Customer Reviews

Walk in My Shoes: Conversations between a Civil Rights Legend and his Godson on the Journey Ahead

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Being a devoted businessperson, I used to have a pretty low opinion of those involved in politics. My heroes are legendary investors and entrepreneurs like Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, etc. I despise those who get paid by telling whatever the voters want to hear, comprising truths and principles.

"Walk in My Shoes", however, repealed my prejudices against politicians......well, at least one of them. Being illiterate in American politics, I had no idea who Andrew Young was or his past accomplishments and really couldn't care less, but this book has earned him the highest respect from me -- not for his past positions in the government, but for his unconventional wisdom, and his uncompressing adherence to his principles. He did what he said, and he lived what he believed. After reading this book, I wish I had a godfather like him when I grew up to guide me through my years of confusion, and to lift me up from the inevitable downfalls and heartbreaks.

This book very skillfully brought a larger-than-life statesman down to earth. There was no preaching, no sermon, just vignettes of wisdom parsed through unassuming, funny, but thought-provoking, real life stories. Yet, chapter after chapter, it grows on you, making you want more. After you put down the book, it lingers on your mind, much like the melody of a beautiful song that keeps reverberating through your ears, your heart, and your soul well after you have turned off your iPod. What distinguishes this book from the massive volumes of run-of-the-mill autobiographies on the market is that Andrew Young is framed through the eyes of his godson, a young man who seems to share the same growth pains with the rest of us. This book is not a mundane collection of dates and facts, but rather dazzling sparks of two great minds, hearts, and spirits combusting crossing the generation divide.

What makes this book captivating is its abundance of contrarian truth. For example, the title of the book is "Walk in My Shoes", yet very first chapter talks about Mr. Young's rebel against his father's wishes and determinedly chose to walk down his own path in his own shoes. Instead of becoming an angry rebel without a cause, somehow he turned out to be all right. In preserving Mr. Young's candor and his reverence towards street smarts over institutionalized education, the book chose not to shy away from occasional expletive, contrary to the archetypical statesman writing that are fully scrubbed, sanitized, and therefore bland. Indeed, the writing of this book is like New Orleans jambalaya - spicy, tasty, and jammed with surprises.

My most amazing find is Chapter Three - which talks about why Dr. Martin Luther King should be better known as a macroeconomist rather than a civil right movement leader. Other chapters, like the one talking about love and relationships, are a must-read. It beats Dr. Phil, Oprah, and all the echelons of relationship counselors, certified or self-proclaimed. If Mr. Young ever decides to open a relationship clinic, I would be the first investor in line to fund his business, no political campaign or IPO road show necessary.......

Bottom line, read the book and then pass it onto your friends - they will be grateful that you did.

This is a series of "conversations" between Andrew Young, american legend, and his godson. Mr Young,who has more courage in his fingernails then most of the current lot in DC have in their histories, has reached an age where he can render sage advice. However, he also listens, which makes this book interesting.To think of Andrew Young approaching his 80's is shocking to the system[he is 78]. However, he is not some cranky old man longing for the spotlight.His insights were/are hard won, and he offers little in the way of greeting card advice.Work hard, be honorABLE,pray, remember who you are, and where you come from, and always look out for others seem to be much of the gist. not bad advice, that.

Who's your "Godchild"? This inspirational book not only captures the wisdom of a great civil rights leader but uniquely illustrates the power of intergenerational communication and mentorship. It is a privilege to be included in Young and Sehgal's personal lifelong conversation about listening for your inner voice and seeking an outer voice. Fortunately, Kabir Sehgal's writing makes the conversation come alive. I couldn't put the book down. It made my world bigger. It made me want to act. I found myself calling my boys, young men really, first with: Andrew Young says this and then, Andy Young says, then finally Uncle Andy's advice is. However, I do recommend you get someone else to call your children. Unfortunately, Andrew Young is already taken.

The reader is treated to intriguing conversations between the accomplished Andrew Young and the "Own-His-Way" Kabir Sehgal. Through family connections, Kabir has had a lifetime relationship with his Godfather, "Uncle Andy", civil rights legend, politician, pastor, and contrarian (you will learn) thinker. One feels a part of a revealing discussion of past and present issues, broken neatly into civil rights, faith, love, and leadership.

On one level the conversation encompasses Ghandi, Mandela, and MLK. The insights of a civil rights player and eyewitness are offered on a variety of subjects. Look for topical issues, such as a suggested connection between racism and today's terrorism.

On a second level, the talk shifts to personal struggles, searches for identity, and exploration of inner and outer voices. Through Kabir and Andy, the reader can explore their own thoughts on a variety of issues: interaction of religion and government, personal challenges with tolerance and forgiveness, individual dreams.

Have you ever been puzzled by where life is taking you? Andy shares his thoughts on Cupid and finding a partner in love. Kabir muses that he just may spend too much time in sports bars, watching the struggles of his hometown Atlanta teams!

You will feel yourself in the discussion, as it turns public service, nonviolence, family, and more......Sit back......Kick off your Hush Puppies......Enjoy "Walk In My Shoes."

