Being a devoted businessperson, I used to have a pretty low opinion of those involved in politics. My heroes are legendary investors and entrepreneurs like Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, etc. I despise those who get paid by telling whatever the voters want to hear, comprising truths and principles.
"Walk in My Shoes", however, repealed my prejudices against politicians......well, at least one of them. Being illiterate in American politics, I had no idea who Andrew Young was or his past accomplishments and really couldn't care less, but this book has earned him the highest respect from me -- not for his past positions in the government, but for his unconventional wisdom, and his uncompressing adherence to his principles. He did what he said, and he lived what he believed. After reading this book, I wish I had a godfather like him when I grew up to guide me through my years of confusion, and to lift me up from the inevitable downfalls and heartbreaks.
This book very skillfully brought a larger-than-life statesman down to earth. There was no preaching, no sermon, just vignettes of wisdom parsed through unassuming, funny, but thought-provoking, real life stories. Yet, chapter after chapter, it grows on you, making you want more. After you put down the book, it lingers on your mind, much like the melody of a beautiful song that keeps reverberating through your ears, your heart, and your soul well after you have turned off your iPod. What distinguishes this book from the massive volumes of run-of-the-mill autobiographies on the market is that Andrew Young is framed through the eyes of his godson, a young man who seems to share the same growth pains with the rest of us. This book is not a mundane collection of dates and facts, but rather dazzling sparks of two great minds, hearts, and spirits combusting crossing the generation divide.
What makes this book captivating is its abundance of contrarian truth. For example, the title of the book is "Walk in My Shoes", yet very first chapter talks about Mr. Young's rebel against his father's wishes and determinedly chose to walk down his own path in his own shoes. Instead of becoming an angry rebel without a cause, somehow he turned out to be all right. In preserving Mr. Young's candor and his reverence towards street smarts over institutionalized education, the book chose not to shy away from occasional expletive, contrary to the archetypical statesman writing that are fully scrubbed, sanitized, and therefore bland. Indeed, the writing of this book is like New Orleans jambalaya - spicy, tasty, and jammed with surprises.
My most amazing find is Chapter Three - which talks about why Dr. Martin Luther King should be better known as a macroeconomist rather than a civil right movement leader. Other chapters, like the one talking about love and relationships, are a must-read. It beats Dr. Phil, Oprah, and all the echelons of relationship counselors, certified or self-proclaimed. If Mr. Young ever decides to open a relationship clinic, I would be the first investor in line to fund his business, no political campaign or IPO road show necessary.......
Bottom line, read the book and then pass it onto your friends - they will be grateful that you did.
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