An American Success Story that Inspires Me
932371
I am so excited to read this biography of Michelle Obama.  She is smart, beautiful, hard-working, and a dedicated mother.  For people who say you can't do it all, Michelle is the proof that you can!  And she does it with grace and elegance, all from the heart, with sincerity that many other political figures don't show.  My only regret with this Kindle edition is that I can't share it with my daughter!

UPDATE:  Now that I've finished the book, I have to say I'm very disappointed.  I am a BIG fan of Michelle Obama, but the author wrote this book without ever speaking with, or even having a personal e-mail from, Michelle.  She basically Googled Michelle Obama and wrote about whatever she found on the internet.  The author pretty quickly exhausts her info about Obama and then spends a lot of the book talking about her own uninteresting suburban life.  What a bummer!
1497818
This book tells a fascinating story of a young, idealistic professional, looking to have an impact in international affairs and shows the interesting twists and turns that life will take when you just "go for it." It almost reminded me of non-fiction version of the Alchemist, and it was an equally wonderful read. The author does a spectacular job of explaining how a few people who cling to the right ideals can have an impact. It's an example of how Washington CAN work -- there are many good people who are committed to positive change. The author and her hero are among the many. The inspirational and well-written story provides hope. And it makes it clear that everyone needs someone across the ocean to not just keep pushing all the right buttons, but to also know which buttons should be pushed. I couldn't put it down; I read it in one sitting.
524890
Charles Johnson is a wonderful story teller. His captivating style keeps you engrossed in this autobiography of a boy who learns, through experiential learning, what it takes to be successful. His is an account that resonates with those who appreciate a good "rags to riches through hard work" story. It speaks to the power of self determination and diligence. Charlie struggled, but his life story teaches us that we are never finished learning, and if we continue improving and investing in ourselves, life will take us places we never expected. I highly recommend enjoying this easy to read inspirational book.
1338616
Francisco Jimenez has an inspiring life story. From working in the fields of California to earning a PhD from Columbia University, he is truly an example of the American Dream. Taking Hold is fourth in a series of memoirs. The first three books are as follows: The Circuit, Reaching Out, and Breaking Through. This installment of the series deals with Francisco's journey from California to New York City and his subsequent struggle with the cultural shock of the big city and the intimidating world of academia. He also struggles to leave behind his family and girlfriend, Laura, whom he later marries. In addition to telling the story of his time at Columbia, he also describes marrying and beginning a family with Laura.

This book is very inspiring. There is something for all of us to take away from the story, especially the message about hard work and determination. My only issue is that this memoir is recommended for 12+. I teach middle school and I don't know of any students who would be interested in the collegiate struggles presented here nor the love story between him and his wife. Similarly, there is a lot of historical context they will not yet have been exposed to (ie- Vietnam). Perhaps the first two books would be more relevant for the age group I teach. However, I highly recommend this series for high school students. Perhaps there will one day be a combined volume that has all 4 memoirs in one.
2578659
What a great true story.  How wonderful that there are people out there working hard to avoid debt while still accomplishing great things.  I found the whole story inspirational and I plan on giving the book to my son who will soon graduate from college and is not so keen on following the well worn path of birth/school/job/retire/die but is instead interested in living life in a more exciting and real sense.
763840
Twenty two years ago, I came to this country from the Czech Republic to be American, raise my family, and to try to become a business man. It has not been easy learning language and a new culture, but, today I am a successful. I bought a book called Gringo-My Life on the Edge as an International Fugitive and my life began to have some more of a special meaning for me to think about. As I began reading the book I could see many similarities between this Dan Davis "Tito" and me, we had many the same thoughts and person abilities.  Never to never give up and always move forward even when you get knocked down,  This book gave me some new ideas in my head so I can be better American. Thank you very much! Rosti.
4527972
I enjoyed this memoir of a Muslim immigrant from Pakistan. The audiobook is read by the author. Khizr Khan is a true American success story. He came to America with nothing and became a great success through hard work and education. The start of this book was a little slow. His childhood in Pakistan did not especially come alive, and the slow reading of the author took some getting used to. As Khan grew older, and attended university and law school in Pakistan, the book became more personal and engaging. This is one man's story, and a good one. He became well known as the Gold Star parent singled out by Hillary Clinton in the Democratic Convention. This story, though, is about the American dream. While the patriotic references are a little too repetitive at times, I still found myself inspired by Khan's Khan's life and his love of his country.
3707053
I wasn't sure what to expect when I requested Where Lilacs Still Bloom, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. It's an inspirational story of Hulda Klager, a German immigrant in the early 1900s.

Hulda's interest in creating the perfect apple for  making pies blossoms (yes, pun intended) into a desire to breed a twelve petals creamy white lilac. Her foray into hybridization and plant breeding is met with both support and resistance. This is an inspiring story of Hulda's determination, humility, personal growth, loss, and her impact on others across the country.

I love gardens, and the author painted a visual landscape with words - I could see the rows of lilacs, the farm, and even Hulda's front porch in my mind.

A wonderful account of an inspirational woman. I give it 4 out 5 stars.
2604418
I wanted to take a few moments to say how much I enjoyed reading "Hard Days Hard Nights".  This book is a true testament to creating the American dream. Our country is filled with amazing stories and every once in a while there comes along a book that helps revive the American spirit.  This is one of those books where you start reading it and you simply can't and don't want to put it down.

