4 out of 4 stars
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Dr. Vernard L. Hodges grew up in rural Georgia in a trailer park located in a poor neighborhood. Most of his friends did not attend college, sold drugs, went to jail, or were killed. Even though he learned how to be street-smart during his childhood, he always wanted a different kind of life. In Bet On Yourself: From Zero to Millions, Dr. Hodges accounts how he went from picking peaches for cents to attending a prestigious veterinary school, owning veterinary practices and hospitals, and becoming a successful real estate entrepreneur.
Bet On Yourself: From Zero to Millions is a motivational and business memoir consisting of 196 pages. The book is divided in two parts. Part I focuses on Dr. Hodges' life as an African-American growing up in a poor neighborhood and overcoming obstacles to achieve a better life. He narrates how he hung out with the wrong crowd at the Trap (where his friends sold drugs), carved himself a different path, went to college and a prestigious veterinary school, and started his own veterinary practice. Part II is about how Dr. Hodges built a real estate empire with his BRRRR method, which means Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, and Repeat. He also offers advice about business, real estate, giving back to the community, and life.
Dr. Hodges' writing tone is uplifting and pragmatic from the very beginning of the book. He affirms: "Refuse to be a victim of your surroundings. Get up every time life knocks you down. Never quit, despite how hard life gets. If you're going to do well in life, bet on yourself, because if you don’t, then who will?" I liked that he kept this motivational and down-to-earth approach throughout the whole book. I also appreciated that his writing style is easy for the layperson to understand.
One of the main reasons Dr. Hodges wrote this book was because he wants to serve as an example of success to his son and other African-Americans. He explains that African-Americans lack male role models in their neighborhoods. Another important reason for writing about his life and success was because he rightly argues that schools do not teach children about managing money. I believe that Dr. Hodges accomplished his goals concerning writing this book. His life indeed serves as a role model for African-Americans of thriving despite adversity. In addition, the book gives useful advice on real estate and managing personal and business finances.
Without a doubt, I rate Bet On Yourself: From Zero to Millions by Dr. Vernard L. Hodges 4 out of 4 stars. I chose to read this book because I wanted to read the author's advice on real estate since that is an interest of mine and my husband. However, I got so much more from this story. Dr. Hodges is a role model for African-Americans and other minorities. He demonstrates that people can attain success despite growing up in underprivileged communities. I cannot think of something negative about this book. I only found two typos and one grammatical error. I recommend this book to African-Americans, minorities, and those who would like to learn about real estate and managing finances.
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Bet On Yourself
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