The Barefoot Shoeshine Boy

By Al Rivera

Book Overview

Child abuse is beyond the realm of reasonable people, yet it happens far too often. How does a child process abuse? What gives a child the courage to face daily humiliation, pain, and suffering? The... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1438921209
• ISBN13: 9781438921204
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Authorhouse
• Length: 156 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A life of wonderment

Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (11/08) "The Barefoot Shoeshine Boy" is an amazing story of wonderment! As Al Rivera delves into his life and explains in such a matter of fact way for us, he didn't know. A small child who endures such vile treatment and has never experienced anything else but that treatment doesn't know what should be, thus living and making his own fun is a world that should not be. I know the following is a trivial comparison but to those of us who have not gone through the issues Al has, something similar will come to mind. My sister once told me her 2-year-old didn't like her McDonald's Happy Meal burger with mustard on it so she did the special order thing every time. Being a mom of four, quite honestly I didn't have but one response to that crap. How in the world would a toddler know there was even a choice other that what they were given. Life is way too short to make an issue each time you roll through the drive-thru. A higher being was holding close the soul of Al Rivera as he was growing. He raised himself up into an honorable, successful man who learned many positive lessons from a life that began as something far from pleasant. Al's great outlook on life is something each of us should inhale. After each chapter you will be given the lesson Al highlights during the previous chapter. My favorite is: "Lesson 10 Sometimes bad experiences bring out the best in us. Whenever you get into a situation, either from an accident like I had or from some kind of illegal activity, always try to turn it into a positive experience that affects not only you but also others around you. In doing so, you might end up making one of the happiest memories of your life." I am in awe of the fact that he could make a lesson out of the events that happen and honestly come away from each negative situation with something positive. I drew courage in my own life during my reading of "The Barefoot Shoeshine Boy" by Al Rivera and wish that no child would ever have to endure such treatment. As each reader closes the book and wipes their eyes dry, please pass the book on to continue this life-changing read.

A inspiring true story of one boy's triumph over poverty & abuse

It's important to show pride in one's work, and since Al Rivera insists that I be given credit as his ghostwriter, I want to take this opportunity to let readers know that his story is the genuine article! He told me these stories straight from his heart, and I was able to capture his honesty, joy, and candor on the pages of this book. Al Rivera was not the only boy who suffered from parental abuse and extreme poverty, but what makes his story unique was his daily determination to find food and shoeshine customers FUN. He didn't whine, cry, complain, or daydream. He cheerfully went about surviving in a real world. This book is a page-turner, and it will touch your heart, as it did mine. I have written it in easy English, so people of all ages, backgrounds, and educational levels can read it, enjoy it, and learn from the life lessons it imparts.

Roots

You know, my Dad is the author of this book. I've heard these stories told since I was old enough to understand. But it wasn't until they were written down that they carried any weight. There is tenderness, and history, and a level of intimacy.

This book truly changed my life

A friend gave me this book and I am so glad that he did. This book changed my life. I too grew up in a foster home and never knew what it felt like to belong. I always wondered what was the purpose of my screwed up life, but through his story Al showed me that it doesn't have to be screwed up- life can be great it's just a matter of perspective. When I was reading his story it was like he was writing about me. Growing up poor and on welfare, having people you love die of drug overdoses or reject you. And I thought- he made it through. He got through it and so can I. The lessons at the end of each chapter really opened my eyes and I was like -wow, that makes sense. I am giving this book to everyone I can think of because it had such a positive impact on me and I want to share that with everyone I meet. It really helped me put my own situation into perspective and gave me the push that I needed to move forward in my own life. Al if you ever read this I want to say thank you. I hope that one day I when I make it in my own life I will have the chance to meet you and shake your hand and tell you in person what a difference you sharing your story has made in my life.

Absolute Must Read!

I just finished this book and it is one of the best I have read in a long time. The things that this man experienced as a little child is just amazing. It's not full of fluff or tear- jerker moments; it's just real and raw. A great book and I highly recommend it.