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Courage Is Contagious: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things To Change The Face Of America

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In "Courage is Contagious," Republican Ohio Congressman - and author - John Kasich presents short stories of U.S. citizens who have performed extraordinarily to improve their communities and the lives of others. As Kasich says, "The most wonderful thing about the heroes in this book is that they are really just ordinary people who one day decided to act."

Congressman Kasich devotes sixteen chapters in his book to stories celebrating everyday American heroes. The book contains narratives aided with in-depth interviews that make the material lively and compelling.

Here are a few excerpts from the book's short story chapters: A selfless Maryland mother and daughter feed scores of homeless people each week in "The Happy Helpers."

"Something Had To Be Done" chronicles the story of a compassionate woman in New York who works to save the lives of children born with AIDS.

In "A Lump in the Throat," a restless retired physician recruits other medical professionals to treat people who do not have health insurance coverage.

Set in World War II Poland, "A Whisper From Above," recounts the courage of a teenage Polish Catholic girl (now an American citizen) who faced the horrors of the Nazis, and saved some lives of Jewish people.

"Courage is Contagious - Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things to Change the Face of America" is motivational, inspirational, and thought provoking. The book is relevant for everyone to learn what we can achieve as individuals in helping others and reshaping our communities.

In Courage is Contagious, John Kasich answers the age old question - "What can one person do to make a difference?" In each chapter, John talks about a person who "dreamed things that never were and said 'Why not?'" Each chapter tells about someone who felt they could no longer let things stay as they are. That person went out and did something to make a difference. It doesn't matter if it was Albert Lexie donating over $40,000 worth of tips from shining shoes to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh's Free Care Fund or Irene Gut Opdyke's saving Jews during the Holocaust. In each case, one person decided they could not accept things as they were and they did all they could to change our society for the better.

John Kasich shows just how much we all could do if we just tried.

This is a must read for anyone who wants to make our world just a little better.

"This book is about heroes..." That is how Congressman John Kasich begins his book "Courage is Contagious" Indeed Kasich's book is filled with profiles of extraordinary Americans who take it upon themselves to help others. The Americans profiled in Kasich's easy reading book could be your neighbor, co-worker, or even you. Their profiles tell the stories of everyday people who take the time to help others, display unquestionable amounts of courage, and provide an inspiration to those who meet them.

Kasich's profiles include stories of Geoffrey Canada (author of Fist Stick Knife Gun) who crusades against violence, brothers Eric and Bobby Krenzke who suffer from a hereditary illness yet triumph in their life, a young girl who provides lunches for the homeless, a retired doctor who provides medical services to people who otherwise could not afford medical care, a holocaust survivor shares with younger generations the tragedy of World War II, and many other stories of courage that will hopefully inspire and make you want to share this book with others.

If you enjoyed this book "Heroes After Hours" written by David C. Forward is another excellent book profiling volunteers and programs that seem to succeed.

John Kasich had the vision to talk about others over person and political goals.It shows how such a person, because of his concern about our personal efforts can be very good for the country. His interpatation of helping from the bottom up instead of the top down is expressed in his book.

Even before I read this book, I had come to appreciate John Kasich's ability to inspire with his genuine belief that our country's greatness comes from the ground up. His glimpse into the lives of 20 or so everyday American heroes serves to reaffirm that assertion.

Kasich does justice to those who forgo greed and selfishness. The lives of those portrayed within renew your faith in an America that is compassionate yet accountable.

Enjoy.

Conressman John Kasich provides a wonderful picture of what is right with America in a time when all we seem to hear in the mass media is what is wrong with America.

Courage is Contagious provides a challenge from one of our nation's leaders to take on our historic pioneer spirit and help fix the foundation of our great country. The book makes clear that we are responsible for changing our communities and our world. The book seems to echo the words of John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country."

Congressman Kasich tells of average Americans who are doing great things to heal our country's wounds.

A true inspiration!

Each of the courageous people John Kasich has personally met and interviewed are ordinary people who have managed to make a tremendous impact within their communities. It inspires all of us to get out and do something for others and to live our life on a higher level of participation. Through these ordinary Americans, John has shown all of us what we can do for America. A well written and easy to read volume that is appropriate for children as well as adults. An excellent tool for parents, teachers, as a gift for Christmas and for anyone who may need a lift in spirits.

This book is a great message from a guy who should be our next President. He truly understands that it us up to each one of us to make a difference in our own communities rather than government doing it for us.

Wow! What a treasure. The book confirms what I have long said,"One person can make a difference in this world."Educational as well.Thanks for taking the time to write the book and to interview these ordinary folks who did extraordinary things to help others.

The author has given us a snapshot into the lives of people who go about their daily business, who ask for no laudatory praise or recognition. But the nature of their work is heroic and Mr. Kasich has captured their spirit into print for all of us to share. The book is reminiscent of a work I read a few years back, written by a man named John, also..... John F. Kennedy. Kudos to John R. Kasich for this wonderful piece.