Have you ever read any biographies on rag-to-riches life accounts?

Question

Tell me a little more so that I can read on my own. Thanks!

What inspires you about the story?

Answer 1

I am fascinated by people who have gone froms "rags-to-riches," and I have been my entire life. It is stories like these that inspire former "welfare" kids, like me, to improve our lot in life.

The quintessential American success story, of course, is the one about Horatio Alger who achieved success and fame by writing about underprivileged boys achieve the American dream of wealth and success through hard work, courage, determination, and concern for others. My dad, who was my inspiration for reading, spoon-fed me stories about the legendary author so I eventually had to read about him myself.

Horatio Alger, Jr.: A Biography and Bibliography by Frank Gruber

Here are books about others who have truly realized the American Dream:

Oprah Winfrey: A Biography by Helen S. Garson

Rachel Carson: A Biography by Arlene Rodda Quaratiello

Robert Altman: Jumping Off the Cliff : a Biography of the Great American Director by Patrick MacGilligan

Answer 2

I thought that "Tucker, The Man and His Dream" was really good but so sad in many ways. Fighting politicians and the big 3 automakers of the world to produce his own car. He made only 52 of them. Actually he was a self made semi-wealthy man, invested everything he owned, then lost on his quest to build a better car. But then the car has since become famous and one of the rarest in the world, and the family got wealthy years later with the Tucker museum.

Answer 3

Ditto Rich Dad, Poor Dad.
Worth while read.

Answer 4

I remember one that caught my attention.it was the biography of Madame C.J.Walker,who,after growing up in griding poverty,discovered&marketed a hair-straightening product for black women(¬ a few men!)&became filthy rich!This happened in the first two decades of the 20th century when anyone of color,let alone a woman,could achieve something like that.it's inspirational

Answer 5

The Pursuit of Happyness [sic] is a really popular one - It's about an African-American who goes from high-school dropout to successful Wall Street stockbroker.

There's a movie out already.

Answer 6

Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Humourous and insightful

Answer 7

Elvis Presley, the multi-dynamics that existed, and to some degree still do in his meteoric rise to odinary citizen,artist, superstar. Legend.& legacy. Long Live The King's Memory.

Answer 8

Lincoln by Carl Sandburg. It's just great and inspiring. T4