Promises to Keep: The Amwya Phenomenon and How it Works

If you're already positive that Amway is the best thing since sliced bread, this book will probably be just what you're looking for - a pleasant, Pollyannaesque romp through the fluffy clouds and green meadows of Amway's public relations machine. To the outside observer, however, this book is just another example of propaganda work-for-hire.

It is worth noting that the word 'obviously' in the text invariably appears whenever Conn has run out of facts and wants to make some breathtakingly irrational leap of logic. For an example, read the first paragraph on page 53, where Conn states that the solution to Amway's leadership problem (his words, not mine) "lies obviously with the children of the co-founders..." Or look at the last paragraph on page 55, where he declares that the Amway founders' children are "obviously destined by birth and training for higher things." It's a shame he doesn't have any footnotes or a bibliography or anything to back up these interesting statements.

In all fairness, however, the book is reasonably sturdy, making it an excellent coaster or candidate to shim up a short table leg, and is, therefore, worth the nickel this book may cost you at a yard sale.

-- Jake Boone


Distributor or not this is a great informational source   December 17, 1999
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

I have married into this business. Promises to Keep has been a very informational tool in helping me understand what our business is all about. The facts about the day to day functioning may be dated, but the book is not about facts, it is about the foundation of a large corporation and the fundamentals of keeping a great business going. I am purchasing this book for family that may only have a snapshot of what we are involved in. I cannot wait to share it!


Amway Corporate History, Distributor Bios, and FAQ's   June 10, 1998
 5 out of 8 found this review helpful

A slightly outdated book describing a brief history of the Amway Corporation, some profiles of sucessful distributors, and several frequently asked questions. Good material, but contains several facts that no longer apply to the corporation or its millions of distributors.