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Struggles of a Dreamer #1
Struggles of a Dreamer: The Battle between a Dream and Tradition
In Struggles of a Dreamer: The Battle between a Dream and Tradition, the stories of Tunde, a beggar on the streets of New York City, and Toku'te, the son of a farmer in a faraway land, are woven together in a charming tale full of intriguing characters and adventure. You will encounter the struggles of a dreamer as he faces the challenges of the limiting boundaries of his tradition. You will laugh, cry, experience romance, be frightened, and be held in suspense as you find out how Toku'te manages to remain afloat in a world that requires everyone to fit the same mold.
203 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
36 people are currently reading
1891 people want to read
About the author
Yahaya Baruwa
6 books112 followersAmong the authors of Toronto's literary landscape is 29-year old York University Psychology graduate, Yahaya Baruwa.
Having chosen a not-so-common path as a creative entrepreneur, he pinpointed his passion and talent at 21 years old.
As a successful writer, Baruwa has found a direct expression of his skills and interests in business and inspirational storytelling. This passion and talent led to his first literary offering, the novel titled, Struggles of a Dreamer: the Battle between a Dream and Tradition. www.StrugglesofaDreamer.com
One of eight children of immigrant parents from Kano, Nigeria, this is his first of three novels, (the second and third novels are due for release in 2015), through Tapestry House Publishing (a business which he owns and operates in Toronto, Ontario).
Baruwa has a goal of inspiring 10 million readers both in Canada and the United States of America with the courage to take action towards their most desired personal goals in life; hence selling 7.5 million copies of the novel in the process of bettering the lives of many others.
Having chosen a not-so-common path as a creative entrepreneur, he pinpointed his passion and talent at 21 years old.
As a successful writer, Baruwa has found a direct expression of his skills and interests in business and inspirational storytelling. This passion and talent led to his first literary offering, the novel titled, Struggles of a Dreamer: the Battle between a Dream and Tradition. www.StrugglesofaDreamer.com
One of eight children of immigrant parents from Kano, Nigeria, this is his first of three novels, (the second and third novels are due for release in 2015), through Tapestry House Publishing (a business which he owns and operates in Toronto, Ontario).
Baruwa has a goal of inspiring 10 million readers both in Canada and the United States of America with the courage to take action towards their most desired personal goals in life; hence selling 7.5 million copies of the novel in the process of bettering the lives of many others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 5, 2023
“What am I to do in such a situation which nobody but I have brought upon myself?”
I’ve taken the liberty of quoting another reviewer who describes Yahaya Baruwa’s prose perfectly. “The writing style reminds me of older folk and fairy tales, think A 1001 NIGHTS or AESOP'S FABLES, where everyone speaks in a stilted and unnatural way either for clarity or to impress a moral upon the reader.” Personally, having met the author in a local bookstore, I’m inclined to believe that, rather than a purposeful style, the writing is the stilted, perfectly grammatical but non-idiomatic and often awkwardly structured writing of a person for whom English is very clearly a second language. One of the problems of self-publishing is that an author in this situation never receives the help of an editor (or perhaps even a ghost-writer) to correct the problem.
Unfortunately, the problem is so intrusive and distracting that the story the author has to tell (and I’m sure there is one there) never really gets a chance to reach a potential reader. It’s simply buried underneath a pile of words that most readers won’t bother to puzzle their way through.
And, just an observation (and a note that I don’t believe in miraculous coincidences)! The juxtaposition of “CEO TooKute Beauty Enterprises” who gave Tunde the book to read and “Toku’te”, the name of the young African man in that book, is simply “too cute”.
Good marks to the author for the effort and the marketing perseverance but not recommended, I’m afraid.
Paul Weiss
I’ve taken the liberty of quoting another reviewer who describes Yahaya Baruwa’s prose perfectly. “The writing style reminds me of older folk and fairy tales, think A 1001 NIGHTS or AESOP'S FABLES, where everyone speaks in a stilted and unnatural way either for clarity or to impress a moral upon the reader.” Personally, having met the author in a local bookstore, I’m inclined to believe that, rather than a purposeful style, the writing is the stilted, perfectly grammatical but non-idiomatic and often awkwardly structured writing of a person for whom English is very clearly a second language. One of the problems of self-publishing is that an author in this situation never receives the help of an editor (or perhaps even a ghost-writer) to correct the problem.
