Friday, October 29, 2010

Rise Above Book Review and Giveaway!


"Rise Above" shows how self-reliance, determination and a refusal to accept the status quo led to one man’s triumph in business and in life, and reminds us that anyone is able to do anything... no matter the challenge. Ralph’s achievements have provided mobility for millions of physically disabled Americans. Today, he is the founder and CEO of the largest manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the world.

On a hot summer day in 1947, I was told I would not live to see my 13th birthday ...
Ralph Braun had two options: sit and wait for that prediction to come true or use those words as fuel to prove it wrong. He never gave a second thought to which path he would choose.

The doctors who diagnosed Ralph with muscular dystrophy at the age of six and handed him his death sentence were wrong. Not only did he live to see his 13th birthday, but he founded BraunAbility, the worlds leading manufacturer of mobility vehicles.

It wasn t an easy road. When Ralph couldn t rely on his own two legs anymore and he d outgrown piggyback rides on his father s back, he began using a wheelchair. Life went on, and Ralph was determined to find a way to keep up with it. He wanted an education, a career, and a family, just like anyone else; he just had to work a little harder at it.

First he invented a motorized scooter, the Tri-Wheeler, so he could conserve energy and keep his job as a quality control inspector at a nearby factory. When the factory moved a few miles from his home, he outfitted an old postal Jeep with hand controls and a hydraulic lift so he could have reliable transportation to and from work, no matter the weather. As his mobility increased, so did attention from the disabled community. Fifty years ago he was a young man in a wheelchair who needed to get to work. Today Ralph Braun is CEO of BraunAbility, the largest manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the world. Capitalizing on the age-old saying Necessity is the mother of invention, Braun refused to let his disability hold him back and, in the process, brought independence and mobility to thousands. Rise Above tells the story of how self-reliance, common sense, and a refusal to accept the status quo led to one man s triumph in business and in life.

Ralph quickly realized an underserved and underappreciated market existed, and he developed a wide range of mobility products to meet its needs.

While Ralph Braun"s story is a powerful example of true entrepreneurial spirit, this book is more than a successful business model. It is the story of America s evolving attitude toward the disabled community. It is the story of the powerful love of parents determined to give their son every opportunity and chance to succeed in life. It is the story of discovering the unlimited potential within each of us, regardless of what obstacles we may face.

No matter who the reader, this book offers something for everyone. Ralph Braun's story is an inspiration to rise above any challenge."

MY REVIEW-I received this book and was interested in reading it mainly because I like reading about the founders of companies and the struggles they went through but persevered in. Ralph Braun is one of these people. Told he wouldn't make it to his 13th birthday he went on to serve his country and help others. He had people try to put him out of business, a fire that almost destroyed his warehouse, and many other trials, but this book chronicles his triumph in standing firm and staying committed to good work ethics, good quality and helping others. Even if you normally don't read biographies, this story is good for anyone. I encourage those with young boys to purchase it as many of our young men need to be reading these types of stories.

READERS-One of you will be winning a copy of this book. It is a nice HB w/DJ and is definitely one you need to add to your shelf. To enter, leave me a comment telling me what biographies you have read recently. This is the MANDATORY ENTRY!

EXTRA ENTRIES.
1.Follow my blog through GFC.
2.Subscribe to my blog via RSS Feed.
3.Follow me on Twitter.
4.Enter any of my other giveaways.
5.Tweet about this giveaway. Can be done 3 times a day.

This giveaway will end 11/5. Winner will be chosen through Random.org. They have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation.

25 comments:

Kristie said...

The last biography that I read was "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jamison. It is about a psychistrist who is also bipolar. Excellent!!!! It's one of my favorite books ever. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com

Kristie said...

I follow you on GFC.
kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com

Kristie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kristie said...

I follow you on Google Reader.
kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com

Jessica H said...

I don't believe I have ever read any biographies. I have watched several on tv. This book seems as if it would be very good though!

Jessica H said...

i follow you via gfc

lavagraphicz@etex.ne

Mommy Minded said...

Sadly, I dont think I have read any! :(

I am here from this for that! I hope that you can stop by and enter some giveaways!

Megan
www.mommyminded.blogspot.com
mommyminded at gmail dot com

Cindy said...

I haven't read a bio recently, sorry :(

clemay62 at rocketmail dot com

Cindy said...

Newest follower #425 from This for that

clemay62 at rocketmail dot com

come on over to my place;
http://for-one-another.blogspot.com

Nancye said...

I haven't read any biographies lately. The closest I can come is "Choosing to See" by Mary Beth Chapman or "Life in Spite of Me" by Kristen Anderson (I think that was the author), but I think they are more autobiographical.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I also entered "Words Unspoken"

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I also entered "Legacy of Lies"

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancy said...

It's been a while since I read a biography. One of my favorite biographies is that of Lucy Maude Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables.

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

Nancy said...

I subscribe to your RSS feed.

Nancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

debbie said...

Sadly, I haven't read any in awhile.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Julie said...

Biography of John McCain-next I am going to read the Biography of Barack Obama-
The book that is the prize sound really interesting
thanks for the giveaway
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

feed subscriber through Google
aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

follow blog jelaws5
aunteegem@yahoo.com

jacque said...

The last Biography I read...can't remember the name...it's about being in a polygamous relationship and how she got out! Thick book!
twinmomx5@gmail.com

jacque said...

Entered the Custom Creations giveaway

twinmomx5@gmail

Ginny said...

I can't remember the last time I read a biography. Love to expand my reading!

Ginny said...

follow on gfc

Ginny said...

subscribed to rss

Ginny said...

Entered amazon giveaway

jacque said...

Entered Avon giveaway!
jacque
twinmomx2@gmail

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