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How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else
by Michael Gates Gill

Published: 2008-09-02
Paperback : 272 pages
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7 clubs reading this now
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Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members
Now in paperback, the national bestselling riches-to-rags true story of an advertising executive who had it all, then lost it all—and was finally redeemed by his new job, and his twenty-eight-year-old boss, at Starbucks.

In his fifties, Michael Gates Gill had it all: a mansion in the ...
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Introduction

Now in paperback, the national bestselling riches-to-rags true story of an advertising executive who had it all, then lost it all—and was finally redeemed by his new job, and his twenty-eight-year-old boss, at Starbucks.

In his fifties, Michael Gates Gill had it all: a mansion in the suburbs, a wife and loving children, a six-figure salary, and an Ivy League education. But in a few short years, he lost his job, got divorced, and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. With no money or health insurance, he was forced to get a job at Starbucks. Having gone from power lunches to scrubbing toilets, from being served to serving, Michael was a true fish out of water.

But fate brings an unexpected teacher into his life who opens his eyes to what living well really looks like. The two seem to have nothing in common: She is a young African American, the daughter of a drug addict; he is used to being the boss but reports to her now. For the first time in his life he experiences being a member of a minority trying hard to survive in a challenging new job. He learns the value of hard work and humility, as well as what it truly means to respect another person.

Behind the scenes at one of America’s most intriguing businesses, an inspiring friendship is born, a family begins to heal, and, thanks to his unlikely mentor, Michael Gill at last experiences a sense of self-worth and happiness he has never known before.

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Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Meagan P. (see profile) 06/22/18

 
  "Easy read, likable person?"by Carol G. (see profile) 09/25/09

This was an easy read. We had a good discussion on the main character and if he was likable or not.

 
  "The story of a man that hit rock bottom and his climb back up."by Anne C. (see profile) 11/17/08

Pretty good story. The group felt that it was nice to have an "easy" ready this last time. All pretty much wished that the author had gone into greater detail with some stories rather than others.

 
  "Quick read - feel good story."by Karyn C. (see profile) 11/17/08

The book was a quick read and kept my interest, but there are many unanswered questions that leave you wondering. The book is a huge advertisement for Starbucks. Not great, but not horrible either. ... (read more)

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