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  • My Best Mistake

  • Epic Fails and Silver Linings
  • Written by: Terry O'Reilly
  • Narrated by: Terry O'Reilly
  • Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (125 ratings)

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My Best Mistake

Written by: Terry O'Reilly
Narrated by: Terry O'Reilly
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Publisher's Summary

The host of CBC Radio’s Under the Influence, Terry O’Reilly, uncovers the surprising power of screwing up.

The Incredible Hulk was originally supposed to be grey, but a printing glitch led to the superhero’s iconic green color. NHL hall-of-famer Serge Savard’s hockey career nearly ended prematurely, not because of an injury, but because of an oversight. And the invention of a beloved treat, the Popsicle, began with a simple mistake.

In his fascinating and meticulously researched new book, Terry O’Reilly recounts how some of the biggest breakthroughs and best-loved products originated with a mistake. Some people’s “mistakes” led to dramatic life changes - losing their jobs, their companies, and often their credibility - only for them to discover new opportunities on the other shore. Other people’s mistakes seemed minor, almost insignificant - until they led to a famous brand, a legendary band, or a groundbreaking work of art. And in a few instances, a mistake actually saved lives.

The fear of failing often holds us back. My Best Mistake will change how you think about screwing up and will encourage you to accept mistakes and embrace the obstacles that may arise from these errors, leading you to unexpected breakthroughs and silver linings of your own.

©2021 Terry O'Reilly (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

What listeners say about My Best Mistake

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

So interesting. Could stop listening

Terry O’Reilly is an amazing story teller both on paper and as a narrator. Every story has a great lesson.

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  • Overall
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Enjoyable

I’ve listened to Terry O’Reilly on CBC over the years. Having always enjoyed his storytelling, I thought I would give “My Best Mistake” a listen. True to his warm and witty style, O’Reilly engages the listener focusing on the “mistakes” which opened the doors to many great opportunities, reminding listeners that sometimes the obstacles are what guides us to the next right action.

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  • Overall
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Stories well-written and entertainingly told

If you're a fan of Terry's podcasts (and spin-off podcast 'We Regret to Inform You"), you'll love My Best Mistake. Well-researched stories told in Terry's classic fun and smart story arc style. I binged it, I love it, and I was totally bummed when it was over. Highly recommended with 5 Stars all the way.

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  • Overall
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Amazing, entertaining and Inspiring!

Love the book! Amazing and inspiring stories. Terry is an exceptional storyteller. If you are not following his podcast "under the influence", I just handed you one wonderful gift! you're welcome!

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Fun, Informative, and Inspiring!

This is an absolutely great audiobook.
Terry O’Reilly continues with his practice of telling an engaging story that lures the listener in and suddenly the listener has learned a lesson. As a bonus some of the stories are heartwarming and most inspirational.
As a performer, he is excellent – not surprising as he has spent much of his fascinating career in radio.
At the risk of making a terrible joke based on the title, it would be a mistake not to listen to this one.

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Similar to the radio program which makes it great!

Very similar in content to the radio program, but part of the reason that makes this enjoyable. Would defenitely recommend.

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Incredible true stories

The stories here are mostly about famous people and companies that most of us would recognize, however we would have no idea what they went through to reach the level of success that they did. So it is very enlightening. The narrator,, the writer himself, made the story even more interesting by the way he was slow and deliberate in his delivery.

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Perfect mistakes

A great collection of significant mistakes and the major successes they led to. Some surprising yet delightful tales. Highly recommended for all humans.

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loved it

funny, informative and uplifting. think you screwed up, these people did it way worse and bounced back.

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Excellent!!!

I really enjoyed Terry. He had my full attention in every chapter up to the very end. Not bad at all for my first audio book. Thanks

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