What a wonderful book this is! Talk about rags-to-riches, and I’m not just referring to financial affluence, I’m talking about heart and soul. As a devoted fan of inspirational books I’m always hoping to find the authors whose life experiences are genuine testimonials to the application of the values and strategies they espouse. Rene Godefroy’s book and life-story are the very definition of inspiration – this is truly a Haitian Horatio Alger story.

There are many, many things I like about the book. First, Rene has done a terrific job with the production and design of the book. This book looks as good as something published by Warner Books or Simon & Schuster.

The front cover is arresting and informative. Good clear title, effective subtitle and strong reading line. The foreword by Jeffrey Gitomer is great, really sells Rene and the book. The front sales copy is professional.

Love the bookmark –smart. The back cover endorsements are perfect. The price is right on the mark. The page count is just right. All in all, the exterior packaging of this book is as good as any large trade publisher. Businesslike, polished, friendly and energetic – it all comes together.

As for content, the writing is high octane; Rene’s voice is strong, inviting, encouraging and sincere. I really believed he really believes in what he’s writing about. I was quite taken with his relentless optimism and can-do approach; this is a message that people need to hear over and over again.

I was pleased by his apparent love for America, his understanding of the opportunities that so many of us take for granted. His courage in smuggling himself into the country under an eighteen-wheeler is amazing.

His rapid adjustment and ongoing self-education efforts are an indication of Rene’s drive and ambition. I love his Village Hero idea that we all need to be the Village Hero to those less fortunate than we are. Chapter Seven, Be Committed, Not Just Interested is wonderful. I love what Rene says on Page 106 about

books. He really appreciates what a good book and a good teacher can do for someone willing to be motivated.

My feeling as an editor and former agent is that this book could easily be a hit with a large trade house. In fact, I’m guessing Rene is one or two media hits away from breaking out very strongly. I can imagine Oprah having Rene as a guest on her show and filming a segment with Rene returning back to his village in Haiti.

The one thing I might change is moving Rene’s visit back to his village in Haiti toward the end of the book. Using it for dramatic effect to show how very far Rene has come in a relatively short time.

Also, Rene tells a very affecting story about a villager who wants him to send him a pair of size nine shoes because the man never had a new pair of shoes before. Rene promises to do it and I’m certain he has but writing about it briefly would make a wonderful statement and an inspiring anecdote toward the book’s conclusion.

Overall, I’ll be surprised if Rene’s book isn’t one of the finalists in the contest. I believe it certainly deserves to be.

Joe Durepos
Reviewer & Agent