I Am Potential: Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching Your Dreams

by Patrick Henry Hughes, Bryant Stamford (With)

Overview

Patrick Henry Hughes was born with a rare genetic disorder that left him without eyes and physically disabled. But he was also blessed with exceptional musical talent — able to play the piano as a toddler and now, at age 19, a nationally known pianist, singer, and trumpeter who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and the Kennedy Center. Currently he's a member of his college marching band, playing while his devoted father pushes him in his wheelchair. With determined optimism and courage, Hughes has made "I am potential" his mantra and defied the impossible at every turn.

Now, for the first time, Hughes and his father share the full account of his extraordinary journey. In I Am Potential, Hughes recounts the eight critical lessons he has learned that are at the heart of his success, including "When Life Gives You Lemons, Accept Them and Be Grateful" and "Do All You Can to Change What You Can." Uplifting and revealing, I Am Potential is remarkably inspirational for anyone facing challenges in their own life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738213651
Publisher:	Hachette Books
Publication date:	08/25/2009
Edition description:	First Trade Paper Edition
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Patrick Henry Hughes, a student at the University of Louisville, won Disney's Wide World of Sports Spirit Award. He and his father, Patrick John Hughes, live in Louisville, Kentucky.

Editorial Reviews

Blogcritics.org, 8/27/09
“[A] heroic story.”

Blogcritics.org, 8/17/09
“This book is a must read for people with handicapping conditions from birth or from fate. Patrick’s courage and the support given by mother, father, and brothers as he grew older, cannot help but inspire even the most depressed individual to accept a disabling condition and move forward. I Am Potential is fascinating to read…I cannot recommend this book highly enough to the general public who often see people with a handicap as a handicapped person. Patrick has proven the two terms are not equal or even logical.”

Acadiana LifeStyle LA, October 2009
“This story of parental love and a persevering child'should lift your spirits and encourage you to discover and pursue your own potential.”

Midwest Book Review, December 2009
“Both a memoir of achievement and an inspirational account perfect for any general library strong in positive 'can-do' guides.”

Alaska Journal of Commerce, 12/13/09
“Any businessperson who needs motivation needs I Am Potential…Not only is this a book that puts things into perspective, but it’s also a darn good story.”

From the Publisher

Born with a complex of birth defects which led to malformed limbs, no eyes and more than a half-dozen surgeries in his first few years alone, wheelchair-bound University of Louisville student Hughes details a life overcoming enormous obstacles with hard work, devoted parents and a lifelong passion for music (he's even a Marching Cardinal, with the help of his father). Much of Hughes's story is also his dad's, and the straightforward narrative switches off between them, giving some dimension to otherwise flat prose (not necessarily a bad thing, as the remarkable story needs little adornment). Hughes's countless setbacks give stark life to perhaps-familiar lessons on acceptance and perseverance (chapter one: "When Life Gives You Lemons, Accept Them and Be Grateful"), but his spirit and triumphs also lead to lessons in pursuing your passion, giving love freely, and appreciating the people around your. For fans of television's Extreme Makeover Home Edition and the Grand Ole Opry, there's a behind-the-scenes chapter for each. A gentle evangelical streak comes out in occasional references to God, but the book is probably at its most parochial in the chapter, "Be the You Your Mother Would be Proud Of." Hughes's knowing but uplifting tone balances out the tragedies, making this an inspiring addition to the growing self-help-memoir shelf.
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Publishers Weekly

A 19-year-old Kentucky man born with deformed limbs and no eyes collaborates with his father (and with contributor Stamford) to describe how he became an accomplished musician and an inspiring model of personal growth. The result is an invitation to share this family's sorrow and triumph, and a challenge to listeners to work around their own weaknesses or disabilities and live life to its fullest. Narrators Paul Garcia, Malcolm Hillgartner, and Grover Gardner share the reading, and each is a skilled interpreter of the pathos and inspiration in the story. Rotating the narrating duties creates a strong dynamic: Three exceptional voice talents bring distinct sensibilities and views to the recording but also work together to give this heroic memoir impact and continuity. T.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

SEPTEMBER 2009 - AudioFile