Angelo La Mantia:
Director – Agfil Developments, Melbourne, Australia
I met Alistair MacLeod over a decade ago at a property development company. Alistair and I came from
2 different worlds but we quickly found common grounds with regards to our strong beliefs in honour,
integrity and respect.
Never Die Wondering is a wonderful book to read. It is an inspirational story of a man I know well.
Alistair has always looked at the glass at being half full, not half empty, no matter what life through at
him. His story is truly inspiring and his quotes always ring true.
I would describe the highs and lows of Alistair’s journey through life as tough, rewarding and definitely
entertaining and motivational. The title sums it up, Alistair will never die wondering. If anything he will
Reinventing himself in order to achieve his goals, whether it be personal or professional.
The book has inspired me to develop and refine a never give up attitude to life. As a result my wife and
I have built our own multimillion dollar property portfolio, a number of successful joint ventures along
with a fast growing construction company helping develop one of Melbourne’s most awarded buildings.
I would recommend this book to anyone who need help getting out of the ‘rat race’ or feels the need
to be inspired. Alistair’s story will make you look at life through different lens. This book gives you an
insight to one mans extraordinary journey through life.
Greg Fawns:
Geologist, World traveler- Wagga Wagga, Australia
I first had dealings with Alistair when I was informed he had property for sale in Tumbarumba. I emailed
Alistair and talked to him on the phone. Whilst we have only ever met once, we have continued to
maintain a close acquaintance of sorts through phone calls and email ever since we discovered we had
very similar views on travel, the world and life.
I liked the easy going nature of the writing, the anecdotes and the raw reality of life Alistair was
describing. It was written by a storyteller, not a writer, it was told, not staged, it’s not about Alistair
telling us his life’s journey, it’s more Alistair telling us about life and this is what it did to and for him.
Alistair had an interesting journey in life and he proves the old adage that truth is stranger than
fiction. I found his later years more interesting – the recognition of opportunites, the failure of business
ventures, the court appearances and his fight for custody as the more compelling section of his book.
He faced and overcame hurdles that all of us hope we never have to face, he showed that anyone can
win if they want it badly enough, no matter the adversary. I almost find his current life in Melbourne a
let down compared to what it once was. However, as Alistair would say, life has it’s reasons and takes us
along for the ride.
I could sympathise with Alistair when reading his book. I travel widely, I work around Australia and
the world, I worked the land, I know a lot of the country he describes, I’ve mustered mountains on
horseback and vast semi-arid land on motorbike so it touched a chord. I’ve taken opportunities and I’ve
squandered opportunities, but reading Alistairs book shows that opportunites aren’t created, they are
there and we need to recognise them. Reading his book shows that there are still people with principles,
scruples and integrity out there and that when you have that, friends are real, respect is given and life
can give back to you.
I recommended this book to my family members and friends who had the same enjoyment of reading
it as my friends. I would not recommend it to people who have no affiliation with the land or who are
content to live in a square box and who feel life owes them.
I hope Alistair can take this book and his life story and continue with his public speaking.
Lisa Rhind:
Director, PAOZ Personal Assistance, Australia
I came across the book on line, ordered it and loved it. I love the Australian bush, horses and cattle, so
that was a draw card for me The most appealing thing was Alistair’s determination and will to achieve.
I would describe his journey as courageous. A specific benefit I got from reading the book, was anything
is possible, if you don’t give up.
I would recommend the book to anyone wanting to be inspired by natural intelligence and hard work.
Alistair’s book helped me tremendously by rebuilding my courage after some difficult times. I have been
truly touched by his story and think back to the book often.
Mark Egan:
Accountant – Director Plan Act Grow, Moonee Ponds, Australia
The feature I liked about the book Never Die Wondering was the style it was written, I would describe
the journey of Alistair MacLeod fascinating, Aussie outback / historic adventure.
The specific benefit I got from reading the book was that you can be successful regardless of what life
throws at you.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read. I loved the book and Alistair’s take on
life.
Darryn Hartnett:
Former Local Government General Manager, Australia
The journey of Alistair MacLeod is an inspiring read. Written with clarity and honesty, it’s clear messages
and honesty shine through.
I have known Alistair MacLeod since 1995, when he was developing his tourism operation in the local
government Shire where I held the position of General Manager. His positive outlook and fortitude in
the face of adversity was to be admired.
I would recommend this book. It is well presented and a great read.
Alasdair MacLeod:
Architect – Managing Director, BSS Group Australia
I was referred to this book by a friend who was surprised that I had the same name.
The feature I liked about the book was the practical way it was written and the way it gave down to
earth advice.
Alistair MacLeod is a tough bugger who has an amazing journey. I reckon I can learn something from
him.
The specific benefit I got from reading the book is to learn that we should try not to get too tied down
to what you are doing today. Be prepared to change tack in your life’s journey. Don’t be afraid of the
unknown.
I would recommend this book to everyone, I am looking forward to soon having a meeting with Alistair
to discuss the finer details of the book.
Thad Mangalino:
Founder, Firm Focus Personal Training, Melbourne Australia.
This is a great story about a man who overcame challenges that would have had many people just give up.
The reader can learn a lot from Alistair’s experience.
It’s an empowering book and it is evident from the journey we can all learn the strategies and the value of
having the right mindset.
The value of being a person of integrity, having clarity and intent. For one to go through what Alistair Macleod
went through and come out triumphant in the end is enough to ask yourself “How?” did he do it.
The book is written as if Alistair is telling you the story over a cup of coffee, a conversational style
and has time proven principles that we too can adapt into our own lives.
This is a memoir of an Aussie battler who did all he could and gave it his all and succeeded.
Mary Conigrave, property purchaser, Sydney Australia
“ I read your book again as I found it such an inspirational story! And your dear son is lucky to have such a devoted father.
You have great courage and resilience to cope with the challenges and extreme difficulties in your life. And you never feel sorry for yourself but get back up again on your feet, work extremely hard and become a success.
I found it astonishing how the law can sometimes forget the victim by making it difficult for them to have proper representation. And I admire your mental strength in representing yourself and understanding the law in various court proceedings. To win these cases were truly remarkable.
On meeting Alistair we were welcomed by his country hospitality and sincerity. He has a wealth of knowledge about country properties and his people skills are fantastic as he will always assist you with any inquiries. The property we purchased is a beautiful and peaceful farm. When we visited our farm for the first time its scenic features were aptly described on the web-site. We love our farm and it is so peaceful unlike Sydney. And we intend to go back there during our holidays. Our future plans is to move to the farm and escape the rat-race.
Thank you for being so kind as to give us your book. It is your positive attitude and honesty we found in meeting you and in reading your book that is truly refreshing and admirable. These positive values are remarkable in the business world because they stand opposite to a world that thrives on insincerity and ruthlessness”.