Trish had mentioned this book in a post on another thread in the Book Nook, so I decided to check it out. Boy, am I glad I did. What an eye-opener in addition to just being a good story.
By the time he reaches 60, it seems Richard has everything--owns his own business, has cars, boats, friends, family, travels, etc. Then, his business fails and he loses everything but his van and his dog, Willow. He's homeless and depressed and tries to take his own life. Instead he comes to know some of the kindest, generous, forgiving, honest people he's ever known--the homeless. There's plenty of characters and his life takes some interesting turns once it is turned upside down and we get to see it all.
I really appreciated this quote from Richard:
"Those who don't understand homelessness often share the groundless fear that we might rob them, or beat them up, or molest their children. They don't recognize that there's far more stealing going on at the gas pumps and in the boardrooms. Or that they are far more likely to be assaulted by a driver with road rage. Or that the real child molesters are more likely to be a next-door neighbor, a local priest or teacher, or someone surfing the Internet in a comfortable home."
I have helped serve meals to homeless at one of the shelters in town and they are so appreciative of your time. There are regulars that I've seen there for years--real characters. I try to put myself in their place and wonder what I would do if I lost everything and didn't have friends or family to pick me up. There, but for the grace of God...
Make some time for Breakfast at Sally's! Thanks for letting us know about the book, Trish.
