"Before you write a book, you usually do market research. But I didn’t care what was already out there, because I was going to do it anyway," says Morris Taylor, in reference to his new book, How to Create a Magical College Life. "I felt I had something unique and important to say."

How to Create a Magical
College Life

His strategy has paid off. The author, motivational speaker and Baha'i since 1974, has written a guide unlike others in the "how to be successful in college" genre. Read those other guides to learn about the day to day stuff. Read How to Create a Magical College Life for its spiritual but practical approach. It’ll take you only a few hours to learn, as the subtitle says, "25 strategies for better grades, healthier relationships and super self-confidence!"

Consider such chapter titles as "Make up your mind to be a class act." "Create a personal vision statement." "Think like your professors." "Do the things most students won’t do" (i.e., turning in well-thought-out assignments on time, making a good impression on your professors). "Seek ways to be of service to others." "Help others get what they want." "Consciously invite diversity into your life."

Whoa. Those last three. "They aren’t something you’re likely to find in another college guide," Mr. Taylor admits. "The Baha’i teachings emphasize the importance of these actions – of being of service, of doing things for others to make you a better person and not just for your resume’.

The third, embracing diversity, is part of a larger Baha'i core belief – the oneness of humanity. Since its inception in 1863 in Iran, the Baha'i Faith has worked to eliminate prejudice of all kinds.

"To introduce the idea that students should make an effort to interact with people of different cultures is very important," Mr. Taylor says. "The generation I’m speaking to is in a position to make a big difference in the future of the planet and peaceful relations between peoples. And first-hand experience is the first step. "

In Magical Life, Mr. Taylor encourages students, "Don’t be afraid of interracial or intercultural dating." A lot of readers, he says, are coming from backgrounds "where there hasn’t been much close exposure to people of other cultures," so they haven’t thought much about it.

Mr. Taylor says he sees the book as "a jumpstart to the rest of your life. The college environment is a great place to do it. To learn how to work, think, rationalize, network, get along, come to grips with your spirituality – an altogether winning combination.

"This is the book I wish I’d had when I was starting college," Mr. Taylor writes, "because it tells you how to be successful in all phases of your life."