Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
The inspiring story of Chris Gardner, who broke the cycle of abuse and homelessness to become a Wall Street titan.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape
I will start by saying this is an inspiring story about overcoming poverty, prejudice and bad circumstances. It truly is an incredible story.
I’m a fan of the movie, which motivated me to read the book. The book focuses a lot on his younger life, which does give you context and a greater appreciation for Chris’ success.
Unfortunately, I found the Chris in the book to be significantly less likable than the Chris in the movie. He’s more crass and angry. I still found him to be a sympathetic character and I still wanted him to succeed, he just didn’t present himself in the best light.
I’m a fan of the movie, which motivated me to read the book. The book focuses a lot on his younger life, which does give you context and a greater appreciation for Chris’ success.
Unfortunately, I found the Chris in the book to be significantly less likable than the Chris in the movie. He’s more crass and angry. I still found him to be a sympathetic character and I still wanted him to succeed, he just didn’t present himself in the best light.
I am amazed by the obstacles Chris overcame in his life and happy that he made it. Way to go, man.
Also, the movie was good, but I liked the book far better.
Also, the movie was good, but I liked the book far better.
I love memoirs and I'm a big fan of the Will Smith movie, so this seemed like a no brainer for me to pick up at some point in my life. This did catch me off guard at the beginning as it has a much different tone than the movie. This is a very adult book, but the relationship between Chris and his son is still central to the story. It talks a lot about his childhood and upbringing as well. It wasn't the book I expected but I still had a good time. It's a quick read and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants something beyond the movie.
I never saw the movie, but I do live in San Francisco, and I've volunteered at Glide, so I always knew at some point I'd have to read this book. From the previews of the movie I thought it would be more about him and Glide and that's not what the book was about at all. But we do learn about Gardner's life from a child on, and then how he became homeless. He wasn't super likeable but I do appreciate the way he took care of and raised his son, especially making sure that they always had fun and educational activities to do, even without money. By the end I was kind of skimming because the writing is poor. Words are repeated a lot. As I said, I have not seen the movie, but from what I've heard of it, this may be one of those rare instances where the movie is better than the book.
Part 1: I enjoyed reading about his tough childhood and how he was able to overcome a lot of the challenges he faced so young.
Part two: I found myself not liking him the older he got. There was much in this section that I felt didn’t need to be in this book.
Part three: I found this is where it picked up and he all of the sudden became someone worth reading about.
Part two: I found myself not liking him the older he got. There was much in this section that I felt didn’t need to be in this book.
Part three: I found this is where it picked up and he all of the sudden became someone worth reading about.
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced