This heartening memoir tells us what diligence and optimism can achieve in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Born into a household of modest means, Douhadji, a quiet boy with a sunny disposition, discovers early the benefits of optimism. Faced with an abusive father, Douhadji seeks refuge in the library at a nearby hospital where his father works and books prove a lasting inspiration. Though his parents’ separation and the absence of his mother saddens him, he persists in his efforts at school. Battling near-starvation and a severe lack of facilities, he finishes high school with a GED and then graduates from college, falls in love and gets married, all the while keeping his dream of emigrating to America alive. What’s amazing about Douhadji is his refusal to be broken by the circumstances of his upbringing, thus making the title apt. His attitude of seeing the positive side of any situation and his determination to overcome limiting circumstances and excel are indeed inspiring. Douhadji’s father, though physically and emotionally abusive, is also always supportive of his academic dreams, a complexity that Douhadji explores. It is also amazing how, even in his darkest moments, young Douhadji finds inspiration in books. In a moving incident, his friend, though unable to provide him food, gives him a book, and it is while reading this gift Douhadji experiences a life-changing incident that frees him from hunger.
Throughout the narrative, Douhadji pauses to generalize and draw lessons from his experiences, no matter how grueling they are. Sometimes this does sound clichéd, a danger that the author acknowledges but doesn’t always avoid. Still, his attitude of gratitude, cheerfulness, diligence, and determination to move forward to live a purposeful life, together with his risk taking and positive use of criticism, makes him an excellent self-help coach. These, combined with the uniqueness of his experience go a long way in shaping this memoir into an immersive and inspiring one.
Takeaway: Deeply engaging memoir of overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s dreams.
Comparable Titles: Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime, Chris Gardner’s The Pursuit of Happyness.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