Unfortunately, the problem is so intrusive and distracting that the story the author has to tell (and I’m sure there is one there) never really gets a chance to reach a potential reader. It’s simply buried underneath a pile of words that most readers won’t bother to puzzle their way through.
And, just an observation (and a note that I don’t believe in miraculous coincidences)! The juxtaposition of “CEO TooKute Beauty Enterprises” who gave Tunde the book to read and “Toku’te”, the name of the young African man in that book, is simply “too cute”.
Good marks to the author for the effort and the marketing perseverance but not recommended, I’m afraid.
Paul Weiss
October 18, 2014
I met Yahaya Baruwa at a bookstore in Oshawa. He was promoting “Struggles of a Dreamer: The Battle Between a Dream and a Tradition” and it sounded very interesting. Unfortunately, I had no money to purchase the novel, but I promised to read it. I did a search for it on Goodreads and applied for it through First Reads giveaway. I can’t wait to read it and will hold of writing an official review until then. All-in-all, I am looking forward to it...
Okay, now that I have finished reading “Struggles of a Dreamer: The Battle Between a Dream and Tradition,” I must say that it was highly enjoyable and I also think it was unique in that the characters were realistic so that you wanted to know what would happen to them. This is something I find to be quite rare.
Okay, now that I have finished reading “Struggles of a Dreamer: The Battle Between a Dream and Tradition,” I must say that it was highly enjoyable and I also think it was unique in that the characters were realistic so that you wanted to know what would happen to them. This is something I find to be quite rare.
November 28, 2011
This is what Bob Proctor(the star of the "Secret") had to say about Struggles of a Dreamer"
"Some of his writing reminds me of Og Mandino's writing in The Greatest Salesman In The World.. Og was a close friend of mine and I am certain he would have enjoyed Yahaya's style... Struggles of a Dreamer is a novel but very Inspirational."
-Mr Bob Proctor, International bestselling author & the star of "The Secret"
"Some of his writing reminds me of Og Mandino's writing in The Greatest Salesman In The World.. Og was a close friend of mine and I am certain he would have enjoyed Yahaya's style... Struggles of a Dreamer is a novel but very Inspirational."
-Mr Bob Proctor, International bestselling author & the star of "The Secret"
October 14, 2020
Lacks nuance, suffers from particularly dry, uninspired narrative voice, and acts as a confused agent for uplift suasion and assimilationist rhetoric. Why be poor when you can be disciplined and not lazy? Clearly no research or education went into the economic perspective this book claims to have.
April 25, 2018
I met Yahaya at a bookstore in Waterloo, and we bonded over both being newbie authors (although him taking the plunge and publishing). He's a huge inspiration to me and the others I've shared this book with. Not just the writing, but having a local Canadian doing this. It's not every day you meet someone like that.
The writing may not be the most professional but to enjoy a story, it doesn't always have to be written to be a new york times bestseller. It's a real eye-opener and somewhat comforting. Although many of us live in entirely different worlds than that of the characters, a lot of people I know struggle with issues that are covered in the book, myself included.
I haven't been able to find the second book, but I hope I do, because after re-reading 'Struggles of a dreamer', I can't wait to read the second!
A personal thank you to the author for inspiring me to keep writing. You're a huge inspiration to the small, but growing kw writing community.
The writing may not be the most professional but to enjoy a story, it doesn't always have to be written to be a new york times bestseller. It's a real eye-opener and somewhat comforting. Although many of us live in entirely different worlds than that of the characters, a lot of people I know struggle with issues that are covered in the book, myself included.
I haven't been able to find the second book, but I hope I do, because after re-reading 'Struggles of a dreamer', I can't wait to read the second!
A personal thank you to the author for inspiring me to keep writing. You're a huge inspiration to the small, but growing kw writing community.
February 8, 2019
This would be a good book for young entrepreneurs, but not me, a late-30s woman who has seen some shit. A friend gifted this book to me in the hopes of inspiring me, but I guess she didn’t know the context of the book.
I found the writing passionate, but that was spoiled by repetitive, juvenile ideas. If the idea of wealth as life’s most important goal appeals to you, then this book is for you. I appreciate the Nigerian context, which is clear in the writing style, but there was no distinction between voices. Everyone spoke the same way. I feel the author has potential, and wish him luck. But I threw the book across the room when I finished it, so happy I was to finally be done.
I found the writing passionate, but that was spoiled by repetitive, juvenile ideas. If the idea of wealth as life’s most important goal appeals to you, then this book is for you. I appreciate the Nigerian context, which is clear in the writing style, but there was no distinction between voices. Everyone spoke the same way. I feel the author has potential, and wish him luck. But I threw the book across the room when I finished it, so happy I was to finally be done.
November 6, 2023
The writing is stilted, long-winded, and clunky. The main story is nothing. The story within the story is preachy, convoluted, and honestly just problematic. The story within the story within the story was the best part if only because it wasn’t actively preaching. It wasn’t a great story, but it was by and large the most cohesive part.
This book really needed an editor for its tone, its story, and its messaging.
Oof.
This book really needed an editor for its tone, its story, and its messaging.
Oof.
Read
June 10, 2024I had the pleasure of meeting the author, Yahaya Baruwa, at my local Chapters, and he was a very nice and passionate man! It was interesting to read how his lived experiences, which he humbly shared with my brother and me, were woven into the story. When he signed a copy of the book for us, he wrote "Never quit" in the inscription, and although he may not have known it at the time, it was something I needed to hear. It's crazy to me that he wrote his first novel at my age - super inspiring!
January 13, 2022
2.5 stars.
I really liked the premise of the book but found the execution of the story a little confusing. I had trouble keeping track of the story within the story. I think this is an admirable first novel and with a good editor it could be a decent series.
I really liked the premise of the book but found the execution of the story a little confusing. I had trouble keeping track of the story within the story. I think this is an admirable first novel and with a good editor it could be a decent series.
December 16, 2017
I met Yahaya at Chapters in Barrie, ON and after talking to him for a few minutes, I could see how passionate he was about his novels.
I wanted so badly to enjoy this book but I just couldn't. Twenty pages in and I wanted to put the book down because of the overuse of the word beggar. I couldn't get into the storyline and it was painful to finish. The only reason I gave this book two stars was because of the author's passion and kindness. I won't be finishing the series (which I believe is now a trilogy.)
I wanted so badly to enjoy this book but I just couldn't. Twenty pages in and I wanted to put the book down because of the overuse of the word beggar. I couldn't get into the storyline and it was painful to finish. The only reason I gave this book two stars was because of the author's passion and kindness. I won't be finishing the series (which I believe is now a trilogy.)
November 11, 2019
Like numerous other reviewers of this book, I met the author at a local bookstore. He was very personable and he was passionate about his work. While his enthusiasm somewhat translated via his novel (there were some strong indications that this was a semi-autobiographical effort), it fell slightly short in the writing. I think a good editor would have been a benefit, but I'm not sure that would have been enough to raise this book to a pick for me. While I applaud the efforts of the author and the message of his book, I found this to be just an okay read.
May 20, 2011
I really enjoyed reading this book! Yahaya Baruwa is an amazing storyteller, and I found his writing style to be fascinating and gripping.....I learned some very important life lessons while following the many stories of the characters in this novel; I would highly recommend to anyone who is in a place of change in their lives that they read this book and take its lessons to heart!
May 25, 2014
The author of this book was standing at the front of Chapters one day trying to sell his book. I decided this young author should be given a chance and so I purchased his book. Surprisingly I quite enjoyed it and look forward to his followup.
October 3, 2016
I purchased this book after meeting the author at Chapters in Newmarket. I typically finish every book I start, but I had to put this one down. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy the story or the writing style at all. A nice story, but not for me.
July 26, 2019
Like many of the other reviews on here, I encountered the author at my local-ish Chapters. He was clearly very passionate about his work and went on about the strained relationship between himself and his father and how that helped shape his book.
