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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
inspiring
medium-paced
When I was reading reviews of The Pursuit of Happyness someone said that Gardner wasn't a great writer. After reading the book, I probably could not disagree more. Gardner may not be a fancy wordsmith, but he is a great storyteller and his is a truly inspiring one to tell. I feel as if he is like a favorite uncle who has been through so much that he has a personal story to tell that could relate to just about anything. After reading more reviews, I had to come back and add to this review that it seems that most people here prefer glazed over Hollywood movies as opposed to real-life. If you're thinking of reading this book because you liked the movie, just know that this book ain't that, as most Hollywood depictions are not even closely factual. I seen the movie years before reading this book and I vaguely remember it, only that it was underwhelming and quite boring (sorry not sorry, Will Smith). Books are usually better than the movie counterparts so I opted to read this one upon a trusted recommendation, and the book didn't disappoint. The negative comments incline me to think that people just care about happy endings, which is the gist of what the movie was about, whereas only a small portion of the book (the end) is dedicated to that. Most of this book talks about effects things had on him such as being fatherless, poverty, abuse, imprisonment of his mother, etc. Perhaps, I may view it differently as a young, Black person since I feel Gardner's struggles are not unique, but rather his success in the end is, which is why this tale of redemption will stand out as an inspiration to an audience that can relate.
The story is both tragic and redemptive, in a sense, as he comes full circle in his life from having a traumatic childhood shrouded in family secrecy and abuse, to facing homelessness, to acquiring a dream job. He is a great storyteller, drawing a reader in with descriptive details of the the relatives and people that he encounters, enough to make you hate or love them as much as he did from his wretched stepfather, Freddy, to his beloved Uncle Henry.
His life is one of interesting and unexpected events with a few gems of wisdom to hold on to. Some of mine were not the main emphasis of the book but rather details that stood out to me, such as when Gardner talked about the concept of "Manna." Manna is the bread from the biblical story that God fed the people as they wandered in the wilderness after being delivered from Egypt. When Gardner was homeless, he received help in various ways from many, including prostitutes who would give his son five bucks occasionally. This help sometimes made the difference in whether there would be a meal for that day. He referred to this help as Manna, the help that God provides (by way of others). This concept can be carried throughout other instances in the book as well, as key people giving Gardner an opportunity on various occasions that would lead to his success. However, I wouldn't describe Gardner as lucky because, according to his work ethic, he definitely worked hard to be prepared to take advantage when an opportunity arose. A second takeaway is the importance of security, pressure, and incentive as it relates to work. When Gardner got his first big break, these three things were the motivation that helped to drive him to succeed. Last, but not least, the last takeaway is the idea of being wealthy not being strictly tied to money. One of the ways that Gardner defines wealth is being able to do work that is connected to what he values. All in all, this was a good read.
The story is both tragic and redemptive, in a sense, as he comes full circle in his life from having a traumatic childhood shrouded in family secrecy and abuse, to facing homelessness, to acquiring a dream job. He is a great storyteller, drawing a reader in with descriptive details of the the relatives and people that he encounters, enough to make you hate or love them as much as he did from his wretched stepfather, Freddy, to his beloved Uncle Henry.
His life is one of interesting and unexpected events with a few gems of wisdom to hold on to. Some of mine were not the main emphasis of the book but rather details that stood out to me, such as when Gardner talked about the concept of "Manna." Manna is the bread from the biblical story that God fed the people as they wandered in the wilderness after being delivered from Egypt. When Gardner was homeless, he received help in various ways from many, including prostitutes who would give his son five bucks occasionally. This help sometimes made the difference in whether there would be a meal for that day. He referred to this help as Manna, the help that God provides (by way of others). This concept can be carried throughout other instances in the book as well, as key people giving Gardner an opportunity on various occasions that would lead to his success. However, I wouldn't describe Gardner as lucky because, according to his work ethic, he definitely worked hard to be prepared to take advantage when an opportunity arose. A second takeaway is the importance of security, pressure, and incentive as it relates to work. When Gardner got his first big break, these three things were the motivation that helped to drive him to succeed. Last, but not least, the last takeaway is the idea of being wealthy not being strictly tied to money. One of the ways that Gardner defines wealth is being able to do work that is connected to what he values. All in all, this was a good read.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Despite this story being saturated with fowl language and violence it is an inspiring story. Having a peek into a traumatic childhood, dealing with racism, and homeless is definitely a walk in someone else's shoes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Rape
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Cursing, Drug use, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Dysphoria
Minor: Animal death, Hate crime, Infidelity, Sexual content, Blood, Stalking
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
i agree with other readers' comments that the book was not a stellarly written one. ive seen the awkward repeat of info in other autobiographies written with someone else's help. the scene where he only held his baby momma's hand and then let go and she fell into the bushes doesn't ring true to me. I think there was more there than he wanted toshare--or could share, wihtout getting into legal issues. too bad. i have more respect for authors who tell the complete truth, and he did that in other parts of the story.
Chris Gardner, overall, is an amazing person with resilience that most of us never tap into. he had a horrendous childhood, but overcame some incredible odds to be what is supertypical--on the high end of successful. and then he gave back to his community. that speaks volumes.
Chris Gardner, overall, is an amazing person with resilience that most of us never tap into. he had a horrendous childhood, but overcame some incredible odds to be what is supertypical--on the high end of successful. and then he gave back to his community. that speaks volumes.
slow-paced
Don't go into reading this thinking it will be like the movie, it's not. While this story is inspiring and I was moved by Gardner's resilience and love for his child, there were so many things lost here. Parts of the writing was crude, parts completely boring and full of numbers and Wall Street talk, and parts of full on sexual description. I felt as if I was being dragged all over the map in terms of subject material and tone.
But on a good note, there were lovely moments. Times when he talked about his childhood, his mother, his siblings, and his live for his child. If the writing was more consistent, the story could have been so much better.
But on a good note, there were lovely moments. Times when he talked about his childhood, his mother, his siblings, and his live for his child. If the writing was more consistent, the story could have been so much better.
