demerson19

Patel is getting a lot of attention for his work, but frankly, it is not because of his writing. This book comes highly recommended not only from people I respect, but with big-name quotes and a major award. The message is stronger than the messenger, which is probably why. Patel is doing good work and he'll let you know that, although he tries to be humble (and fails miserably).The book itself is disjointed. Part of it is about his own life, which can be summarized as upper middle-class kid has the normal tough middle school life, gets into academics, and finally becomes a Rhoades scholar. He tries to sell himself as a "bad boy" at one point, but only looks more upper class as a result. Plus, he cries (actually, sobs) once too often to have ever been too "bad."He puts in story lines but does not finish them, includes random scenarios which do not really tie in (e.g Cat Stevens), and covers most things as superficial level. I actually became angry reading his passive, offend no-one lines beginning with "I believe" (the first thing I tell my students to drop in their writing).But better people than me have found a great deal in this book, so don't take my word for it.