Ryan Blair grew up abused by his father. Later, his divorced Mom married a businessman who taught Ryan how to turn away from drugs and violence and to be successful in business. Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain provides plenty of business examples of what to do–and what not to do. One of Ryan’s early mistakes was sleeping with one of his employees. But he learns quickly from his mistakes and becomes rich and successful through plenty of hard work. Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain is one of those inspirational books I’d like to use with a class of students who have a lack of hope. GRADE: B
There was a book like this a few years back. Trouble for me is it plays into the idea that success has to be measured in dollar signs. I’d rather see a book on how I came to see that an education buys more important things than an increased earning power. We aren’t able to imbue youth with these values anymore. We don’t even talk about them.
NOTHING TO LOSE reminded me of 50 Cent’s book, THE 50TH LAW, Patti. Most of my students are obsessed with money and materialism.
Sleeping with an employee is never a good idea.
As for being obsessed with material success, aren’t those the values put out every day by the Republican Party and television? Think about it: Donald Trump bragging about his money, the Kardashians and the Jersey Shore people and the rest making a fortune for doing nothing but “being famous” – the values in this country are all screwed up.
Money isn’t everything…but most Americans think it is, Jeff. Trump, the Kardashians, the Jersey Shore posse are all poster children for a decadent life-style.
As long as we preach these values (and even the new churches do) we will have kids think they are values. Sad. I never remember my childhood minister talking about God wanting me to be rich.
Several mega-churches focus on “success,” Patti. Joel Osteen, in his homilies and books, focuses on “self-improvement” which is the code-word for “wealth.”