The writing style reminds me of older folk and fairy tales, think A 1001 Nights or Aesop's Fables, where everyone speaks in a stilted and unnatural way either for clarity or to impress a moral upon the reader/listener. The goal of the book seems to be to frame basic monetary advice, and some interpersonal advice, less as a checklist of do's and do-not's and instead as an engaging story meant to lead by example--I'm basing this partly on the book blurb and partly on my talk with the author in-store. Due to the stilted and basic narrative I really feel this book falls short of the mark, I did none of the things the back of the book promised. I did not "laugh, cry, experience romance, be frightened" or be "held in suspense". The inner world of the protagonists (Toku'te and Tunde) are as expansive and deep as the inner worlds of any character from a fairy tale. Their feelings and goals are simple-be successful, make money, become a rich merchant. Any feelings they have are fleeting and easily dismissed as the story requires them to move on from it. This is typical of fairy tales, but for a book promising to engage me and an author who told me he wanted to frame this advice in a relatable way, this just doesn't work. Real people are incredibly complicated and so much of this advice is easier said than done.
If you're really into self-help books then maybe this is the book for you. Otherwise I'd skip it.
As a side note: All of the successful characters are men. Like many old fairy tales women are little more than love interests or supportive mother-figures and child-bearers who have no character beyond romantic interest, motherly love, and unconditional support of the male leads. If you find that sort of thing tiresome (I know I do) that's another reason to skip this one.
The writing style reminds me of older folk and fairy tales, think A 1001 Nights or Aesop's Fables, where everyone speaks in a stilted and unnatural way either for clarity or to impress a moral upon the reader/listener. The goal of the book seems to be to frame basic monetary advice, and some interpersonal advice, less as a checklist of do's and do-not's and instead as an engaging story meant to lead by example--I'm basing this partly on the book blurb and partly on my talk with the author in-store. Due to the stilted and basic narrative I really feel this book falls short of the mark, I did none of the things the back of the book promised. I did not "laugh, cry, experience romance, be frightened" or be "held in suspense". The inner world of the protagonists (Toku'te and Tunde) are as expansive and deep as the inner worlds of any character from a fairy tale. Their feelings and goals are simple-be successful, make money, become a rich merchant. Any feelings they have are fleeting and easily dismissed as the story requires them to move on from it. This is typical of fairy tales, but for a book promising to engage me and an author who told me he wanted to frame this advice in a relatable way, this just doesn't work. Real people are incredibly complicated and so much of this advice is easier said than done.
If you're really into self-help books then maybe this is the book for you. Otherwise I'd skip it.
As a side note: All of the successful characters are men. Like many old fairy tales women are little more than love interests or supportive mother-figures and child-bearers who have no character beyond romantic interest, motherly love, and unconditional support of the male leads. If you find that sort of thing tiresome (I know I do) that's another reason to skip this one.
January 1, 2024
Coming of Age story with a twist.
I met the author, Yahaya, at an Indigo bookstore Author book signing in Cambridge Ontario 🇨🇦 So of course I had to buy it!
A different coming-of-age story that took me back to my college days readings of the Canterbury Tales and other descriptive classics.
Struggles indeed!
Some of my favorite quotes in this novel:
"Often, when the worst happens to you in life, it is not life punishing you; it is life pushing you to wake up!" pg. 30
"Nothing does more to bring a man from where he desires to be than having a vision. Far too many people have eyes, yet they lack vision". pg. 73
"Yet vision without action and perseverance would be an act of self-delusion". pg. 74
"I beg you, heed the advise of your mother and do what she failed to do. Have courage and walk out of the compound and never look back." pg. 98
"It is we who choose the life we will live." pg. 186
"It is best to make good use of your ears rather than your mouth; the former brings great rewards and satisfaction, while the latter brings misery and dissatisfaction, stealing from you the opportunity to benefit from new knowledge." Pg. 193
A very descriptive story putting you right in the action.
I'll be reading - Tunde: A Man of Lost Ambition soon.
