powerful books
November 7, 2023
A Lovely Memoir
"The Return of the Ragpicker" is the first Og Mandino book I have read. Although it is billed as “The sequel to The Greatest Miracle in the World”, I enjoyed it on its own merits as a lovely memoir of Mandino’s return to his New England roots, finding peace and closure while living in his wife’s small, pastoral and historic hometown of “Langville, NH”, in what became the almost-seven final years of his life. Mandino died at age 72, on September 3, 1996, outliving his father who died at age 65, and his mother who died at about age 41. When Mandino permanently moved into his and Bette’s New Hampshire farmhouse, he was about as old as his father Silvio was when he died at age 65 years, 11 months.
For Mandino, the history, beauty and simplicity of Langville resonated deeply inside him, and he was “…truly taken by this place where I expect to spend the rest of my life…it is very close to heaven here” (p. 75-76) As a fellow New Englander, my favorite parts of the book were Mandino’s descriptions of the countryside around his home, and how he and his wife, as well as Simon Potter, adapted their homes and lifestyles to try to gently blend in with Nature as opposed to trying to dominate it. All this is very evocative of Henry David Thoreau, who Mandino says is “My favorite author of all time…the man whose philosophy about life has had the greatest influence on my thinking, except Christ…” (p.16)
As for Simon Potter, I was happy to accept him as a literary device. As we say in New England, he sounds an “awful lot” like Og Mandino himself 😉 I found the parts where Mandino tried to convince us of Simon Potter’s actual existence to be repetitive and unnecessary. At first, I wondered if Simon was supposed to be God…or Christ…or Simon Peter the Apostle…(and later the head of the Christian church)… or all of the above??? In the end, I concluded that Simon Potter was essentially a higher aspect of the author Og Mandino.
Mandino effectively used The Old Pound as an allegory for everything in life that we all have either lost or found. For Mandino, his lost youth and early dreams were replaced by valuable lessons he found from these early hardships and failures, finding acceptance of himself “as I am.” (p.140), and of course his finding great success as an inspirational and self-help author and speaker (which did not begin until he was age 45). “I had come full circle, and what a circle it had been… from the poorest kid on the school bus, with immigrant parents… to the International Speakers Hall of Fame plus millions of books sold in 18 languages.” (p.30) He found peace in the knowledge that his successful life would have made his poor immigrant parents (who did not live long enough to see it) extremely proud.
It was satisfyingly fitting that Mandino “found” Simon Potter in The Old Pound.
I have a suspicion that Mandino wrote much of this book for his younger self. “All children are innocently cruel to their peers, and because your beloved mother and father struggled so hard to escape the jaws of poverty, your classmates managed to inflict damaging wounds to your self-esteem by the time you had passed through twelve school grades and graduated. I recall you once telling me how envious you had been of the others, with their new clothes and spending money, while you had neither” (p.74-75). Mandino expresses the ideas that there are thousands of how-to books, but not enough time to digest them all; that no new principle for achieving success and happiness has originated in thousands of years; and that people need something simple and short which they can easily repeat at the start of each day to increase their success rate and make their lives better. Thus, the “For the Rest of My Life…” principles, a 6-minute read, was assembled.
Og Mandino has inspired me to visit “Langville, New Hampshire.” The internet, which did not exist when Mandino wrote this book, enabled me to unequivocally identify it. The fact that Mandino could ignite this kind of passion is endorsement enough.
And finally, for those of you familiar with the Myers-Briggs type indicator… I’m betting that Og Mandino’s preferences were INFJ. Your thoughts???
"The Return of the Ragpicker" is the first Og Mandino book I have read. Although it is billed as “The sequel to The Greatest Miracle in the World”, I enjoyed it on its own merits as a lovely memoir of Mandino’s return to his New England roots, finding peace and closure while living in his wife’s small, pastoral and historic hometown of “Langville, NH”, in what became the almost-seven final years of his life. Mandino died at age 72, on September 3, 1996, outliving his father who died at age 65, and his mother who died at about age 41. When Mandino permanently moved into his and Bette’s New Hampshire farmhouse, he was about as old as his father Silvio was when he died at age 65 years, 11 months.
