4 out of 4 stars
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Burn Zones: Playing Life's Bad Hands by Jorge Newberry is a memoir about the author's extraordinary life. He started working as a 7-year-old delivering newspaper. Then sold ice-creams, worked as a busboy, arranging concerts to punk-rock bands, a cyclist, and then a real estate mogul.
Newberry describes "burn zones" as relatively short periods of the extraordinary effort that separated the winners and losers. Burn ones could include a long climb or a section with major crosswinds. Most of the top riders could be in contention for the majority of the race, but the burn zones would eliminate those not in top shape. In other words, only those with a tremendous will to succeed will succeed.
The story of every successful man or woman is inspiring, and Newberry is no exception. His story is a lesson on how to react when facing adversity. After becoming a real estate mogul, an ice storm plunged him into a debt of over 20 million dollars. To quote him, he had entered the most difficult burn zone of his life.
What I liked the most in the book is that it is not about a man who was an elite. He is a regular man who found success by working hard, and not backing down in the face of adversity. And the great thing about this man is that he did not screw anyone over for his success. Instead, he did the opposite. He was successful because he prioritized helping people. The author has provided various photos from his childhood to his present day, which gives the book a personal touch.
This was the first memoir I have read, and I am very glad that I read it. Not only have I become a fan of this man, but if all memoirs are like this, then I am going to read more.
A wonderfully written book with exceptional editing, I could find no mistakes. I would give this a 4 out of 4 stars. It was difficult for me to write the review because all I want to say is to go and read the book. I recommend this book to every person, especially teenagers. After a long time, I found a book that I read twice in the same day. Not because it was confusing, but because it was so good.
I have recommended this book to most of my friends and family, and I would do the same for the people reading this review. Whenever I encounter a burn zone in my life, I am going to push ahead and not give up. Thanks to Jorge Newberry.
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Burn Zones
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