A book review previously published in our newsletter: The Power of a Promise: Life Lessons Encountered On My Journey from Illiteracy to Lawyer By Lesra Martin (with Tashon Ziara) iUniverse, Inc., 2009. Lesra was an illiterate boy of 15, living in a Brooklyn ghetto,surrounded by gangs, violence and addiction. Then, in 1979, a group of caring individuals took him to live in their fancy house in Toronto, Ontario. However, he did not respond to any of their efforts to get him to learn how to read and write. Then, one day he began to focus upon a promise to himself to attend only to the positive things in his life. There was an elderly blind lady, Grandma Costa, who had taken him under her wing and the owner of a bar, Sam, who had given him a job. Lesra was gradually able to open himself to possibilities and accept the fact that he could learn. A significant turning point came when he discovered Hurricane Carter's autobiography-"The 16th Round." This was the first book that Lesra read by himself. Rubin Carter was a black boxer in New York; he was sent to prison for murdering a man in a bar, but always claimed that he was innocent. Lesra began a correspondence with Rubin. Over many years, Lesra and his benefactors, along with many lawyers, went to the United States and fought to free Carter. This story is documented in the movie, "The Hurricane" starring Denzel Washington. In this book, Martin shares his life story to illustrate the lessons he learned In Part 1, he offers practical advice. For example, he stresses the importance of moving beyond circumstances, letting go of the past, forgiving ourselves and others, conquering fear and opening to opportunities and coincidence. Sharing ourselves with others is also emphasized. In Part 2 of the book, Lesra writes about dreams, determination and discipline. He believes that we all have something to contribute and can make a difference. Lesra Martin achieved his dream and became a lawyer; with his lawyer wife, he has his own law firm in British Columbia, Canada. He is also a public speaker. His life has been the subject of many publications. He has appeared on numerous radio and television programs. The National Film Board of Canada has produced a documentary, "The Journey of Lesra Martin." He has been a mentor and role model for youth, receiving many awards and certificates such as the YMCA Black Achievers Partner in Excellence Award. This book presents the story of a remarkable and inspiring man who overcame many challenges and offers ideas for living to be the best persons we can be. Frances Frommer Mississauga, Canada frances010 @ sympatico.ca Author of Surviving & Thriving Solo: Options When You Live Alone http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Thriving-Solo-Options-Alone/dp/1449025951 http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=62547
