"I've simply seen too much goodness in this country--and have come so
far in my own journey--not to believe in those ideals, and my faith in
the future is sometimes restored under the darkest clouds." --Governor
Deval Patrick
In January 2007, Deval Patrick became the first black governor of the
state of Massachusetts, one of only two black governors elected in
American history. But that was just one triumphant step in a long,
improbable journey that began in a poor tenement on the South Side of
Chicago. From a chaotic childhood to an elite boarding school in New
England, from a sojourn doing relief work in Africa to the boardrooms of
Fortune 500 companies, and then to a career in politics, Patrick has led
an extraordinary life. In this heartfelt and inspirational book, he pays
tribute to the family, friends, and strangers who, through words and
deeds, have instilled in him transcendent lessons of faith,
perseverance, and friendship. In doing so, he reminds us of the power of
community and the imperative of idealism. With humility, humor, and
grace, he offers a road map for attaining happiness, empowerment, and
success while also making an appeal for readers to cultivate those
achievements in others, to feel a greater stake in this world, and to
shape a life worth living.
Warm, nostalgic, and inspirational, "A Reason to Believe "is destined to
become a timeless tribute to a uniquely American odyssey and a testament
to what is possible in our lives and our communities if we are hopeful,
generous, and resilient.
GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK is donating a portion of the proceeds from A
REASON TO BELIEVE to A Better Chance, a national organization dedicated
to opening the doors to greater educational opportunities for young
people of color. To learn more, visit www.abetterchance.org.
"From the Hardcover edition."
