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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
WOW. The movie just doesn't do Gardner's life justice (and I love the movie)! He's gone through so many challenges, but his determination is admirable. I love how he didn't give up on raising his children, no matter what his lifestyle. It was surprisingly funny...I found myself laughing out loud at many parts, despite the situation! It was extremely tragic, of course, but resulting in a happy ending. He's a great example of "you can do anything if you put your mind to it." It's very inspirational and just an enjoyable story. I would recommend it to anyone!!! One of my new favorites. :)
Like the movie? Don't want that shattered? Then don't read the book. The movie is nothing like the book. While the book shows a much more phenomenal journey, Gardner himself describes personality traits of his that I would not have shared. Granted, it certainly makes it more "honest" and he sure as hell did not put on rose colored glasses when looking at himself.
I read this a lot at work in my down time. There was a couple of parts I had to stop reading. I grew up homeless and some of these descriptions brought back memories I have not thought of in quite a few years.
I am also surprised at the language and how he "spoke." I'm not one to be embarrassed from vulgarity. I used to be pretty bad myself, but for this? No, I feel like he could have expressed himself differently.
The movie is no doubt the Disney version.
Phenomenal journey from nothing to riches and riches. In that sense, very remarkable.
I added this to my list of "Required Reading for Life" because of the struggle. I have lived it. I know what it's like. I have had clients who have had far worse. This is case in point that you can overcome. It's not easy, it's hell, it can be depressing, but you can make it.
I'm probably too biased in this book because of descriptions were very close to home for me while he was homeless.
I read this a lot at work in my down time. There was a couple of parts I had to stop reading. I grew up homeless and some of these descriptions brought back memories I have not thought of in quite a few years.
I am also surprised at the language and how he "spoke." I'm not one to be embarrassed from vulgarity. I used to be pretty bad myself, but for this? No, I feel like he could have expressed himself differently.
The movie is no doubt the Disney version.
Phenomenal journey from nothing to riches and riches. In that sense, very remarkable.
I added this to my list of "Required Reading for Life" because of the struggle. I have lived it. I know what it's like. I have had clients who have had far worse. This is case in point that you can overcome. It's not easy, it's hell, it can be depressing, but you can make it.
I'm probably too biased in this book because of descriptions were very close to home for me while he was homeless.
Although this was a great story, I wasn't too crazy about the style of writing. I will say that this is a story that inspired me to get up and make changes in my life. It is a true story of the struggle in modern day America, and a story that I think a lot of people can relate to in this economy. Chris Gardner's tale of how he turned his life from homeless and wondering how to care for his son to working for a major hedge fund is an inspiration for everyone trying to make it out there. It will definitely make you feel thankful for everything you've got, even if it doesn't seem like much.
“The future was uncertain, absolutely, and there were many hurdles, twists, and turns to come, but as long as I kept moving forward, one foot in front of the other, the voices of fear and shame, the messages from those who wanted me to believe that I wasn't good enough, would be stilled.”
A brutally honest book which will make you appreciate perseverance and faith and keep moving ahead no matter what.
A brutally honest book which will make you appreciate perseverance and faith and keep moving ahead no matter what.
Disappointed. That is how I feel about this book. This is one of the few times the movie is much much better than the book. The book did not have the drama of the movie, but then the back story really changes the whole feel good of him becoming a successful wall street trader.
The beginning of the book felt similar to Born A Crime. But then it changes. Gardner had a successful job and career. He was in the medical field making 116 K a year. A couple years of medical school was all that was left. He decides this is not the career for him. He wants more. In my opinion, he wanted the money and prestige of something higher and better than a surgeon. This eventually led to him becoming homeless, and homeless with a son no less. I have no doubt Gardner loves his son, but I do not applaud him putting his son through all that he did. Yes kids are resilient and do not fully understand so his son was fine, but I was not fine with it. I also applaud Gardner for his humanitarian efforts after he became rich and successful.
The beginning of the book felt similar to Born A Crime. But then it changes. Gardner had a successful job and career. He was in the medical field making 116 K a year. A couple years of medical school was all that was left. He decides this is not the career for him. He wants more. In my opinion, he wanted the money and prestige of something higher and better than a surgeon. This eventually led to him becoming homeless, and homeless with a son no less. I have no doubt Gardner loves his son, but I do not applaud him putting his son through all that he did. Yes kids are resilient and do not fully understand so his son was fine, but I was not fine with it. I also applaud Gardner for his humanitarian efforts after he became rich and successful.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Loved this book. It shows A LOT more than the movie. And yes, it includes adult language and situations. Still an amazing, inspiring story.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced