I'll admit I have been a long time fan of Pam Slim at Escape from Cubicle Nation and I was thrilled to death when her book Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur was released in late April.

For full disclosure purposes, I volunteered to be a member of her virtual R&D team as she was writing the book (meaning she asked questions, we shared stories and experiences) and as a thank-you I received a complimentary copy of the book.

Back when I was still in my dark little cubicle wondering how the hell I was going to see daylight during normal waking hours I happened upon Pam's blog.  It literally changed my mindset and became a beacon for me each day. A light at the end of the tunnel.  Why?  Because the way she writes about entrepreneurship in a way that is part inspirational story, part practical advice, part stand-up routine all while sharing her own personal story and heartfelt self is unique.  And, it often felt like she was talking right to me.

When someone launches a book these days you can expect the usual viral emails and cross-promotions to generate buzz and sales.  Sure there was plenty of that with Pam's book release as well.  Yet what makes this book different in my opinion are the sheer number of people from everyday readers to online and entrepreneurial celebrities (Guy Kawasaki, Tim Berry) who genuinely gush about Pam and her book.

Communicatrix talks about why this book is different from any other book in her review of the book.

Today, there are dozens of books on the shelves about finding your passion and becoming an entrepreneur. But there are none that I’ve found that fuse the two, combining the practical knowledge anyone transitioning from corporate life needs to know with the kind of gentle encouragement certain souls need to make the leap. Pam understands the mindset of those longing to leave, and the psychological ties that bind us to where we are.

I couldn't have said it better myself.  It seems that there are two camps when it comes to starting your own business.  The "dream it, do it, build it, they will come" camp full of inspiration, dreams, and motivational thought.  The "make it happen" camp that is all about doing, doing doing, nose-to-the-grindstone self-torture-if-you-need-to group that sees success only possible through practical action.  Both camps have success stories, but the real power lies in finding that sweet spot between the two.  Pam's approach leads you directly to that sweet spot.   I recently spoke with Pam about this very thing and the importance of putting a life plan in place before your business or career plan in my recent podcast.

The book is orchestrated so it takes you from the very beginning with chapters that ask "I Have a Fancy Title, Steady Paycheck, and Good Benefits. Why am I So Miserable?" and "What's Really Involved in Moving from Employee to Entrepreneur?" all the way to the big stuff that even veteran entrepreneurs can benefit from reading like "Define the Spirit of Your Brand", "Look Your Finances in the Eye", and "How to Shop for Benefits".

As Mark Silver of "Heart of Business" put it:

But, this is not another boring how-to-set-up-a-business book. What kind of a boring-how-to-set-up-a-business book would help you detox from corporate life and thaw out your soul, which you must do. You can’t be a successful entrepreneur with a frozen soul, period.

I personally can't say enough about the book.  It'll make you listen to your heart AND your head while preparing you for the challenge of entrepreneurship and all that brings with it.  It is a book worth reading and re-reading.  Unlike these quick 150-200 page easy-reader type books that have been flooding the market, this book is jam-packed and over 300 pages and full of exercises and resources.  You can grab a sample chapter of the book at Pam's website.

Don't just take my word for it though... check out yet a few more reviews of what others have to say about the book:

• Nancy Marmolejo's Interview with Pam Slim
• Business by the Book's thoughts on the book
• Alexandra Levit's Review

Paula Gregorowicz, owner of The Paula G. Company, offers life coaching for women to help you gain the clarity, confidence, and courage you need to have success on your own terms. Get the free eCourse "5 Steps to Turn Fear Into Freedom" at her website

Get the latest word on personal finances from an LGBT perspective and Paula's practical coach approach to the topic at Queercents http://www.queercents.com.