Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
26(26%)
3 stars
41(41%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 14,2025
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This is such a beautiful story! The way it is written is truly incredible.

From the very beginning, it grabs your attention and takes you on a wonderful journey.

The details are so vivid that you can almost picture every scene in your mind.

The characters are well-developed and you can really feel their emotions.

It has now firmly made its way onto the list as one of my absolute favorites.

I will definitely be recommending this story to others.

It is the kind of story that you can read over and over again and still discover new things each time.

It has a special charm that makes it stand out from the rest.

Overall, I am extremely impressed with this story and can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us.
July 14,2025
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I am always intrigued by "underdog" tales. This particular one was a real page-turner for me, and I truly relished it, which is why I gave it a high rating.

However, when it comes to rating Chris Gardner as an individual, the outcome would not be as favorable. I watched the movie several years ago and have always adored it. I was eager to read the source material that inspired the film, assuming it would be similar. But to my surprise, the book was completely different.

The book predominantly focused on Chris' upbringing rather than his aspiration to work in stocks. Will Smith's portrayal of the character also bore little resemblance to the real Chris.

As much as I respect Chris' fight and ultimate success, along with his numerous struggles, I find myself in a quandary. The book is rife with examples of him cheating on women, which makes him seem rather despicable.

He had a long and prosperous relationship with a client. When the client passed away, his reaction was not one of sadness, despite their personal connection. Instead, his main concern was that his largest client was gone and would no longer be generating income for him.

After a year of poverty and homelessness, during which he fought tooth and nail to keep his son, Chris achieved success. But then he decided to move to New York and leave his son with his ex-wife. He justifies this by claiming that he wouldn't be able to spend as much time with his son and would need to work longer hours. But why did he have to move so far away from his child when he was previously so determined to keep him, even when they were sleeping on the streets?

He argues that the move was "inevitable" because New York is a hub for the stock market and financial industry. But in my opinion, he could have achieved just as much success in San Francisco without abandoning his son. He prioritized his own desires over those of his son.

It's understandable if his motivation for keeping his son during their difficult times was to ensure the child knew his father and to take care of him. But it's unacceptable to completely change his mindset and strategy once he found success.

Perhaps the situation is more complex than it appears, but from an outsider's perspective, that's how it seems. Throughout the book, it also seems that he was constantly trying to swindle people for money, even when he didn't really need to. He repeatedly claims to have money but insists on saving it so he and his son can get an apartment, yet they continue to live on the streets.

Couldn't he have rented a room somewhere, even in student housing if he had that much money? I understand that he was trying to escape poverty, and it might have taken him longer, but at least they wouldn't have been living on the streets.

Nevertheless, my rating is not based on my thoughts about Chris and his decisions. It is solely based on the story itself.
July 14,2025
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Must read for every dreamer out there.

Dreams are the fuel that drives us forward in life. They give us hope, purpose, and a reason to keep going even when the going gets tough.

Every dreamer has faced challenges and obstacles along the way. But it is those who persevere, who refuse to give up, that ultimately achieve their dreams.

This article is for all of you dreamers out there. It is a reminder that you are not alone in your journey. There are others who have faced similar challenges and have come out on the other side victorious.

It is also a source of inspiration and motivation. Read about the stories of other dreamers and learn from their experiences. Let their success stories fuel your own determination to achieve your dreams.

Remember, anything is possible if you believe in yourself and your dreams. So keep dreaming big, and never stop working towards making them a reality.
July 14,2025
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One of my top favs novels is "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.

This classic piece of literature has captured my heart with its charming characters and engaging plot. The story revolves around the Bennett family, especially Elizabeth Bennett, a witty and independent young woman.

Elizabeth's encounter with Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and proud gentleman, leads to a series of misunderstandings and conflicts. As the story unfolds, we see their relationship develop and change.

The novel not only explores themes of love and marriage but also delves into social class, manners, and the role of women in society. Austen's writing style is elegant and humorous, making the story a joy to read.

"Pride and Prejudice" has stood the test of time and remains a beloved novel for readers of all ages. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good romance with a touch of social commentary.
July 14,2025
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I decided to listen to this audiobook because I spend a considerable amount of time in the car when I go to pick up my daughter from school. When I started it, I found it very boring. The narrator's voice didn't engage me at all. In my opinion, for a person who hardly knows Spanish, it's because of the intonation in the words and the very linear way of narrating. Anyway, I decided to give it a chance since it was my first audiobook and because I had seen the movie and liked it quite a bit.

ATTENTION SPOILERS AHEAD!!

Cris Gardner tells his story from childhood, adolescence, and part of his adulthood. Since I saw the movie, I thought I would find a fascinating character. However, Cris leaves a lot to be desired. The character himself didn't appeal to me at all. I understood his poverty, his emotional state due to not being with his mother all the time, not being able to help her, and not knowing his father. But the more you get into the story, the less you can tolerate him. Many will wonder why. Here are some of the reasons:

1. When he was a child, his mother punished him for stealing. Despite being poor, his mother gave him principles. To my surprise, after his mother hit him with a phone cable, Cris stole twice more. I know I said he was a child, but he was already 10 years old. With a punishment like that, I wouldn't even take the bread from the kitchen without permission.

2. Cris always longed for a family and to live differently from how his childhood was. When he marries a girl from a good family who helps him financially and pushes him to achieve his dreams, it seems like he forgets all that and cheats on his wife.

3. The girl he leaves his wife for, named Jackie, makes him quit his job to look for a higher-paying one at a time when getting a job was difficult. Cris, being a fool in the end, takes her word and gets a worse one.