I met the author, Yahaya, at an Indigo bookstore Author book signing in Cambridge Ontario 🇨🇦 So of course I had to buy it!
A different coming-of-age story that took me back to my college days readings of the Canterbury Tales and other descriptive classics.
Struggles indeed!
Some of my favorite quotes in this novel:
"Often, when the worst happens to you in life, it is not life punishing you; it is life pushing you to wake up!" pg. 30
"Nothing does more to bring a man from where he desires to be than having a vision. Far too many people have eyes, yet they lack vision". pg. 73
"Yet vision without action and perseverance would be an act of self-delusion". pg. 74
"I beg you, heed the advise of your mother and do what she failed to do. Have courage and walk out of the compound and never look back." pg. 98
"It is we who choose the life we will live." pg. 186
"It is best to make good use of your ears rather than your mouth; the former brings great rewards and satisfaction, while the latter brings misery and dissatisfaction, stealing from you the opportunity to benefit from new knowledge." Pg. 193
A very descriptive story putting you right in the action.
I'll be reading - Tunde: A Man of Lost Ambition soon.
May 25, 2025
I couldn’t put this down! Highly recommend this book to everyone!!!!
February 23, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Yahaya and was instantly captivated by his passion and enthusiasm for this book. I am delighted to say that I truly did enjoy this read. Struggles of a Dreamer is a story that both entertains, inspires and motivates you to not only “dream big” but work hard and think beyond the barriers that appear to limit your aspirations in life.
Half way through the book I thought to myself that this was easily going to be a 5 star novel. I simply could not put it down and was completely captivated by the tale. I enjoyed being immersed in the setting of the story and often found myself pausing wishing to highlight and bookmark various pages to refer back to; as Yahaya shared such powerful quotes that seek to motivate the physical, spiritual and emotional actions taken by readers to achieve their version of success.
My explanation for the 4 star review is as follows; I will say that the latter half of the book felt repetitive, as I found that the essence of the main message was already communicated. With that said, I don’t think that the book should have been shortened, however I wonder about diving deeper into the struggles of becoming a successful merchant. Upon reflection, I wished this story showcased more of the hurdles one must overcome prior to achieving one’s dream to further highlight that, hard work, perseverance, and optimism in times of despair will allow you to achieve your goal.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and already have to close friends. I wish Yahaya continued success on his journey and look forward to reading more from him in the future!
Half way through the book I thought to myself that this was easily going to be a 5 star novel. I simply could not put it down and was completely captivated by the tale. I enjoyed being immersed in the setting of the story and often found myself pausing wishing to highlight and bookmark various pages to refer back to; as Yahaya shared such powerful quotes that seek to motivate the physical, spiritual and emotional actions taken by readers to achieve their version of success.
My explanation for the 4 star review is as follows; I will say that the latter half of the book felt repetitive, as I found that the essence of the main message was already communicated. With that said, I don’t think that the book should have been shortened, however I wonder about diving deeper into the struggles of becoming a successful merchant. Upon reflection, I wished this story showcased more of the hurdles one must overcome prior to achieving one’s dream to further highlight that, hard work, perseverance, and optimism in times of despair will allow you to achieve your goal.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and already have to close friends. I wish Yahaya continued success on his journey and look forward to reading more from him in the future!
August 28, 2021
There were some good life lessons in this book, but in all honesty there were some parts that I feel it could have done without, and others that should have had more focused or expanded. Do to this and the general way it is written I really did not enjoy the book overall.
Tunde the reader doesn't get to know overly well, and he only plays a part in the beginning and then in the end; where it is suddenly several years later and everything worked out. His story seems skipped over completely, which was a shame as I was hoping as a reader to see how his life was impacted by what he was reading. I had also forgotten that he was even there.
As much as I enjoyed Toku'te story; it seemed to always be branching off into another story (a book, a different character). This is the main character that the book is focused around but at the same time the reader is often drawn away from the main story.
Tunde the reader doesn't get to know overly well, and he only plays a part in the beginning and then in the end; where it is suddenly several years later and everything worked out. His story seems skipped over completely, which was a shame as I was hoping as a reader to see how his life was impacted by what he was reading. I had also forgotten that he was even there.
