Book of the Month November 2008: How Starbucks Saved My Life

I picked this month’s book on the way out of the store at the checkout lane.  It is an eye catching title: How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else.  At first I thought it might been a book about the wonders of caffeine and how this can improve a persons response time. 

However what I got was a very inspiring true life story.This book by Michael Gates Gill tells a wonderful story about a person can change and learn from any circumstance.   The book talks about how Michael, later in his life, had found himself, divorced, jobless and diagnosed with a brain tumor. 

Part of his troubles as Michael admits were partly his doing, whether it was allowing himself to be taken away by his job or his own personal choices.  The book talks about how one can still learn and grow given any circumstance.  I really liked how Michael candidly laid out his story and how he was able to learn from his new boss and grow into a job that allowed him to improve and grow.  Even though one of his primary motivations was to receive the health benefits of Starbucks.  I truly recommend this book if you need a daily dose or motivation or a reality check.  I really enjoyed it.

The book truly helps you be thankful for the things you do have and grow a greater appreciation around you.  As you go through the holiday season this year always remember to take time with the ones you love.