The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Pursuit of Happyness
Book Review: Satisfying story, though not much like the movie
Summary: 4 Stars
Successful and wealthy businessman Chris Gardner truly knows what it means to achieve -- it was only through hard work and good luck that he managed to escape a lifetime of poverty and hopelessness.
As a child, Gardner grew up fatherless and poor, experiencing physical and emotional abuse at the hands of a stepfather who almost killed his mother on numerous occasions. Gardner and his sisters spent several years in foster care, and life was often bleak. But, thanks to the Navy, he was able to escape his inner-city existence and begin a promising medical career.
Just as things were beginning to look promising, a series of small misfortunes all piled up together, and Gardner -- along with his toddler son -- became homeless.
Despite the enormity of the task at hand, he managed to make the best of his circumstances, even with a large amount of humility and humor.
If you're like me, however, and decided to read the book after seeing the movie, you may be a bit startled. While the 2006 movie focuses mainly upon Gardner's homelessness and struggle within the world of stocks, that portion of his life -- however poignant and powerful -- is but a small section of the book.
Overall, this memoir is engaging and memorable, a true journey from rock bottom to success.
Book Review: Not Like the Movie - VERY GRAPHIC
Summary: 4 Stars
I had been wanting to read this book since I saw and really enjoyed the movie. To my delight, my boyfriend's ex-wife purchased the book for their 9 year old son (he is an avid reader) while stuck in an airport nearly a month ago (so, that would save me from buying the book -- I would just borrow his when he was finished). She too had watched the movie and thought that the book would be appropriate for a child of that age due to the fact that the movie wasn't bad other than a minor cuss word or two. Unfortunately, she did not scan any of the pages and much to everyone's shock and surprise, and after the child was nearly finished with the book, I picked it up and scanned a few of the pages. The book is FILLED with graphic profanity (e.g., GD m-f'er and MF'er appear on almost every page), drug use, criminal activity, explicit and sexual scenes, a male rape scene, instances of adultery and many many depictions of graphic violence. This book is NOT like the movie. As a matter of fact, the Movie appears to be based on only about the last 50 or so pages of the book. I am not saying that the book is not a good read -- it is -- for an ADULT. I believe that some adults probably took their kids to see the movie and may think that the book is relatively harmless based on the movie. It is not. This is an adult book filled with adult topics and issues. I give it 4 stars because it's a very good book -- but definitely not a book to be read by a child.Book Review: What a bonus
Summary: 5 Stars
I have just recently finished reading "The Pursuit of Happyness" by Chris Gardner. I couldn't recommend it more highly. I ordered the book, after seeing the movie with the same title. I was hoping to get a little more detail especially with his life after being accepted to the stockbrocking firm,which is fairly much where the film ended. What a treat to find the entire life story enclosed in the pages of this marvellous book. A truly inspirational read.Book Review: When the world falls on your head
Summary: 5 Stars
How to keep the tears contained is the first requirement of reading this book. Your hatred grows as you watch a monster his Mother lives with beat her over and over. Your heart pounds with each beating and verbal abuse that Chris receives until he wants to kill this lump of nothing. Through all this his mother gives him the words that stay with him all his life "You can do anything you want to do badly enough" Chris retained this and in an unbeleiveable way moved through life to a fantastic height financially. This book should be a requirement in every elementary school in America. If Chris did it each young person has the same opportunity and in most cases a lot easier than he did. A fine book by a fine man. Book Review: Great Story of Inspiration and Struggle
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit, I never knew anything about Chris Gardner before reading the book. I just knew it was suppose to be an inspirational story about a man, his struggles, and the climb up the stockbroker ladder into the hedge fund business.
I have yet to see the movie, but after reading the book I'm afraid I will be disappointed. About 75% of the beginning of the book gives an in-depth look at the struggles Mr. Gardner had early on in his life. Some of these struggles involve an abusive family unit, his mother in jail, and his on-going desire to unravel the mystery of his absent father.
The book also details not only Mr. Gardner's family and personal struggles, but the social and racial struggles of the day. It provides a glimpse into a past that is really only a two or three decades ago.
The remaining 25% of the book details his struggles with becoming a stockbroker and living homeless. If studying for a Series Exam and living homeless is not enough, he is also forced with raising his infant/toddler son at the same time. The movie previews I've seen portrait his son as somewhat older, but the book provides a clearer picture.
I was truly amazed at the struggles Mr. Gardner endured and the determination he had in accomplishing his dreams. Mr. Gardner is currently a multi-millionaire, and the fears of homelessness and his next meal are a thing of the past.
Great Motivational and Inspirational Story