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The Diary of a West Point Cadet: Captivating and Hilarious Stories for Developing the Leader Within You Paperback – August 21, 2011

by Preston George Pysh (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 165 ratings
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Let's be honest.  A lot of books about West Point or leadership can be very dry.  Learning doesn't have to be that way. 

In "The Diary of a West Point Cadet," by Captain Preston Pysh, the author teaches essential West Point leadership through the most fun and unique reading of any book in its class.  Each intriguing firsthand account of Preston's top 12 enthralling and hilarious stories from attending West Point, will capture your interest and imagination.  The stories walk the reader down a personal journey many outsiders never see behind the thick stoney walls.  As an added bonus, Preston efficiently summarizes how each gripping story taught him a vital leadership lesson that prepared him to be a combat commander with the renown 101st Airborne Division.  If you are an aspiring cadet, a small-group leader, or even an emerging leader in corporate America, this book is for you.  

If you like twists and turns while reading and learning, you are in for a treat.  Learning about leadership and the United States Military Academy has never been this fun.  Prepare to be glued to your seat and the text as you experience unforgettable stories and lessons from "The Point."
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    238 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    August 21, 2011
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.54 x 8.5 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    9780982967607
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0982967607
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"As a former West Point professor, I can say with full confidence that Preston's book is one of the most captivating, humorous, and enlightening books on the institution. His first hand account and understanding of leadership principles are a standout compared to other books in its class. This is a must read for any service academy candidate or emerging leader."

Lieutenant Colonel Hank Taylor
OH-58D Kiowa Squadron Commander
101st Airborne Division, Kandahar, AF


"The most comical, yet serious insight one will ever read on West Point with valuable lessons from which all civilian and military leaders can benefit."

Major Adam Berlew
Operations Officer, Defense Logistics Agency
Kandahar, AF


"Insightful, witty, thought provoking. CPT Preston Pysh gives an insightful journey through our nation's most prestigious military academy. He also shares in vivid detail the development of a young man that would eventually transform into a highly successful, combat tested AH-64D Longbow Company Commander. Mandatory reading for those bound for service in our military forces."

Lieutenant Colonel Scott Hasken
AH-64D Apache Battalion Commander
101st Airborne Division, Tarin Kowt, AF


"I have had the honor of observing CPT Preston Pysh successfully command an AH-64D company in combat. His ability to translate his personal experience into insightful leadership lessons is indicative of his outstanding leadership style. Well written, entertaining, and thoughtfully crafted, this is a must read for junior officers and civilian leaders."

Major Bernard Harrington
Brigade Operations Officer
101st Combat Aviation Brigade, Kandahar, AF


"Nation, I want you to go to Amazon.com, and buy yourself a copy of Captain Pysh's Book, The Diary of a West Point Cadet. It is funny, it is touching, it is thought provoking, and that's just the cover."

Stephen Colbert
Comedy Central's Colbert Report

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0982967608
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pylon Publishing; 42574th edition (August 21, 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 238 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780982967607
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0982967607
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.54 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 165 ratings

About the author

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Preston George Pysh

Preston George Pysh

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Preston Pysh is an authority in business, investing, and leadership. His business podcast is globally ranked #1 on iTunes for stock investing and numerous other categories. On Amazon, Preston is globally ranked as a top 100 business author. His work has been translated into numerous languages and he writes about international finance and central banking as a contributor on Forbes. His podcast, We Study Billionaires, has been downloaded millions of times per year. Preston has interviewed billionaire NBA sports team owners, Hedge Fund Managers, and global authorities in finance. His work has been featured on shows like The Colbert Report on Comedy Central, The History Channel, and many others.

Preston is the founder of the Pylon Holding Company and he is a graduate of West Point and Johns Hopkins University. He was an AH-64D Attack Helicopter pilot and Company Commander with the 101st Airborne Division During Operation Enduring Freedom and he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Preston is married to his lovely wife, Demi, and they proudly raise their two nieces, Kelly and Jenny, and their son and daughter, Tyler and Claire. In his free time, he enjoys camping, golfing, tennis, and any type of outdoor activity.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
165 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Sean B.
5.0 out of 5 stars By far the best book about West Point
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2010
Verified Purchase
This has to be the best book I have read in a long time and by far the best book about West Point. The author is a recent graduate, thus giving a modern and candid account of his experiences there. The author, Captain Pysh, tells some of his favorite stories encapsulating his four years at the academy. Some are gut-busting funny while others touch the heart, and yes others leave the reader asking "why would anyone subject themselves to that". One thing is for sure, however. This book will make you laugh and leave you confident in the methods of the US Military Academy, regardless of how silly they may sound. The author also applies leadership lessons to the end of the chapters that tell the reader what he learned from specific events and how some of the outrageous stories served a critical role in his development as a leader.