4. One day Cris and Jackie had an argument, so the girl calls the police and they put Cris in jail. When he gets out of prison, he finds out that Jackie has disappeared from the house they shared with his son, and it takes Cris months to find out where she is. I tell this part because my great disappointment was that Cris is left with his son as a single father and has nowhere to sleep (if you saw the movie, you know what I mean). And then when his financial situation starts to change, Jackie comes to visit them and boom, she's pregnant.

5. Finally, I saw Cris in certain situations with a bit of envy towards the people around him. For example, he said that a certain person had a certain job because of the influences they had or that a certain person dressed well, as if a person's clothing defines them!

The book in general is entertaining and helps to know everything that happened to Cris Gardner, but if you saw the movie, I want you to know that out of the 12 chapters the book has, the movie is only based on 3. Leaving aside many very important things that should have come to light on the screen.
July 14,2025
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This book is just as excellent as the movie.

It truly takes you on an emotional rollercoaster as you come to understand all the difficulties that Chris had to encounter.

His journey is highly inspiring as it reveals his lowest moments and how he manages to rise to the highest.

Despite facing numerous challenges, he never gives up.

He truly embodies the pursuit of happiness.

The book vividly describes his struggles, from financial hardships to personal setbacks.

It makes you empathize with his situation and root for his success.

As you read, you can't help but be motivated by his determination and perseverance.

It serves as a reminder that no matter how tough life gets, we should always keep striving for our dreams.

This book is a must-read for anyone who needs a boost of inspiration and a reminder that happiness is within our reach if we are willing to work hard for it.
July 14,2025
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One of the most inspiring stories I have ever heard is a true embodiment of the "American Dream." It tells the tale of a man who has been beaten down and has lost almost everything. However, despite his hardships, he keeps his head up and strives to create a better world for his son and himself. The themes within this story are rich and diverse, including determination, heart, passion, failure, success, and many more.


At times, this story can be difficult to read due to the sad parts it contains. The detailed descriptions of some of the moments within the book are so vivid that you may find yourself shedding tears. Nevertheless, it is a book that has the power to make you both cry and feel happy at the same time.


If you are in need of inspiration, this story is truly for you. It shows how a man can go from being one of the poorest of the poor to rising up and becoming strong. In the classroom, this book would be an excellent choice for students to read as it can teach them about determination and inspire them to pursue their dreams. Additionally, you can show the students the movie adaptation afterwards to further enhance their understanding and appreciation of the story.


Overall, I would highly recommend this book to everyone. It is truly inspiring and moving, and I would rate it a perfect 10/10.

July 14,2025
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The movie had several critical aspects that deviated from the book. However, it still managed to tell an inspirational story.

For instance, certain plot points were changed or omitted, which might have disappointed some fans of the original work. But despite these differences, the movie was able to capture the essence and spirit of the story.

The characters were well-developed and their struggles and triumphs were portrayed in a way that was both engaging and moving. The movie also had some beautiful cinematography and a great soundtrack that added to the overall atmosphere and emotional impact.

In conclusion, while the movie may not have been a perfect adaptation of the book, it still had a lot to offer and was able to inspire and touch the hearts of its viewers.
July 14,2025
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Which movie motivated you the most? My answer will always be "Pursuit of Happyness" starring Will Smith. This movie is based on the autobiography of the real man behind it, Chris Gardner.


Chris details his childhood in the book, including the abuse he endured from his stepfather and the time he spent with his uncles while his mother was in prison. He then writes about his teen life, adulthood, his time in the Army medical wing, his family life, and the difficult upbringing of his son, Christopher. He also shares his experiences of being homeless and the hard work he put in to achieve his goals.


If you are eager to succeed in life, you will definitely achieve it after a long struggle. Always hope for the best. One day, with hard work, confidence, and hope, you will reach the top of the cliff. "Pursuit of Happyness" is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem, we should never give up on our dreams. It shows us that with determination and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve success.

July 14,2025
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I am soooo torn about this one! It's really difficult for me to make a decision. Would you respect me less if I were as indecisive as to neither say "Yay" nor "Boo" it? It seems that it's just 2-stars. However, there might be some aspects that I haven't fully considered. Maybe there are hidden gems within this that I haven't discovered yet. I'm really in a dilemma. On one hand, the 2-stars rating makes me a bit hesitant. But on the other hand, I don't want to dismiss it too quickly. I think I need to take a closer look and reevaluate it. Maybe I'll find something that will change my opinion. \\n  \\n    My Full Review →\\n  \\n

July 14,2025
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Quick read.

It is really interesting to read about the author's experience of growing up in a broken family in Milwaukee.

Moreover, the description of the homeless problem in San Francisco also catches one's attention.

This account differs from the movie that I understand.

It allows you to know how your broker becomes wealthy while you, on the other hand, may not.

The author learned how to hustle early in his life.

And through a combination of luck and hard work, he managed to migrate to Wall Street.

Some people may find this achievement admirable.

His story serves as an inspiration for those who are also striving for success in their lives.

It shows that with determination and the right opportunities, one can overcome difficult circumstances and achieve their goals.

Overall, this article provides a unique perspective on life and success that is well worth reading.
July 14,2025
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I just love this book. It is truly an amazing piece of work. It tells the story of one man's life journey from poverty to wealth. His tenacity is truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration for all of us. We should all strive to be as determined and persistent as he was in achieving our goals. The book is also very well written in a great literary style. The author's use of language is both beautiful and engaging, making it a pleasure to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an inspiring and thought-provoking read. It will surely leave a lasting impression on you.

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