As much as I enjoyed Toku'te story; it seemed to always be branching off into another story (a book, a different character). This is the main character that the book is focused around but at the same time the reader is often drawn away from the main story.
July 30, 2019
I had received this book for free through a friend- I have to admit I stopped reading it pretty early on. I found the grammar to be all wrong and it was written in a juvenile fashion-which grated me like nails on chalkboard. Perhaps if this book was geared toward people who are blissfully ignorant of actual literary works, then this book would come off looking better by comparison.
I think there’s a valuable story there. However, the author needed either a very good editor or a ghost writer and a complete rewrite.
Also, when I checked the back jacket of the book, there were no reviews from actual publications or book review blogs for that matter- that should have been a clue that this book was no good.
I think there’s a valuable story there. However, the author needed either a very good editor or a ghost writer and a complete rewrite.
Also, when I checked the back jacket of the book, there were no reviews from actual publications or book review blogs for that matter- that should have been a clue that this book was no good.
August 11, 2016
Struggles of a dreamer is very motivating, educational and interesting story. It is different from other books, and I think it has value, which isn't so often to see nowadays. It has really good advices, all of them told through story, I think that's an interesting idea. It is wonderful that one young man has such story to give us. :) I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads, and I'm very thankful for that. :)
August 11, 2016
I really wish more people knew about this novel. To tell you a plot for the story would be a little tedious, as the story really is a story in a story in a story. That may be off putting to some, but I found it very interesting. The story, however, tells the tale of a person beginning from a low in their life and building their way to greatness, in whatever way their story entails. I absolutely loved that concept. It's an easy read, and very much worth it.
May 15, 2015
I bought this book at Chapters, author was there. It was an easy read, the only thing that was a bit repetitive is that it was a story in a story in a story! But a good lesson behind, and a well written book!
Part of 2015 Reading Challenge #Author never read
Part of 2015 Reading Challenge #Author never read
January 3, 2017
Met this young man at Chapters Newmarket. Admired his enthusiasm for his first book and well as it's connection to his own story, so bought it. Not a bad job but gets a bit preachy at the end!
January 15, 2019
A waste of time .....
May 31, 2019
Struggles of a Dreamer is a story within a story - a book within a book. The story begins when Tunde, a young immigrant to Canada from Nigeria finds himself homeless, the product of his dreams not materializing the way he would have hoped. He has come without his wife and young son, hoping to send money back home to sponsor them to join him in Toronto. Unfortunately, instead of making money, he ends up being a beggar. One day, he is beaten up on the road and taken to a hospital while unconscious. At the hospital, a nurse is moved by his story and gives him the name of a hostel and a few clothes. At the same time, a rich woman who drives a BWM gives him a book. Tunde becomes very angry. Why would this lady give him a book? She is so wealthy that $50 wouldn't even make a dent in her pocket. Yet, the book that she gives him contains a story that will inevitably change his life and give him hope for the future.
The story Tunde reads is of a young man who leaves his father's house. For generations, his family have been farmers, but Toku'te has no desire for this. Instead, he dreams of being a merchant. This is a despicable act according to his father and a shame towards his ancestors, but Toku'te is sure this is his path in life. He wanders away on his own (in a similar vein to the story of the prodigal son), but comes back later when he discovers his father is very ill and dying. On his father's death bed, he not only grants pardon, but explains the reasons why he was at first opposed to Toku'te becoming a merchant, and goes on to relate how proud he is of him and following his dreams.
The story has a happy ending, as we come back to Tunde who is now happily reunited with his wife and son 4 years later.
This book is not only well written and creative, but it also has a lot of African themes attached to it. The importance of family, the tension between dream and tradition, the role of the family patriarch, and the honour of ancestors. This book explains the ways African culture is enmeshed with past historical practices, but also how it looks forward towards the future blazing a new way for generations to come. Recommended for anyone interested in understanding more about true African culture.
