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I Am Potential: Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching Your Dreams Audiobook
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(3.22) - 157 listener ratings
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“I can’t see, I can’t walk, and can’t do lots of other things. With all this, people might ask “How can I bear to live?” but I don’t see it that way. Through my trials, God has given me experiences that taught me important lessons about life, which help get me through each and every day. The greatest gift I can give back to others is to share those experiences and lessons.”—Patrick Henry Hughes
As featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Oprah, this is the powerful story of a young, blind musician and his courageous lessons for living with faith.
Patrick Henry Hughes was born with a rare genetic disorder that left him without eyes and physically disabled. But he was also blessed with exceptional musical talent, able to play the piano at the age of two. Now, at age nineteen, he is a nationally known pianist, singer, and trumpeter who has performed at the Kennedy Center. But he’s best known for playing in the University of Louisville marching band, while his devoted father pushes him in formation in his wheelchair. With determined optimism and courage, Hughes has made “I am potential” his mantra and defied the impossible at every turn. His extraordinary journey will prove inspirational for anyone facing challenges in their own life.
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"Fantastic!! This is a true story on Patrick Henry Hughes. He's a very talented musician who is also blind and has physical disabilities. It's a beautiful story of he and his family and about the potential that is in us all. This is a must-read for everyone, especially our children! "
— Rachel (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Hughes’ knowing but uplifting tone balances out the tragedies, making this an inspiring addition to the growing self-help-memoir shelf.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“[I Am Potential] is an invitation to share this family’s sorrow and triumph and a challenge to listeners to work around their own weaknesses or disabilities and live life to its fullest. Narrators Paul Garcia, Malcolm Hillgartner, and Grover Gardner share the reading, and each is a skilled interpreter of the pathos and inspiration in the story. Rotating the narrating duties creates a strong dynamic: Three exceptional voice talents bring distinct sensibilities and views to the recording but also work together to give this heroic memoir impact and continuity.”
— AudioFile -
“The deeply moving story of Patrick Henry Hughes…is a source of inspiration for anyone battling against the odds…I Am Potential emerges as more than an incredible triumph-over-adversity tale or a beautiful father/son relationship saga. It also evolves into the story of how helping one boy fight to achieve his dreams gave so many others the opportunity to expand their own abilities and capacities—to become their best selves.”
— BookPage -
“Engaging…a testament to the disabled and undaunted Patrick Henry’s courage and his guiding principles of living with faith and without fear, loving unconditionally, and reaching for your dreams…the father-son portrait is unforgettable. Strongly recommended.”
— Library Journal -
“I can’t see, I can’t walk, and can’t do lots of other things. With all this, people might ask ‘How can I bear to live?’ but I don’t see it that way. Through my trials, God has given me experiences that taught me important lessons about life, which help get me through each and every day. The greatest gift I can give back to others is to share those experiences and lessons.”
— Patrick Henry Hughes -
“Engaging…the father-son portrait is unforgettable. Strongly recommended.”
— Library Journal
I Am Potential Listener Reviews
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" Most amazing! Once again showing true love of your children. Patrick is a true inspiration. "
— Lynette, 2/16/2014 -
" Easy to read book about a boy who overcomes his disabilities and touches people lives in the process. "
— Julie, 1/12/2014 -
" Wonderful look at the family of Patrick Henry Hughes, a young man born without eyes and confined to a wheelchair. His wonderful outlook on life is an inspiration. "
— Sheila, 1/6/2014 -
" Patrick has such a deep insight to the world and never once lets his disabilities interfer with the life he wants to have. This is a story of personal triumph. "
— Amanda, 1/4/2014 -
" This family is so amazing. The attitude of Patrick Henry was infectious. I highly recommend it. "
— Karen, 12/28/2013 -
" An interesting story of overcoming adversity. "
— Cindy, 12/23/2013 -
" I really enjoyed this book. I accidently deleted it from my books... I really enjoyed hearing of Patrick's story. Very inspirational and encouraging. He has such a great attitude and spirit! Highly Recommend. "
— Jen, 12/14/2013 -
" This book is an auto-biography of the UofL band member who is blind and crippled who received a Home Extreme Makeover. I am amazed by his writing. If I didn't know he was Catholic, I would think he is LDS. He is a great inspiration to me. "
— Cathy, 12/6/2013 -
" An easy-to-read autobiography. I wasn't captivated, but I was interested to see how it all worked out. About a kid with developmental disabilities and an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition encounter. "
— Atarah, 11/22/2013 -
" Great inspiration. Never assume that a person with physical disabilities misses what they never had. Be the person your mom wants you to be! "