For Mandino, the history, beauty and simplicity of Langville resonated deeply inside him, and he was “…truly taken by this place where I expect to spend the rest of my life…it is very close to heaven here” (p. 75-76) As a fellow New Englander, my favorite parts of the book were Mandino’s descriptions of the countryside around his home, and how he and his wife, as well as Simon Potter, adapted their homes and lifestyles to try to gently blend in with Nature as opposed to trying to dominate it. All this is very evocative of Henry David Thoreau, who Mandino says is “My favorite author of all time…the man whose philosophy about life has had the greatest influence on my thinking, except Christ…” (p.16)
As for Simon Potter, I was happy to accept him as a literary device. As we say in New England, he sounds an “awful lot” like Og Mandino himself 😉 I found the parts where Mandino tried to convince us of Simon Potter’s actual existence to be repetitive and unnecessary. At first, I wondered if Simon was supposed to be God…or Christ…or Simon Peter the Apostle…(and later the head of the Christian church)… or all of the above??? In the end, I concluded that Simon Potter was essentially a higher aspect of the author Og Mandino.
Mandino effectively used The Old Pound as an allegory for everything in life that we all have either lost or found. For Mandino, his lost youth and early dreams were replaced by valuable lessons he found from these early hardships and failures, finding acceptance of himself “as I am.” (p.140), and of course his finding great success as an inspirational and self-help author and speaker (which did not begin until he was age 45). “I had come full circle, and what a circle it had been… from the poorest kid on the school bus, with immigrant parents… to the International Speakers Hall of Fame plus millions of books sold in 18 languages.” (p.30) He found peace in the knowledge that his successful life would have made his poor immigrant parents (who did not live long enough to see it) extremely proud.
It was satisfyingly fitting that Mandino “found” Simon Potter in The Old Pound.
I have a suspicion that Mandino wrote much of this book for his younger self. “All children are innocently cruel to their peers, and because your beloved mother and father struggled so hard to escape the jaws of poverty, your classmates managed to inflict damaging wounds to your self-esteem by the time you had passed through twelve school grades and graduated. I recall you once telling me how envious you had been of the others, with their new clothes and spending money, while you had neither” (p.74-75). Mandino expresses the ideas that there are thousands of how-to books, but not enough time to digest them all; that no new principle for achieving success and happiness has originated in thousands of years; and that people need something simple and short which they can easily repeat at the start of each day to increase their success rate and make their lives better. Thus, the “For the Rest of My Life…” principles, a 6-minute read, was assembled.
Og Mandino has inspired me to visit “Langville, New Hampshire.” The internet, which did not exist when Mandino wrote this book, enabled me to unequivocally identify it. The fact that Mandino could ignite this kind of passion is endorsement enough.
And finally, for those of you familiar with the Myers-Briggs type indicator… I’m betting that Og Mandino’s preferences were INFJ. Your thoughts???
December 28, 2019
🙌🙌 NOTE:. This is a 4 1/2 star read. The option for fractional stars, like fractional CFOs, simply doesn't exist.
What a beautiful book.
Invested in '19 by reading BOTH this & the origin tale of Mr Simon Potter, the GMitW.
Love the concepts, the storytelling prowess of Og , the mindset, & the wisdom imparted!
How useless these are:. Negativity; cynicism; unhealthy skepticism; gossip; assumption; anchoring dreams to reality; and schooling.
Replace each! This book fits well as a Torchlight to do just this.
What a beautiful book.
Invested in '19 by reading BOTH this & the origin tale of Mr Simon Potter, the GMitW.
Love the concepts, the storytelling prowess of Og , the mindset, & the wisdom imparted!
How useless these are:. Negativity; cynicism; unhealthy skepticism; gossip; assumption; anchoring dreams to reality; and schooling.
Replace each! This book fits well as a Torchlight to do just this.
May 28, 2023
One of my favorite books and authors. Love the quote Og has in there-We are born for a higher destiny than that of earth. There is a realm where the rainbow never fades, where the stars will be spread out before us like island's that slumber on the ocean and where the beings that now pass before us, like shadows, will stay in our presence forever.
Saw Og Mandino's tombstone in 2016 in Antrim NH. A big upright one that has chiseled into it-Live each day as if it's your last to show your love and greatness.
