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STEP OUT ON NOTHING is something that everyone can appreciate Oct 1, 2009 (12 of 12 found this helpful)
As someone who has always had a love affair with words, the story told by the talent of CBS News Correspondent Byron Pitts in his autobiography STEP OUT ON NOTHING is one that I can truly appreciate. With all of the advancements we have made in 2009, the epidemic that is illiteracy is something we have tolerated and ignored for way too long.
Pitts' story is important because it shows what can happen when you unleash your inner greatness and allow it to develop. It also highlights the old adage that no man is an island and whether it is your blood family or those who adopt you into their fold, that we have to work together---and oh the things we can accomplish when we do.
I commend Pitts for taking us into his life and letting us know how he became the man that he is today. By doing so, he can encourage others that may come from a similar place in life to not feel as though today is a part of the end but instead is only the beginning.
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A refreshing and inspiring author Nov 5, 2009 (2 of 2 found this helpful)
I read this book after hearing Byron Pitts speak about his struggles as the child of a single mom growing up in a poor section of Baltimore. It is no spoiler to say that this respected journalist struggled to overcome stuttering and had to face the fact that as a teen he was functionally illiterate.
This is Mr. Pitts's story about starting over again as a reviled "basement boy" in remedial classes and his ensuing struggle to overcome severe learning difficulties. At a time when little was understood about how children learn to read, he was given a "reading machine" whose microfiche slides he studied for hours, working on his own to catch up. Combining determination with faith -- not to mention the force of nature that was his mother -- Mr. Pitts achieved his greatest dreams, graduating from college and eventually working at the pinnacle of broadcast journalism, CBS's 60 Minutes.
Despite Mr. Pitts's immense likeability, it is truly his mother Clarice who steals the show. Endlessly energetic, tireless in her advocacy of her children, deeply loving and utterly convinced of the power of prayer, Mrs. Pitts pushes her son to achieve more than he ever thought possible. He writes humorously about her infamous temper. Overwhelmed by the demands of college, he considers dropping out. She writes him a letter that starts: "Dear Mr. Brain Dead, Have you lost your *** mind?"
This book is Mr. Pitts's paean to his mother, as well as to all the adults who "stepped out on nothing" but their faith in him. He writes lovingly of high school teachers and coaches, college professors and roommates, priests and pastors -- everyone who had a hand in getting him where he is today. I've never read the words of someone so deeply grateful and so devout in his faith. It is the rare publisher who allows an author to write boldly about his or her Christian faith. "God held me in the palm of His hand. His Son, Jesus Christ, died so I might live." Yes, Bryron Pitts says this.
Still, I felt the narrative suffered somewhat from the outpouring of gratitude. The story flags as the accolades pile on; the old saw that a journalist should show and not tell could have been put to better use here. And, I was puzzled by the silence about his wife and children. You know he is married -- he mentions his wife a few times and his children once -- but you learn nothing about them, not even their names. I enjoyed the stories of his work as a reporter, and of course it is his work that ties in most closely to his struggles with literacy. But bypassing his family seems an odd omission for an author who is so eager to credit the influence of those closest to him. Nevertheless, everything the author does tell us is uplifting and life-affirming. It's all that a good book should be and proof that literacy can be the key to great things.
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A Must read for First Year College Student or Adults in transition Oct 6, 2009 (2 of 2 found this helpful)
Byron Pitts shares the guttural truth of his lifelong pursuit of excellence with such familiarity it is as if he is speaking to you face to face. The pain and joy of his journey to achievement is an inspiration for the ill-prepared learner, dedicated teacher and steadfast parent. The added bonus of interweaving faith as the fuel for his tenacity and looking glass for his reality provides a strong beacon for those facing their own academic struggles. I highly recommend "STEP Out on Nothing" as a must read for all first year college students, or adults in transition.
Associate Dean
Division of Student Success
Nyack College
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Candor, spirit & grace has he. Nov 6, 2009 (1 of 1 found this helpful)
I met Mr. Pitt during a book signing on October 29, 2009. Initially, the plan was get a sneak peek & leave without purchasing a book. Well, Mr. Pitt "steps out on nothing," but candor, spirit & grace when telling his story and reeled me straight in. He is geniunely passionate about wiping out illiteracy and brought me to tears several times during his reading.
Some of his experiences took me back to my childhood and the problems we had with my brother (special class, suspensions, fighting, etc. in grade school) who finally learned how to read at age 51, so I purchased the book. Had I have known back in the 70's that my brother was crying out for help there would have been more intervention on my part.
I am so excited about this book and plan on using it during Parent Workshops. I purchased the book again today, so I could write this review.
So, Let me just say, "My GOD, my God you truly are using this brother to reach the masses and I thank you!" This book should be read by all without exception. If you get it today and use it as a template to help parents/family & friends understand struggling readers then I see great advances in achievement for our youth. I also believe great strides will be accomplished to help generations who thought all was lost - help is on the way to victory over illiteracy with this book!
- Kimberly N. Castaneda
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WHAT A JOURNEY! Nov 2, 2009 (1 of 1 found this helpful)
Step Out on Nothing is a page turner that has all the ingredients of a great book! I experienced a range of emotions when reading this book. I was wowed, inspired and just left feeling good after reading Step Out on Nothing. What a powerful story of hope and overcoming adversity. Mr Pitts is an awesome storyteller and that this is his own story is even more amazing. As a Chair of a Special Education Team for Baltimore City Schools, Mr Pitts' story is so relevant to the lives of the students I service. His book is one that I have shared with many of my team members, students and their parents. I admire Mr Pitts' humbleness in acknowledging those who helped him on his journey, particularly his Mother, WHAT A WOMAN! As an African American male from inner city Baltimore, a product of divorce, poor, a stutterer and to top it off... functionally illiterate, Mr. Pitts' story could have been a recipe for disaster but for faith and family. Byron, thank you for not only sharing your candid account of the impact of illiteracy but for also imparting that one can Conquer Life's Challenges!