— Tammy, 9/11/2013 -
" The story of a man born without eyes and with other disabilities but with musical talent. His father's devotion, patience and sacrifice for his son was the most amazing part of the story to me. I feel like I can never complain about my schedule ever again! "
— Lori, 5/17/2013 -
" This simply written book is just beautiful! What an outlook on life! "
— Kaye, 1/15/2013 -
" Patrick Henry and his family are amazing and inspiring examples of creating the best from the challenges that they have been given. I enjoyed his positive outlook on life. This would be a good book to read as a family. "
— April, 5/2/2012 -
" A Must Read for everyone-wonderful!!! "
— Susan, 3/29/2012 -
" This book was very inspiring to read and I have seen him perform and he is wonderful. "
— Morgan, 10/25/2011 -
" Easy read, not as absorbing as I expected, kind of rambling. "
— Kathleen, 8/12/2011 -
" This is a quick read and an inspirational story. There are some great life lessons intermixed with details of Patrick Henry's life. He has such a positive outlook on life and now has written a marvelous book. "
— Kelly, 7/27/2011 -
" Fantastic!! This is a true story on Patrick Henry Hughes. He's a very talented musician who is also blind and has physical disabilities. It's a beautiful story of he and his family and about the potential that is in us all. This is a must-read for everyone, especially our children! "
— Rachel, 7/13/2011 -
" Simple, straightforward and inspiring read about the life of Patrick Henry Hughes. It was not so much about the eight lessons why I enjoyed this book, but more about the attitude and tenacity of Patrick Henry, such a remarkable young man. "
— Frances, 6/27/2011 -
" A great story about appreciating what you have and not allowing obstacles stop you. While not necessarily deep spiritual thinking, it is a an uplifting life that will leave you valuing yours. "
— Jill, 6/4/2011 -
" This boy/man is a great person who influences people by his wonderful personality, determination, and love in his heart. These things were inate in him, but it seems his parents have done everything right to bring it out. It is heartwarming and a good lesson in life. "
— Linda, 6/1/2011 -
" A sweet story of an amazing young man. Find him on you tube. "
— Christy, 4/18/2011 -
" Patrick Henry and his family are American heroes! As I read this book I couldn't help but think how different his life could have been without his sunny outlook and his parents determination to help him reach his potential. "
— Jennifer, 1/9/2011 -
" An interesting story of overcoming adversity. "
— Cindy, 1/8/2011 -
" This book was very inspiring to read and I have seen him perform and he is wonderful. "
— Morgan, 3/29/2010 -
" A great story about appreciating what you have and not allowing obstacles stop you. While not necessarily deep spiritual thinking, it is a an uplifting life that will leave you valuing yours. "
— Jill, 9/16/2009 -
" Easy to read book about a boy who overcomes his disabilities and touches people lives in the process. "
— Julie, 7/8/2009 -
" This book is an auto-biography of the UofL band member who is blind and crippled who received a Home Extreme Makeover. I am amazed by his writing. If I didn't know he was Catholic, I would think he is LDS. He is a great inspiration to me. "
— Cathy, 7/8/2009 -
" This is a quick read and an inspirational story. There are some great life lessons intermixed with details of Patrick Henry's life. He has such a positive outlook on life and now has written a marvelous book. "
— Kelly, 5/20/2009 -
" "When you share your unique gifts, you discover the path to your potential - the plan God had for you from the moment you were born. So, live now, give, now love now, and laugh as much as you can." <br/>Patrick Henry Hughes "
— Michele, 5/17/2009 -
" This family is so amazing. The attitude of Patrick Henry was infectious. I highly recommend it. "
— Karen, 4/7/2009 -
" Most amazing! Once again showing true love of your children. Patrick is a true inspiration. "
— Lynette, 4/7/2009 -
" Patrick Henry and his family are amazing and inspiring examples of creating the best from the challenges that they have been given. I enjoyed his positive outlook on life. This would be a good book to read as a family. "
— April, 3/30/2009 -
" Borrowing from the library <br/> <br/>One of the best feel-good novels I have ever read. "
— Melissa, 3/16/2009 -
" Easy read, not as absorbing as I expected, kind of rambling. "
— Kathleen, 2/16/2009
About Patrick Henry Hughes
Patrick Henry Hughes, a musician and student at the University of Louisville, won Disney’s Wide World of Sports Award 2006. He and his father, Patrick John Hughes, are members of the University o fLouisville marching band. They are motivational speakers and frequently appear in the national media. They live in Louisville, Kentucky.
About the Narrators
Julie McKay is a voice talent and audiobook narrator. She has a degree in music and a background in classical theater. As an actor, she has worked at Shakespeare festivals and regional theaters across the country as well as off-Broadway in New York.
Malcolm Hillgartner is an accomplished actor, writer, and musician. Named an AudioFile Best Voice of 2013 and the recipient of several Earphones Awards, he has narrated over 250 audiobooks.
Richard Powers has published thirteen novels. He is a MacArthur Fellow and received the National Book Award. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for The Overstory, and Bewilderment was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.