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dianerien's review
5.0
What most would see as a life of hardship, George Dawson looks back on his life (spanning a full century) with gratitude.
Opening this book, I thought I was reading a remarkable story of a 102 year old man, raised during the Jim Crow era, who learned to read when he was 98. I did indeed read this remarkable story, but it was so much more. There are many lessons to be learned from this book:
*There is no need to worry. Enjoy today.
*Be respectful and kind.
*Another person's business is just that.
*Stop and Listen. To yourself, to others, to the world around you.
*It's never to late to follow your dream.
I could go on, but I will let you read it for yourself. I promise myself to reread this book, at least a chapter (that's all you need) when I'm feeling down on luck.
Opening this book, I thought I was reading a remarkable story of a 102 year old man, raised during the Jim Crow era, who learned to read when he was 98. I did indeed read this remarkable story, but it was so much more. There are many lessons to be learned from this book:
*There is no need to worry. Enjoy today.
*Be respectful and kind.
*Another person's business is just that.
*Stop and Listen. To yourself, to others, to the world around you.
*It's never to late to follow your dream.
I could go on, but I will let you read it for yourself. I promise myself to reread this book, at least a chapter (that's all you need) when I'm feeling down on luck.
coreymanuel's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
dctigue's review against another edition
4.0
It makes me wonder how many people keep illiteracy a secret and still survive in the world today or 50 years ago.
the_wistful_word_witch's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I loved listening to the audiobook version and cannot recommend it enough! It's such a lovely story. đź–¤
I usually have a harder time focusing on autobiographies/history texts, especially if I'm reading them rather than listening. But not this time. It was amazing to hear about all the events Mr. Dawson lived through, his childhood, the adventures - both good and bad - he had travelling the rails, and the heartwarming retelling of how he finally learned to read and how much he loved school.
I don't know if it's because LeVar Burton is the narrator and it evokes all the warm, fuzzy feelings of watching Reading Rainbow when I was little, or if it's just how engaging the storytelling is, but whatever the reason, like Mr Dawson says, "Life is So Good!"
I usually have a harder time focusing on autobiographies/history texts, especially if I'm reading them rather than listening. But not this time. It was amazing to hear about all the events Mr. Dawson lived through, his childhood, the adventures - both good and bad - he had travelling the rails, and the heartwarming retelling of how he finally learned to read and how much he loved school.
I don't know if it's because LeVar Burton is the narrator and it evokes all the warm, fuzzy feelings of watching Reading Rainbow when I was little, or if it's just how engaging the storytelling is, but whatever the reason, like Mr Dawson says, "Life is So Good!"
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, War, and Classism
marryallthepeople's review against another edition
3.0
Sadly I couldn't finish this... I suspect it was my mood rather than the quality.
alissabar's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating look at George Dawson's life, which spanned a century and dipped into two others (He died at 103.) It was so interesting to read about his life and experiences. He is best known for learning to read at 98 years old. That in and of itself is very inspiring, but there were other aspects of his life that were extraordinary as well.
2017 Popsugar Reading Challenge: #44 A book that takes place over a character's life span
2017 Popsugar Reading Challenge: #44 A book that takes place over a character's life span
wildflowerfieldsforever's review against another edition
5.0
Seeing historical events, life, and travel though George Dawson’s eyes is a treasure... and a lesson. Dawson’s life was quite extraordinary, though I think he would have just said he did what he had to do and things were just fine. Put this one on your “must read” list!