Customer Reviews

No Free Lunch: One Man's Journey from Welfare to the American Dream

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Awesome - I believe that Rodney, in the course of his remarkable career, has indeed changed our world for the better with his compassion and belief. I also truly believe this book should be a mandatory read in all high schools and colleges. It gives much food for thought, including the responsibility each of us has to help address and solve the welfare problem Corporate America is living today. Most of us know little about the demeaning lives the people on welfare are forced to live, or the almost impossible task of improving their lives and Rodney, through his telling of his own experiences exposes the readers to their plight. I found this book an endless source of inspiration for me as a pacifist and believer in justice and equality for all. Rodney's skillful representation of welfare today reminds me of the unforgettable words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King where he prophetically penned: "We cannot have an enlightened democracy with one great group living in ignorance...... We cannot have a nation orderly and sound with one group so ground down and thwarted that it is almost forced into unsocial attitudes and crime". Like Dr. King, Rodney has forever altered the consciousness of America, like Dr. King, Rodney understands that love of God and love of ourselves are the necessary first steps on the road to freedom.

One of Rodney Carroll's greatest aspects is his commitment to his very own thoughts and thus, speaking his mind. He doesn't necessarily say what America's majority want to hear. That is why he is so phenomenal, so involved. His urgency in helping America's welfare recipients create themselves a better future, oppressed people world-wide; and his logical prioritising of human rights before civil rights, are evidential of his deep complex understanding of human nature.

Rodney's searing story belongs on the small shelf of great autobiographies. The reasons are many: the blistering honesty with which he recounts his transformation from a black kid trying to survive in the ghetto's of America finest into the exemplary, courageous and articulate man he is today. His honest portrayal of his life is a morally uplifting story, but it is also a fun read. This book will make you think, laugh and cry. It is also one of the most entertaining stories I've ever read. I've read it twice and in a few years, another read will be time well spent. All will be enriched by this fascinating book. It's a MUST!!

Rodney you're the BEST. Keep up the good work.

Despite having 2 young children I could not put this book down. This story made me laugh, cry and want to go out and give someone an opportunity. It reaffirmed by belief in the tenacity of the human spirit. It was a true pleasure to read. Thank you Mr. Carroll and Mr. Karton.

Rodney's book has sparked interest and attention. When one reads the book : you might wonder how could Rodney rise above his surroundings and overcome his roadblocks ? Well knowing Rodney for a number of years ; I've noticed that Rodney doesn't see roadblocks and has never fell victim to any of his apparently tough surroundings. He's a remarkable man with a gift. Everyone that has the opportunity to meet and share with him will notice this. He his :what success is meant to be. Rodney will enjoy tremenedous success because he always tries to share his good fortune.He truly believes that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. His calling is to make others great and he will never fail. I'm priviledged to know Rodney and call him friend.Rodney is a big man with a big mission-and anyone anywhere who can fellowship with him will leave inspired.Any corporation that has him will definitely excel.Any person that has Rodney as a friend is definitely blessed. Oprah,Tom Joyner,Tony Brown, and Rev Gray showcase this man.

...............Wes Southall

Rodney J. Carroll, the author, describes being raised by a neglectful mother in a poverty-stricken area, his pitfalls and prmotions within United Parcel Service, his pilot project which showed UPS the work potential of people on welfare and his experience standing on the podium with the President of the United States.

While reading the book, you feel like you are right with him. For example, he describes the story of his first day of work where he isn't trained and makes significant mistakes. He leaves the rollers in the truck, fails to sort the packages, and comes close to losing his job. He doesn't hesitate to tell the reader about weaknesses- giving you a sense he is a well-rounded real person willing to share of himself.

This book also avoids many of the cliches and unreality of the typical "rags to riches" autobiography. For example, he speaks of two times in his life where he basically gives up and becomes apathetic. At one point in high school, his counselor tells him that he is not smart enough to go to college. He internalizes that message and partially believes it. He flirts with gang activity and drug dealing. He also gets turned down for promotions at United Parcel Service and makes the decision that many people make in that circumstance- to do his job, but not try to do more.