I've been on vacation for the past week with my wife and children and, with that, the luxury of thoughtful reflection. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It spoke to me on many levels.

It led me to ponder my own life and upbringing and, most importantly, reflect upon how I am raising my own children, and those of my siblings. Lots of good lessons there, some of which I'm happy my wife and I engage in... others dutifully noted.

It also led me to think about how I interact with my colleagues at work. It has also led me to ponder one of the key factors that appears to drive the long-term success of those in my profession (namely, the point of constantly challenging the status quo, and pushing oneself beyond one's own comfort zone to explore new ideas).

As I enter 'middle age', I found comfort in the lesson that I am still evolving (I consider myself a 'seeker', like the authors)... and glad to know that there are others who "know where (they're) going... but (don't) know how (they're) getting there."

This book also filled in many gaps of my knowledge w/r/t government, and the history of the Civil Rights movement. It has prompted me to pull off my bookshelf a copy of the Autobiography of Martin Luther King - a book I purchased years ago, but have put off reading until now. Andrew Young is a great man. He has a deep and compassionate understanding of the human condition, our primal fears and needs. Kabir Sehgal is making the most of an enviable relationship.

"Walk in My Shoes: Conversations between a Civil Rights Legend and his Godson on the Journey Ahead" offers a number of profound insights into Andrew Young's personal character and accomplishments. A blueprint to the quintessential elements of profound leadership and effective revolution, this book serves as an invaluable resource for all innovators and a timeless guide to the powers of human interaction, tolerance, dedication and deserved success. Kabir Sehgal's unique relationship with "Uncle Andy" enables him to delve beyond the superficial biographic details, introducing the reader to the character traits within this celebrated public figure. An extraordinary memoir about a legendary leader. Excellent!

Let's face it, when you see a book written by a famous politician--and ESPECIALLY when you see it co-written by someone younger and less famous--you expect non-opinionated, barely readable lightweight fluff. So I didn't expect to give this book much time, especially with a huge pile of other books waiting to be read--many of which I knew to be interesting.

Yet I greatly enjoyed reading this book during my daily commute late this summer. By the time I was done, I had two pages of notes and a whole list of people and books that I wanted to look up later.

The story of Andrew Young's career is interesting enough, especially how he evolved as pastor, civil rights leader, Congressman, UN Ambassador, Atlanta mayor, and leader in business and NGOs. When it comes to talking about Young's own career, the great thing about the book is that he spends more time thoughtfully dwelling on the "downs" rather than the "ups."

From the outset, one also can't help but be jealous of Kabir Seghal and the mentoring he received from an early age. I felt like I got to know both of the figures well enough that I couldn't help but think of people I knew who could benefit from this kind of mentoring. In a way, this book is a great guide to how mentoring can be done right.

But the thing I enjoyed most about the book was the sheer breadth of opinion and enjoyable contrariness on a very wide variety of topics. This book has interesting things to say about some of the things you might expect--MLK and the source of his power, how to deal with political defeat, how Young used the powers of Atlanta mayor to get things done--but also had thoughtful and memorable riffs on Wendell Willkie, Quakerism, Gandhi, and South Africa.

Kudos to the authors and the editors on a very distinctive book.

I've been recommending this book to friends ever since I finished it. I enjoyed getting Andrew Young's unique perspective on the civil rights movement and other periods of American history that he helped shape. His self-described "contrarian" views were thought provoking. The dialogue between Ambassador Young and his godson was refreshingly frank and personal. Kabir Sehgal's writing style is lively and engaging, and his thoughtful questions to his godfather elicited insights that I don't think would have been revealed in many other conversations. There's a "point-counterpoint" rhythm to their dialogue that makes the book move at a quick pace. The rhythm isn't surprising given that Sehgal, an exceptional young Renaissance man, plays jazz with Wynton Marsalis when he's not working at J.P. Morgan. Walk in My Shoes is one of those unusual books that you not only learn from but also enjoy.

A necessary read for all generations. Sehgal and Young connect their generations, and those of their readers, with thought-provoking concepts for continuing the work of the American Civil Rights Movement. Their contrasting life experiences bring the reader to an appreciation of the conversation, the need to see another's perspective, to listen. Further light is shed upon why the strategies and heart of the movement worked, and how these can be applied today. Walk in My Shoes reminds us all that violence is the worst form of poverty; when you are poor and panic, you may resort to irrational means. Movement from theory to action is a vital message one is left with.

"A Walk in My Shoes" opens a window to private conversations that are both meaningful and thought provoking. Since not everyone has the luxury of having a great Civil Rights leader as their godfather, the book allows outsiders to feel part of the conversation and benefit from the wisdom that Andrew Young has to offer. Through Kabir Sehgal's experience and tone, readers will feel reassured that they are not alone in the quest for answers to life's complex questions. Covering the gambit of topics, "Uncle Andy" gives candid and insightful advice on these issues. Through his anecdotes, Andrew Young recounts historical events through a lens not regularly viewed and brings to light a historical context highly relevant to today's culture. The book will leave you entertained, motivated, and equipped to tackle life's big questions.