A Million Reasons: Why I Fought for the Rights of the Disabled [Hardcover]

Alan Labonte (Author), Brock Brower (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 24, 2006

Shocked at being fired from his job as Executive Director of a prestigious Boston law firm, Alan Labonte realizes it was because he informed the firm that he had contracted MS. An amazing legal battle follows against the giant firm.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Hot House Press (July 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970047673
• ISBN-13: 978-0970047670
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,026,294 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Little Guy Wins, October 13, 2006

By 

Al C. Hutchison (Inverness, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Million Reasons: Why I Fought for the Rights of the Disabled (Hardcover)

"A Million Reasons" describes in often fascinating detail how Alan Labonte, the general manager of a Boston law firm who was fired after he developed multiple scleroris, fought the good fight against his remarkably arrogant employers and, despite the long odds and with the tenacious support of his lawyer, won, even when the case was appealed. It was never a sure thing, and Labonte even turned down a settlement offer of $3 million because he knew that by accepting it he would be agreeing to never speak publicly about his case. When the long court fight was over, he wound up with an award of closer to $2 million, so basically he forfeited $1 million in damages.

"What I have kept is my freedom to speak out, and what I gained was even more precious," Labonte explained. "I've now got a million reasons to tell it like it really is and to join in the continuing fight across the country for the rights of Americans with disabilities."

This is an inspirational tale told by a man who had deep reserves of ethics, determination and pride. And it's a good read, too.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When Principle Takes Precedence, November 1, 2006

By 

L. McNamara - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Million Reasons: Why I Fought for the Rights of the Disabled (Hardcover)

Put on a pot of coffee. "A Million Reasons: Why I Fought for the Rights of the Disabled" will leave you burning the midnight oil. Set against a backdrop of the Boston skyline and the ritzy offices of a prestigious Boston law firm, "A Million Reasons" has it all - drama, intrigue, adventure, and ultimately the triumph of the human spirit.

In this gutsy tell-all, Alan Labonte and co-author Brock Brower aptly weave the compelling narrative of Labonte's valiant fight against his former employer, its unexpected protraction into a 5-year legal battle, and its culmination into a precedent setting case defending the rights of the disabled.

From the top executive floors of 101 Federal Place, to the paneled courtrooms of Beacon Hill, a gripping cast of characters peppers this account, but you will find yourself rooting for Labonte's legal counsel, David Rapaport, who proves to be the superhero of employment lawyers. Rapaport's dedication, loyalty, and friendship to Labonte is remarkable, and his cool and effectual trial demeanor leave him a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom.

Other hidden jewels within this chronicle include Labonte's spiritual renewal (in pilgrimages to the mystical village of Medjugorje, Bosnia) and the humanitarian efforts that brought him closer to understanding God's plan for him. Labonte recounts memories - some strangely foreshadowing - of his childhood growing up in a catholic, blue collar family in Worcester, MA, and of the beginnings of his enduring love with his wife, Lora.

"A Million Reasons" recounts not only a legal stronghold for the rights of the disabled (or in Labonte's case, the "abundantly abled",) but is also pure inspiration that will renew your faith in the pursuit of justice, even under the worst of circumstances, and the indomitable power of love, loyalty, and courage, that even MS could not shake.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring for Anyone and Especially for Those with Serious Illness, December 16, 2006

By 

Gloria Wolk (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Million Reasons: Why I Fought for the Rights of the Disabled (Hardcover)

An outstanding example of the philosophy of Viktor Frankl (author of "Man's Search for Meaning" and others). In essence, Frankl believes that we can transcend any adversity if we find the meaning that makes us unique.

This story was gripping as any suspense fiction, not only because it was filled with the tension of David v. Goliath coupled with serious illness and more--a legal system that too often re-victimizes the victims--but Alan Labonte epitomizes the philosophy of Frankl. He rose above a frightening and seriously disabling disease to become a champion for infinite numbers of others. That gave meaning to the disease--an opportunity to do something for others.

He would not have succeeded in this quest if not for a wonderful lawyer, David Rappaport of Boston, who clearly is a very special person as well as an extraordinary attorney.