Saw Og Mandino's tombstone in 2016 in Antrim NH. A big upright one that has chiseled into it-Live each day as if it's your last to show your love and greatness.
June 7, 2017
A friend of mine lent me this . It reminded me of the book, The Noticer, but I felt The Noticer was much more compelling and better written. This book mostly talked about other books that the author had written, and not until the last four pages did I receive any real insights
April 22, 2018
I am re-reading all of Og Mandino's books this year. This one is my second favorite as it features the return of my favorite Og character, Simon Potter. I wish Og was still with us and writing more books. All his books are true 5 star MUST READS.
October 17, 2019
I have had this book for many years and never get sick of reading it
Og Mandino books are a great inspiration
Reading them over and over regularly what an inspiration it is
Regards
Marlene
Og Mandino books are a great inspiration
Reading them over and over regularly what an inspiration it is
Regards
Marlene
March 14, 2022
another great advice book
In this book we say goodbye to Simon Potter, the old rag picker. As usual he leaves us his words of wisdom on how we can life a better life. Mizpah my friend, mizpah.
In this book we say goodbye to Simon Potter, the old rag picker. As usual he leaves us his words of wisdom on how we can life a better life. Mizpah my friend, mizpah.
April 26, 2022
Another great addition to this storyline. It touches on a lot of the principles presented in his earlier books but this one finally gives the reader a little bit of closure to our favorite ragpicker of them all, Simon. This is another easy read but full of treasured words and messages.
May 10, 2025
I liked the sentiment but was also from a very privileged mindset? kinda like trying to replicate the bible and god was the ragpicker and I dont rlly fuck with general rules of life without understanding varying backgrounds. Was a good read to see what self help books were like in the 80s.
December 9, 2017
Love all his books!
July 26, 2017
Inspirational as Og always is. It felt a bit drawn out and self-promotional, but a good story with practical ways of improving.
December 27, 2019
I thought Great Salesman in the World was good! This takes the cake. Every word so poignant. I felt like it was personally for me. I will read over and over and over and over.....
May 11, 2021
Absolutely beautiful follow up to one of the best books I've ever read!
January 2, 2022
After years of not reading Og, this one really hit home and continued a great story!!!
November 3, 2022
Awesome sequel to "The Greatest Miracle in the World". Now a new assignment for the rest of my life.
May 10, 2023
Good and entertaining read.
I don’t think it was as powerful as “The Greatest Miracle in the World.” But, it was still a good read.
I don’t think it was as powerful as “The Greatest Miracle in the World.” But, it was still a good read.
July 21, 2025
This book is a fitting end to the Simon Potter story. I love it. Og Mandino is the greatest inspirational writer of all time!
September 26, 2017
Og Mandino's The Return of the Ragpicker is intended to teach us how to improve our quality of life while also bettering the world. It reads, though, as a biography of sorts. We meet Mandino (for anyone joining him as a new reader) in the autumn of his life. He's already a well-known author and self-help enthusiast, and this book is a sequel to one written much earlier in his career. Mandino is relocating to New Hampshire after rediscovering his roots, and thinking on his next project. Lo and behold, an old friend appears to him once again, the reassuring Simon Potter. Mandino and Potter pair back up to bring to the world a fresh perspective on how to truly live, rather than just exist, hoping to raise us out of the despair that has taken hold of this country.
Though this book was published in the early-90's, it is perhaps even more relevant now than then. It certainly holds up to time, and is a worthwhile read for anyone. The truth of the new message doesn't appear until the end, but the book itself holds such a wealth of information - history not just on Mandino and his friend, but on New Hampshire, the U.S., and many important historical figures who have shaped our country and our world. It's a quick read, and you'll be chomping at the bit to find out just what short message Mandino has ready for us after his time with the Ragpicker.
Though this book was published in the early-90's, it is perhaps even more relevant now than then. It certainly holds up to time, and is a worthwhile read for anyone. The truth of the new message doesn't appear until the end, but the book itself holds such a wealth of information - history not just on Mandino and his friend, but on New Hampshire, the U.S., and many important historical figures who have shaped our country and our world. It's a quick read, and you'll be chomping at the bit to find out just what short message Mandino has ready for us after his time with the Ragpicker.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews