Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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I was eager to read this book before watching the movie. Surprisingly, I found that I preferred the movie. Although I was deeply touched by Gardner's life and achievements, he is not a great writer. I had recently read "The Glass Castle" which was masterfully told, and this book paled in comparison. Unfortunately, the childhood accounts are not told from a child's perspective. Instead, the adult Chris's notions are regularly inserted. We all know that a five-year-old wouldn't be making the observations and conclusions that the narrative voice is making, and these insertions disrupted my reading experience. I wanted to be able to connect the dots on my own. As the saying goes in narrative writing 101: show, don't tell.

That being said, although I was often frustrated in the early part of the book, as the story progressed and he aged, it bothered me less. I was compelled to keep reading because the story is truly remarkable. It's important to note that the movie only represents a very small part of this man's life. If the movie intrigues you in any way, I wouldn't discourage you from reading the book. However, be prepared to persevere in the beginning and don't expect long descriptions of carrying heavy portable x-ray machines all around San Francisco. They're not in the book.
July 14,2025
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Brilliant and inspirational.


I have seen the movie based on Chris's story, but I'm glad I read the book as there is a big difference.


The movie may present a condensed and perhaps slightly modified version of the events. However, when you read the book, you get a more in-depth and detailed look into Chris's life.


Chris's story is heartbreaking in places. The hardships he endured, the challenges he faced, and the sacrifices he made are truly touching.


Yet, in other aspects, his story is truly amazing. His unwavering belief in himself, his strength of character, and his determination to succeed against all odds are truly inspiring.


Chris is a great example of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude. His story serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always hope and a way forward.


This book is not just a story; it is a source of motivation and inspiration for anyone who is facing difficulties in their life. It encourages us to never give up and to always strive for our dreams.

July 14,2025
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Christopher Gardner is a black-haired and poor son who has faced many difficulties in his life since his childhood.

He has never seen his father and the unknown and fatherless pain is one of the eternal sorrows of his life.

He has been working hard since childhood to achieve his goals.

In the pursuit of happiness, including reading biographical and inspiring books that are written based on real life. However, the narrative of the book was not very attractive and did not have much impact on me or even made me enjoy reading it. I think watching the movie will be more effective.

Christopher Gardner's life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams. Despite facing numerous hardships and obstacles, he never gave up on his goal of achieving a better life for himself and his family. His story is an inspiration to us all, showing that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

July 14,2025
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**Title: An Interesting Article**

Once upon a time, there was a small village. In this village, lived a curious little boy named Tom. Tom was always eager to explore new things and discover the unknown.



One day, while playing in the forest near the village, Tom came across a strange looking tree. The tree had branches that seemed to twist and turn in unusual ways. Tom was fascinated by it and decided to take a closer look.



As he approached the tree, he noticed a small hole at the base. Without hesitation, Tom crawled inside. To his surprise, he found himself in a magical world. The colors were brighter, the sounds were louder, and everything seemed to be alive.



Tom spent hours exploring this wonderful place. He met friendly animals, saw beautiful flowers, and even found a hidden treasure. When it was time to leave, he knew that he would never forget this amazing adventure.



From that day on, Tom's curiosity led him on many more exciting journeys. He learned that there was always something new and interesting waiting to be discovered, if only he was brave enough to look.

July 14,2025
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The book I read was The Pursuit of Happyness. I had already seen the movie, and I knew that the book is usually always better than the movie, so I was excited to read further into it.


This novel contains elements of sadness, happiness, faith, and even some funny parts. It is an easier book to read, yet it has a mature meaning hidden beneath the surface. The book was published in 2006 by Chris Gardner, who is also known for his other works such as Influence, Until Victory Always, and many more. His writing style is truly unique. His vivid descriptions make the reader feel as if they are part of the actual story, since this is his real life and he writes in a way that makes the reader experience his life during that time. The words he uses are not overly challenging, but the way he employs them makes the book extremely interesting. They engage the reader, draw them in, and make it difficult to put the book down.


The book is a biography about a man named Chris and his son, who are going through a tough time in their lives. They are facing financial difficulties and are unable to take proper care of themselves. They have to stay in homeless shelters, struggle to pay for food and rent, and Chris mainly walks everywhere. Eventually, he gets a new job and things start to look up at the very end. There aren't many characters introduced to the reader. In the beginning, the focus is mainly on the main characters. The characters are also very relatable, especially for those who may be struggling with money. This book gives them hope that miracles can happen and that hard work pays off in life. I really liked how Chris describes himself, his son, and the hardships they endure.


I don't read many biographies, but this is by far my favorite. I feel that this book has the best story about the characters, and it's even better because it's a true story. I didn't find any really controversial parts in the book. The theme of the book is that hard work will pay off in the end, even for the most unlikely people. I think this book is definitely an easy read. It's not challenging, so if someone is looking for an easy book with a great storyline and a deeper meaning, I would definitely recommend this book.

July 14,2025
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Watch the movie.

It is truly a great deal more inspirational compared to the book.

In the book, the language used is crass and offensive, which can really turn off the readers.

Moreover, the author comes across as extremely conceited.

This kind of attitude and the inappropriate language make the book less appealing and engaging.

On the other hand, the movie manages to capture the essence of the story in a much more powerful and inspiring way.

The visuals, the acting, and the overall production bring the story to life and touch the hearts of the viewers.

It leaves a lasting impression and makes you think about the important themes and messages it conveys.

So, if you want to experience the true inspiration and beauty of the story, it is highly recommended that you watch the movie instead of reading the book.

July 14,2025
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I can't believe that it was only a year ago that I first saw the 2006 movie based on this book.

The movie really inspired me to not give up on my dreams. It was truly a powerful and moving experience.

As with most things in life, the movie only showed a portion of how hard things were for Gardner and how long it took him to get back on his feet.

To say this is an inspirational true story is an understatement. It is a story of perseverance, determination, and the will to succeed against all odds.

Once you get into the meat of the book, it is hard to put down. The details and the emotions are so vivid that you feel like you are right there with Gardner, experiencing his struggles and his triumphs.

It is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
July 14,2025
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Don't ever let somebody tell you that you can't do something. If you have a dream, protect it. If you have something in mind, go and get it. This powerful message is not only inspiring but also life-changing. I saw the movie that conveyed this message, and it made me feel hopeful, surprised, and enthusiastic. It is all about how much you desire something and how much you can resist the hard times. It's about how much you won't give up! Then I read the same words and had an even more eager impression towards every single goal. A nice mind and nice courage are essential. Set a goal, make sure you really want it, and no matter how forceful, large, or hard the obstacles are, you will get it. Just believe that you can do it.

July 14,2025
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Autobiography of a man who has lived a multitude of experiences that have inevitably marked him. However, the memory of his mother's words that urge him to engage and fight for his goals, whatever they may be, remains constant.


There is never anything easy. Now this man is a millionaire leading a more than comfortable life. But before getting here, he was a fatherless child, a boy without means, and a father without a roof to offer his son. Tenacity and self-confidence are the driving force of Chris Gardner's entire life.


He has overcome numerous obstacles and challenges along the way. His journey is a testament to the power of determination and the ability to persevere in the face of adversity. Despite the hardships he has endured, he has never given up on his dreams.


Today, Chris Gardner serves as an inspiration to many. His story shows that with hard work and belief in oneself, anything is possible. He has proven that even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome, and that success is within reach for those who are willing to fight for it.

July 14,2025
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I'm not going to rate this, nor give it a lengthy review.

I think it would be far too easy to slip into reviewing Gardner's life choices, rather than the book itself.

However, there are two things that I do want to mention.

The first is the idea of "Conscious Capitalism". It is something that I approve of wholeheartedly.

Hearing about it makes a wonderful change from the endless stream of stories and media depicting the selfishness of money and big business.

Particularly given the other book I have been reading lately - "The Best Democracy Money Can Buy" by Greg Palast.

This book is enough to turn the most staunch capitalist into a freeconomist! Philanthropy is divine.

The second thing is the ending, which features Gardner's meeting with Nelson Mandela.

There seems to be a certain poignancy in the fact that of all the times I should be reading about him - in a book published some seven years ago after all - it should be mere days after he passed away.

It feels really rather sad.
July 14,2025
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I’m a sucker for a book with a photo insert in the middle.

There’s something truly magical about flipping through the pages and suddenly coming across a section filled with vivid and captivating photographs.

It’s like a little surprise that enriches the reading experience.

The photos can bring the story to life in a whole new way, allowing me to better visualize the characters, settings, and events.

They add an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Whether it’s a fictional novel or a non-fiction work, the photo insert always manages to draw me in and make me more engaged with the content.

I find myself spending extra time poring over each photo, analyzing the details and imagining the stories behind them.

It’s a wonderful addition to any book and one that I always look forward to when I’m browsing the shelves at the bookstore or library.

July 14,2025
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The Pursuit of Happyness is, once again, a book that I picked up due to my admiration for its corresponding movie.

I have a very high regard for the feature film, which is based on this autobiography. It serves as a quintessential example of how sheer grit and determination can overcome immense adversity.

However, the film only focuses on a small segment of Chris Gardner's life story. His autobiography reveals that there is so much more to his past, personal development, and overall witty character that unfortunately wasn't captured in the movie. All of these aspects were fundamental to his success.

Some of the pivotal moments in his early life include the presence of his abusive stepfather, which later made him realize the importance of being an ever-present, patient, and supportive father figure to his own children.

He also spent years hearing his mother tell him that "the most dangerous place in the world is a public library because there, you could figure out how to do anything if you could read." This instilled in him an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

Another significant moment was when his mother told him, "If you want to, one day you could make a million dollars," which laid the foundation for his benchmark of success.

Despite the disparities between the autobiography and the feature film, The Pursuit of Happyness will always be one of my favorite success stories, regardless of the form in which it is conveyed.
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