In each of these cases, he gets his ambition back and his life on track. A friend of his tells him about the Basic Educational Opportunty Grant which he uses to get his tuition paid. And, he is promoted at UPS four years later to be a division manager at the Lawnsdale Hub.

We are spared the usual impression of a person who remains totally determined and courageous under all circumstances.

Yet, he also speaks with detail about motivating employees in a union shop where the work is monotonous and the lifting is heavy. He describes the internal politics where he persuades the managers to hire people on welfare.

There are many lessons here- and it's very entertaining. I read it three times.

I also could not put this book down. I began it on a plane flight and was almost hoping for a delay in the air so that I could keep reading it. I read it in about 3 days. The way Gary Karton weaves the incredible story of Rodney Caroll from present to past and back to present creates a fasinating tale. Mr Caroll's life and work is definitely worth anyone's time to read - from the most liberal of social workers to the most conservative corporate board member. I kept thinking that I want to meet the man himself! It's a fabulous piece of work and I highly recommend it.

Mr. Carrolls' story is one of triumph and inspiration. I laughed and I cried. At one point I just wanted to give him a great big hug. I am a nurse in an inner city public elementary school and I know children who are starting out just as Mr. Carroll did and I hope I can in some way help to develop future success stories like Mr. Carroll. This is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read.

"No Free Lunch" is an exceptionally well-written, brilliantly-told story of a child's strong will, faith, determination, and never-ending dreams. It chronicles how a grandmother's love, patience and christian beliefs guided him along the path from abused child and welfare recipient, to accomplished adult. It is the story of the evolution and motivation of a man who, regardless of his obstacles, strives to remember where he came from by reaching out to others. Each chapter develops a different time, story and emotion. By the time you turn the last page, your heart will be captured and you will be transported back in time to recall a special person or people who may have influenced you and allowed you to dream of a better life. This story is inspiring and reminds us of the importance of faith, hard work, the belief in self and others.

I thought this was an awesome book explaining Rodney Carroll's life and way to becoming a person who is very successful. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would encourage anybody to buy and read this book!

This is a story of a guy who was given every opportunity by a great company, and took advantage every time he had the opportunity. He was unsuccessful running operations, got shuffled around from job to job, and saw everyone else as the problem. I got about 2/3 through the book and threw it away.

I was pleased when I first saw this book on the shelf of a bookstore, because not only did I know Rodney, I grew up with him in the same neighborhood, on the same street. His memory of Gratz Street are not mine, not completely; and others who grew up with us agree with me.

Yes, it was tough, and there were tragedies. But there were an extraordinary number of successes, too, and a degree of community and normalcy that was more constant and pervasive than the "ghetto" dangers that lingered in the shadows. Most of us lived, worked, loved and achieved, both in spite of AND because of our surroundings! One of our best friends is a graduate of MIT, and there were many, many others who are college grads (including me and my brother) directly from that street (2 engineers, several business and marketing pros, an internationally acclaimed fine artist, one deputy Mayor, a couple of clergymen, etc).

The point that I wish to make is that this book tends to glorify a stereotype that fails to recognize valuable and viable assets that exist in poorer communities. Worse still, it suggests that success is the exception in certain communities, at the expense of denying the existence of the transcendant power resident in those communities. That is worse than an inaccuracy; it is an insult.

Beyond that, let me raise a few more points of contention...
* Rodney claims that you couldn't own a bike in this 'hood because it would be immediately stolen - I owned 3 or four bikes, none of which were stolen. So did my brother.
* A certain "Leon" is set forth as the "baddest guy in the neighborhood" - I personally beat Leon twice, in fair fights without fear of reprisal, and I was far from a "bad guy".
* I knew the neighborhood gang members - by name and personally - and I do not recall any of them ever attempting to seriously recruit Rodney; they KNEW that he wasn't of that ilk.

In conclusion, though the book is well written I am disappointed in the dark and dismal picture that it paints of the old neighborhood - and most of its people - that I remember with a balanced fondness and respect.

Memoirs have to be judged for what they are: an individual recollection of the past, tempered and influenced by prejudices, fears, dreams and pain. This is one of them.

~ A former Gratz Street Resident