Anyone, military or not, will fall in love with this book. I could not put it down and couldn't wait to see what story would come next. Captain Pysh does a superb job at making the reader feel like he/she is walking in the same shoes. Anyone, especially those thinking of attending West Point will find this book fascinating. It is informative, educational, and most importantly an absolute pleasure to read.
15 people found this helpful
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Johnny Gee
5.0 out of 5 stars This will quite possibly end up being the autobiographical side to a very important future figure...
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
Preston Pysh could very well find himself as a very important historical figure on the dynamics of Bitcoin Analysis from its early days and reviews on "The Investors' Podcasts". It shows the basis of his formative years through genuine leadership challenges in the backdrop of West Point - lessons that are universal and can be applied to much of everyday life. Thoroughly enjoyed!
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Red Sox Reader
4.0 out of 5 stars Wordy Title, but Worth a Read
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2011
Verified Purchase
Do not read this book thinking it is a "year in the life" type book about West Point. BUT . . . it is still worth buying/reading, particularly for potential attendees of West Point or other service academies. This ISN'T a diary, but the lengthy title, after the "diary" reference, gives you some more accurate information about the content of the book: A relatively recent West Point grad (class of 2002 or so?) has put together a collection of stories from his time at West Point to shed light on his philosophies of leadership. The stories are indeed funny (one referencing a stubbornly stinky room is a favorite), and help you get a snapshot both of life at that institution and of the type of individual that is likely to succeed at West Point -- smart; determined; and with a good sense of humor and perspective. The leadership lessons are good, although relatively generic.

I'd say this book will be most valuable and memorable to future cadets/midshipmen at the nation's service academies, as Captain Pysh does a great job of showing how some seemingly illogical traditions and/or training practices do indeed have a deeper purpose than just making the younger cadets miserable. Captain Pysh has also done a nice job by following up some of the heroes of his West Point-era anecdotes and reporting on their later, very successful army careers; again, a good way to show would-be service academy attendees why it all will matter later.

One minor downside is that Captain Pysh, who sounds like a really gifted engineer (he invents something tested by NASA, which is pretty cool) writes like one too -- there are some vocabulary and grammar mistakes that better copy editing would have/should have caught. But it does seem like this is authentically his voice, which is ultimately the most important thing.
9 people found this helpful
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Eric Richardson
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2016
Verified Purchase
This book was a joy to read. It was full of captivating storytelling that illustrated important leadership lessons in memorable ways. I would recommend this book especially if a person is considering applying to attend West Point. Kudos to the author on writing a great book, but even more for his hard work in reaching his West Point goals and his honorable military service for our nation.
One person found this helpful
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Jesse Frush
5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining. An easy read from an admirable human being.
Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
I'm probably biased. I love Preston Pysh.

I've discovered many thought leaders in my life that offer perspectives or provide a shining example of something I aspire to emulate in my own life. More often than not, I will eventually learn enough about this person to discover something (or many things) that cause disillusionment. Preston is not one of those people. I bought this book simply to be entertained and try to learn a bit more about how he came to be the person I believe him to be; and I was not disappointed.
One person found this helpful
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J. Carol Seeley
5.0 out of 5 stars Best West Point book ever!
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2011
Verified Purchase
I have read many books on West Point, having a husband and daughter that have gone there. This book by far gives a real view on what happens at West Point and why. You hear complaints about the "stupid" things they make plebes do, etc. This book truly gives insight into why things happen and you can't help laughing. Every young person thinking about going to WP, every person that attended WP or is married to a West Pointer, and anyone interested in increasing their leadership skills should read this book. The wonderful thing about it is that they will laugh and enjoy their way through this book.
6 people found this helpful
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Auburn Mom of Three
5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected Gem
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2016
Verified Purchase
As my son is contemplating accepting an offer to play football at USMA....a dream come true for him...I decided to finally read this book which he read years ago. I was expecting the typical R-day and Beast Barracks horror stories. However, I was not expecting to laugh as much as I did or to come away with such valuable concepts for leadership which are applicable not only for the military and corporate worlds but also for my life as the mother of four children. This was excellent.
4 people found this helpful
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BG RG CC
3.0 out of 5 stars A Long Winded Book on Leadership
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2014
Verified Purchase
Not bad but I felt - at times - like I was in grade 6. Sometimes the authors examples went on and on and on.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

David Chabot
4.0 out of 5 stars That was a truly fun read, although it felt a little light on ...
Reviewed in Canada on July 18, 2015
Verified Purchase
That was a truly fun read, although it felt a little light on facts and stories. Had fun trough and trough, I recommend it.
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