If one has family that immigrated to our great country, one can easily relate to the hard work, drive and determination expressed in the first few chapters.  You don't have to be Italian to relate, this book is more about taking a chance and doing makes you happy from my perspective.  I'd venture to say many people have started out chasing a dream and inevitably abandon their dreams to satisfy expectation or the pressures of sustaining a living.

There are so many aspects of this book that allows the reader feel like they are part of the action.  I cannot say enough about what a great book this is and how amazing these experiences must have been.  Thank you for sharing and helping to re-energize the desire to follow one's dreams.
2874677
It Starts With An Idea by Jan McClerry
Not having any background with computer coding and software development did not hamper my enthusiasm for getting a peek inside a California start-up company. As a manager, I most enjoyed reading about the financial challenges of starting a company, working with technical staff and considerations around out-sourcing, especially with India.
I applaud the vision, dedication and sacrifice of the entrepreneurs in this real life story.  I have known Jan for over 50 years and admire her tenacity. If you haven't read her book Class of 67, you missed reading about how hard she worked to excel in the academic world and how she moved from a background in math and physics to the software world.
The story didn't attempt to hide the warts that come with any commercial endeavor and was honest about both the successes and failures.  Thank you for an interesting read.
Craig R. Nichols  West Jordan, Utah
2069738
An inspiring story of success achieved by hard work and ethical behavior throughout his career. A frank and open discussion of his successes and failures (not many), coupled with his shortcomings. Particularly appreciated his behind the scenes discussions of board room negotiations on corporate governance. The clever weaving of his personal and family life, as it shaped his professional successes make for interesting reading. The book is well written, which makes it difficult to stop once you start reading. A must read for all first and second generation immigrants, as well corporate executives making their way up the leadership ladder.
4120372
It is also about redemption, great love, great sacrifice , and the miracle that was the USA until a few short years ago.
I was lucky, my parents came here from Cuba in the late fifties, shortly before I was born so we had our family and a stable home always.
My parents ended up in Georgia and thought they had landed in heaven. The neighbors were always friendly and helpful. I don't  remember any one ever being ugly to me because we were Cuban. Speaking of the miracle that is the USA, we were nobodies from nowhere and yet we were able to attend and send our children to excellent schools, live where-ever we wanted to live, study whatever we wanted to study, befriend anyone anywhere. This is not possible in most countries around the world.
The only difficult thing about being Cuban in America is having to listen to the constant lies about Cuba, Castro, and Communism from the media and academe. The American press and Schools were and are determined to keep people in the dark about the real story of Cuba and tyranny.
 We were poor at first and yet we never felt poor. Even in our modest neighborhood, much like the first home where Mr. Eire and his brother lived, you did not have to lock your doors or your car.
I did not want to read this book because I was so steeped in the sadness of what happened to our family and friends as a child that once I became an adult I couldn't bear to think about it any more. But Mr. Eire had me hooked from the first paragraph. It is sad, but it is also grand. And the end will make you smile.
3957357
An inspiring story that will leave you craving for more. I read this book about 7 or 8 years ago but i still remember the stories vividly.
I couldn't stop reading when i started until I was done.  Particularly because i could relate to most of the stories especially growing up without a father around just like Barack Obama. I now have a book today called "Stand Up, Stand Out & Be Confident"  , something that i wasn't sure will ever happen.
This book is a good read for motivation, because it teaches you that where you come from or where you are right now does not determine who you will become in the future.
2494232
I just finished reading the book and it is very motivating and inspiring. As a Cuban immigrant myself I can certainly identify with Emilio and I was surprised to read about all of the obstacles he had to overcome to get to where he is today. His is truly an American success story!!!Felicidades Emilio!
4386934
It is very intriguing to hear from a foreigner about a country. As I started the first few chapters I thought the book was just an easy-to-read and fun story about an American who lives in China. However, as I continued reading through the chapters, I was very impressed how encouraging and motivating the stories were. Russell Miller introduces so many beautiful stories of people who are persistent, courageous, optimistic, and selfless. This is not a story of just an American who happened to be in China, but it is a story of a man who runs non-profit organization and business that chose to be in China with a purpose of making changes to the people in China. Additionally, thanks to the authors expansive experience of traveling and business, we can hear about so many other countries including Singapore, Japan, Vietnam and even North Korea!
37171
Pat is amazing.  His story is one of good fortune but mostly of hard work and faith paying off.  So inspiring especially for me at this time because I quit my job to pursue my own course and hope to be as successful and inspiring to others as Pat has been for me and thousands of other internet entreprenuers.
1382493
I found Dr. Shepard's book inspirational  and motivating. We are about the same age and share many of he same childhood. memories. Dr. Shepard has had international success but it is his strong respect that he has for the role of a christian, praying  mother and  the  values that were ingrained in him since his earliest years that I appreciate the most  and to which I can relate.
From the beginning he was a dreamer and like myself many times would get lost in his dreams.
High school and young adults as well the educators and counselors  that teach and impact  youth would do  well to read his book and  fallow his example. We will not have success and acclaim that he has achieved but we can do our part step by step each day to do that which makes a difference. I have to opportunity to be a better person after reading his story.