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Chris Gardner Book

In May 2006, Chris Gardner would release a book that would not only top best-seller lists across the country and get turned into a major motion picture, but would also inspire passion and hope in a new generation of readers and movie-goers. “The Pursuit of Happyness,” the first book by millionaire stock broker and entrepreneur Chris Gardner, tells the story of his own life in his own words.

With colourful language and a down to earth sense of humour, this story is more than just another of trials and tribulations that comes out with a happy ending. Indeed, from the smells in the bathroom stalls of the subway stations where he and his young son were forced to live until they could afford something better – anything better – this tale presents a look into the life of a determined young man so real that it often cannot seem real.

This story portrays the many obstacles that the entrepreneur faced on the long road to Wall Street and wealth. From his abusive step-father, to racism in the workplace, to his lack of education or credentials, he had the odds stacked against him from the get-go. It would have been easy for him to accept his circumstances and continue making less than $16,000 a year as a medical salesman.

However, this book is not about a victim. It is about the choice that Chris Gardner made early on to make something of himself. He wasn’t going to become like his stepfather, nor was he going to become just another person lost in the sea of mediocre and unsatisfying lives. No, with focus and persistence, Chris Gardner was going to become somebody.

That is the heart of this story – the story of pursuing a goal so doggedly that you can reach no other end but the one you set out for. While he had his own unique set of obstacles he needed to overcome, this book is not about racism or homelessness or violence per se. It is a book about someone who was kicked down time and again, but defiantly kept getting back up. He conquered not only the challenges thrown in his way by others, but also his own demons in order to make his dream happen.

“The Pursuit of Happyness” is a story about the vision Gardner had for himself, and the tenacity with which he pursued that vision. Published by Amistad, this 320-pager is a must-read for anyone who needs a push in getting to the next step, in breaking down the barriers in their way. It has a universal message, and demonstrates just how much everyone has in common in their own pursuit of happiness.

The recent movie of the same name was inspired by this book, with Will Smith playing the role of Chris Gardner. While it is a visual treat, anyone wishing to hear the real voice and emotions of Chris Gardner should read the book. It is a page-turner that just might turn around your own life.





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