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

*Title: How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else
*Author: Michael Gates Gill
*Genre: Memoir
Summary: (From Wikipedia) 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 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.
*Rating: Very Good
Why I Like It: This book has a lot of interesting history and human interest stories mixed together. Nice light reading
Other: Micheal Gill also wrote another book a couple years after this one: How to save your own life : 15 lessons on finding hope in unexpected places. Library Journal review: Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Gill (How Starbucks Saved My Life) managed to lose everything he had, then come back with a new appreciation for people and the ordinary moments of life. In his engrossing second book, he offers advice for weathering the downs. His suggestions range from listening to other survivors and accepting help to laughing more and taking leaps of faith. While other writers often weave too much ego into their message, Gill has created an engrossing work without boosting himself. Bound to please and encourage.
I listened to this book on audio which was read by the author. He did a good job. It is also interesting & easy listening.
*Reviewer: Patsy