Now in paperback, the national bestselling riches-to-rags true story of an advertising executive who had it all, then lost it all—and was finally redeemed by his new job, and his twenty-eight-year-old boss, at Starbucks. In his fifties, Michael Gates Gill had it all: a mansion in the suburbs, a wife and loving children, a six-figure salary, and an Ivy League education. But in a few short years, he lost his job, got divorced, and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. With no money or health insurance, he was forced to get a job at Starbucks. Having gone from power lunches to scrubbing toilets, from being served to serving, Michael was a true fish out of water. But fate brings an unexpected teacher into his life who opens his eyes to what living well really looks like. The two seem to have nothing in common: She is a young African American, the daughter of a drug addict; he is used to being the boss but reports to her now. For the first time in his life he experiences being a member of a minority trying hard to survive in a challenging new job. He learns the value of hard work and humility, as well as what it truly means to respect another person. Behind the scenes at one of America’s most intriguing businesses, an inspiring friendship is born, a family begins to heal, and, thanks to his unlikely mentor, Michael Gill at last experiences a sense of self-worth and happiness he has never known before.
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"Refreshing book. At some points I feel like it is an advertisement for Starbucks employment. The author also does a great job slamming his previous employment (although I am not sure if he might have switched the name just to protect its identity). I like the idea that you can find happyness in lots of ways. You don't need money or material things to be happy. By taking this job Gill's life took a 180 degree turn. He learns that he can find a lot enjoyment out of serving customers, and while doing this job it allows him to reflect on his life as a child, parent and as someone in the fast paced cut-throat job world. It might be a little cheezy but I bought into it."
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Robert (4 out of 5 stars)