His triumph despite discouraging setbacks and disparaging remarks about his novel ideas is amazing.
928999
Really appreciated entering the world of William Kamkwamba, a young plucky Malawian boy with a thirst for knowledge and problem solving. The parts about the famine are very hard to read but important to understand the courage of William. His triumph despite discouraging setbacks and disparaging remarks about his novel ideas is amazing.
4675186
From what I had read in the media I was a bit skeptical about the author. But after I met him and spent most of a full day listening to him speak I'm greatly impressed with the strength of his character and his conviction.
3962587
I found it fascinating and "impressed" with the massive money and brutality involved.  It is hard to imagine how he could get to be so powerful.
2011862
refreshing, style and method standing out of the lot
though he makes it feel too easy,
good peptalk on autocristism:
the joy is to paint,
the result secudary
3031480
As if the catchy title weren't enough, the stuff inside can sustain it.  There were moments when I thought  "Oh, this is an interesting way to write this" and then "Okay, I think he's gone too far with this method" and then "Holy s***!  He pulled that off brilliantly!"
4016447
I have witnessed the Rev. Ridley go from a broken young man deep into drugs and street life to a remarkable servant for God, Husband, Father, preacher and his remarkable faith through very deep valleys of sickness, and still he triumphs. I am awed that he has been able to recall his life journey with such detail and poignant stories that will give us all encouragement and renew faith for the reader.
906374
Amazing strength and character!  He's very honest about himself - sometimes a little cocky, but that's probably what helped him get through his initial recovery.
929919
Had not watched Trevor Noah as host of the Daily Show before reading this book but am now a big supporter and am amazed by the hurdles he faced and overcame growing up
2033259
This is an amazing coming of age novel that also encompasses a young man straddling two cultures and triumphing.
2500309
He is an amazing human being and writes about a charged situation in a logical, thoughtful and compassionate voice even though the story is very dramatic.
1729702
It was clear in parts the author had some unfavorable views on Nixon, but he was very fair and brought the human element to a man marred by his insecurities. How he wrote Nixons life can show us we are all human. The highlights of his presidency are all there. The book really shines at the humble beginnings of his first congressional campaign. Its truly inspirational. Very well done and I think everyone can take away a lesson from Nixons life because it is so rich with victories, defeats and come backs.
1450566
Efforts exerted into consolidating all this great man's achievements were never wasted. Yes, it's a brief summary, but the bottom line was it successfully showcased all the person's success in only one sitting,  Never thought that this man who was behind my favorite financial platform, is a rocket scientist as well.  Impressive.
4253697
While I get really annoyed by his statements about gender roles and family life, his radical change to a healthier living is an interesting read. The amount of time he puts in is inspiring and the help from his friends and family is just astonishing, can't believe they put up with it!
1730652
I do not rate a book as five-star lightly.  This book was both entertaining with wry humor and
discomfiting with no holds barred descriptions of the ravages wrought by Tourette's on one's
psyche and capabilities.  But the story of his triumph over this astounding debilitating curse in his
personal life is truly amazing.  His library tales are wonderful reading for book lovers who
live by their readings.  I hope he is still making his way, laughing through life at both himself
and a society that takes itself too seriously.  A fine read.
4745863
Gore Vidal's witty, snide, snobby, sarcastic style of writing is very entertaining and even his critics have to admit he knows his history.

In this short, quickly read book, he demonstrates beyond doubt that our nation was founded, not by saints, but by a vast array of men with mutiple interests, visions, egos, and agendas. The miracle is that a flexible system of government was forged from this complex interplay of lofty enlightement philosophy with base ego centered self interests.

Vidal brings historic characters to life with tiny details, for example Abigail Adams becomes disqusted when Benjamin Franklin's mistress feeds her lap dog from the dinner table. While Washington is urging that the flimsy Articles of Confederation be replaced with a Constitution, he and his mother have a falling out. The book is full of these personal touches that bring the historic characters alive in the mind of the reader.

The team work of these early founders, despite their disagreements, was fantastic. Adams charmed the Dutch while Jefferson and Franklin charmed the French.  The genius of Hamilton and Madison is balanced with the exceptional political skills of Washington.

I am always amazed when conservatives attack Gore Vidal, since he is an advocate of maximum liberty of the individual, and he will viciously criticise FDR with the same venom he would use against George W Bush.

The reader is left with a feeling of wonder and amazement that our principals of government have survived despite the folly of many a generation of politicians. Vidal would have us recognize that we must remain vigilant and skeptical regarding our nation's leadership and direction.
4467348
Kenneth is brilliant and I have to applaud even when I don't 'approve' of his private life as portrayed in the media.
927990
I just completed a marathon read of this book overnight; I couldn't put it down.  My heart broke for the many times he fought his demons, and how many times they threatened to pull him under for good.  Yet, the successes throughout his life and the upbeat ending is a tribute to an extraordinary man.  Such crushing lows followed by spectacular highs  I don't remember being more inspired by a book than this one.