The story Tunde reads is of a young man who leaves his father's house. For generations, his family have been farmers, but Toku'te has no desire for this. Instead, he dreams of being a merchant. This is a despicable act according to his father and a shame towards his ancestors, but Toku'te is sure this is his path in life. He wanders away on his own (in a similar vein to the story of the prodigal son), but comes back later when he discovers his father is very ill and dying. On his father's death bed, he not only grants pardon, but explains the reasons why he was at first opposed to Toku'te becoming a merchant, and goes on to relate how proud he is of him and following his dreams.
The story has a happy ending, as we come back to Tunde who is now happily reunited with his wife and son 4 years later.
This book is not only well written and creative, but it also has a lot of African themes attached to it. The importance of family, the tension between dream and tradition, the role of the family patriarch, and the honour of ancestors. This book explains the ways African culture is enmeshed with past historical practices, but also how it looks forward towards the future blazing a new way for generations to come. Recommended for anyone interested in understanding more about true African culture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
Like most people who read this book, I bought this after the author asked to speak to me in a bookstore in Ancaster. I wanted to give his book a chance, but it is an extremely tough read. The grammar is awful and the dialogue is very off-putting and unnatural. I didn’t get very far in the book before I put it down and couldn’t take any more of it. It is ignorantly written in terms of “the beggar”, and we are given the impression that this man could change his life if he simply chose not to live on the streets and want better for himself. What a great idea! Maybe this can end homelessness once and for all.
It seems from the note in the beginning that the author wanted to write a self-help book through the lens of fiction, but simply intending to do that and actually executing it are two different things. It is almost insulting to the reader to have the author think that such a poorly veiled attempt at advice would go over our heads as it is very badly written and there is zero left to the imagination as he spells out what is already glaringly obvious just in case nobody got it the first time round. From the author’s note alone in the beginning, the grammar makes it clear that it will not be an easy read.
The reviews of the book from the back cover include one from Bob Proctor, credited as the “star” of a hit movie, but a quick google tells me he was a “contributor” to the movie. Another is from a registered nurse, and the third is from a “four time North American squash champion”. I’m not sure what grounds or relevance a nurse and a squash champion have to recommend a book rather than critics or fellow authors.
I would save your money and buy a book that has been looked at by an editor instead.
It seems from the note in the beginning that the author wanted to write a self-help book through the lens of fiction, but simply intending to do that and actually executing it are two different things. It is almost insulting to the reader to have the author think that such a poorly veiled attempt at advice would go over our heads as it is very badly written and there is zero left to the imagination as he spells out what is already glaringly obvious just in case nobody got it the first time round. From the author’s note alone in the beginning, the grammar makes it clear that it will not be an easy read.
The reviews of the book from the back cover include one from Bob Proctor, credited as the “star” of a hit movie, but a quick google tells me he was a “contributor” to the movie. Another is from a registered nurse, and the third is from a “four time North American squash champion”. I’m not sure what grounds or relevance a nurse and a squash champion have to recommend a book rather than critics or fellow authors.
I would save your money and buy a book that has been looked at by an editor instead.
November 9, 2019
I need to start by saying I purchased this book under duress. The author is a frequent book signer at Indigo stores (Guelph, London, Barrie, and presumably others). His style is a bit aggressive. He doesn't wait for you to come to his table, but he confronts you directly if you make even slight eye contact. Then he launches into a pretty smooth sales talk. For me, this is off-putting, but apparently he is very successful. One Indigo said he frequently sales dozens of books in a day. And, I bought one, too! So, if the objective is to sell books, he is good at it.
I felt irritated having bought it, and at first just set it aside. But then I decided to take the time to read it. And it is not bad.
The book is written in a simple style, kind of like parables within parables. There is a beginning, middle and end, and the story held my attention. The book has a theme and ends with definite messages for the reader to take away, six points to leading a successful life. There were passages that I felt like underlining, which for me is an indication of a good book. There is a sequel to the story, and I am inclined to buy it.
So, in the end, I need to give this author credit for his entrepreneurial enthusiasm and his accomplishment of following his dream by writing his books. I offer him continued success, and a thought to consider: Lighten up a bit on the sales approach. Maybe fewer books would be sold, but more purchasers may read the book, like it, and recommend it to others, and in the end, through word of mouth, it may have broader appeal based on its merits, not the pitch.
I felt irritated having bought it, and at first just set it aside. But then I decided to take the time to read it. And it is not bad.
The book is written in a simple style, kind of like parables within parables. There is a beginning, middle and end, and the story held my attention. The book has a theme and ends with definite messages for the reader to take away, six points to leading a successful life. There were passages that I felt like underlining, which for me is an indication of a good book. There is a sequel to the story, and I am inclined to buy it.
So, in the end, I need to give this author credit for his entrepreneurial enthusiasm and his accomplishment of following his dream by writing his books. I offer him continued success, and a thought to consider: Lighten up a bit on the sales approach. Maybe fewer books would be sold, but more purchasers may read the book, like it, and recommend it to others, and in the end, through word of mouth, it may have broader appeal based on its merits, not the pitch.
May 29, 2024
A book within a book within a story within a story...all with the intention to inspire.
"Never quit" is what the author wrote beside his signature when I met him at my local Chapters. He explained to my sister and I his entrepreneurial background and how he decided to write and publish his own novel at 21 while in university. His Nigerian parents, specifically his dad, would rather he focused on school and not writing a novel, but like his protagonists, he had a dream and was ready to battle tradition.
His entrepreneurial and Nigerian background both heavily inform the book. From an entrepreneurial perspective, the book is almost giving advice on how to become wealthy by working hard, understanding supply and demand, and saving. Near the end of the novel, one of the stories within the stories begin to inform the morals/conclusions, where the author lists pillars to success and wealth.
Then the Nigerian side informs the tradition, specifically with the family dynamics at play. And this personal angle only increases throughout the novel where you can tell his real life relationship with his father bleeds into the story or rather stories.
Parents want you to play it safe, but that's not always the path. You can't let the winds of passivity guide you (which personally I definitely have), you must take action and direct your path the best you can. People can be down on their luck, but it's how they react and take on the world.
Since it's a story within a story, I kind of wished we saw how one of the characters did take on the world, but I guess that's what the second book is for. A true business man at heart.
"Never quit" is what the author wrote beside his signature when I met him at my local Chapters. He explained to my sister and I his entrepreneurial background and how he decided to write and publish his own novel at 21 while in university. His Nigerian parents, specifically his dad, would rather he focused on school and not writing a novel, but like his protagonists, he had a dream and was ready to battle tradition.
His entrepreneurial and Nigerian background both heavily inform the book. From an entrepreneurial perspective, the book is almost giving advice on how to become wealthy by working hard, understanding supply and demand, and saving. Near the end of the novel, one of the stories within the stories begin to inform the morals/conclusions, where the author lists pillars to success and wealth.
Then the Nigerian side informs the tradition, specifically with the family dynamics at play. And this personal angle only increases throughout the novel where you can tell his real life relationship with his father bleeds into the story or rather stories.
Parents want you to play it safe, but that's not always the path. You can't let the winds of passivity guide you (which personally I definitely have), you must take action and direct your path the best you can. People can be down on their luck, but it's how they react and take on the world.
Since it's a story within a story, I kind of wished we saw how one of the characters did take on the world, but I guess that's what the second book is for. A true business man at heart.
August 25, 2023
I had the opportunity to meet Yahaya at the bookstore and was intrigued to read “Struggles of a Dreamer”. Two people living entirely different and contrasting lives on different sides of the world, who’s lives become intertwined through reoccurring dreams. Learning of how Toku’te and Tunde persisted in breaking out of their traditions was suspenseful and inspiring… maybe a bit too suspenseful, I found the first half of the novel to be rather slow, diving deep into the character’s backgrounds. Part three of the novel however did not disappoint and provided a very fulfilling climax and conclusion. Providing the reader with a valuable set of rules or qualities that anyone could live by, or use as advice to manifest a better life. One that struck a chord with me was the importance of managing one’s fears “Fear is the greatest and most powerful force in the world, yet it is also the most intangible. Fear of failure makes a dream impossible to achieve, thus the fear of failure is greater than failure itself.” So live your life free of the boundaries set by our fear of what others might say.
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