Mentor: The Kid & the Ceo, A Simple Story of Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Significance

by Tom Pace, Walter Jenkins, Pneuma Books (Editor)

Tony has run-ins with the law and no direction in life ~ until he meets Malcolm, a businessman who has faced many of the same challenges. Because Malcolm is willing to share his knowledge and experience with Tony, they both become successful and significant. There are setbacks for both student and teacher, but with hope and action they overcome challenges and difficulties and achieve significance. This uplifting story is a quick-and-easy read for busy people, new readers, and for those with short attention spans. Inspired by actual events, this book shows anyone how to overcome challenges. I t demonstrates the importance of sharing this information with others so they have an opportunity to dream, grow and establish a successful life, despite all odds.

Genres: Self Help, Business, Nonfiction, Leadership, Management

175 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stopping power? No, not for me.

Good reminders? Yes.

[Kara Belden · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of November, I received a fairly cryptic email stating that I would be sent this book in the mail. The book finally landed in my mailbox last week with a personalized letter explaining why I needed to read it. At this point, I was pretty intrigued but still very skeptical, especially because of the offer on the back (If you don't find this book worth your while, call me and tell me why, and I'll give you $50). I took it home from school on Friday to take a chance on it. I read it in its entirety on Saturday.

"Mentor: The Kid and the CEO" is about Tony and Malcolm. Tony gets himself intro trouble (again) and lands himself a 90-day jail sentence that could turn into 7 years if he doesn't behave himself this time. Tony is the kid. An outsider named Malcolm visits the prison every Monday to counsel the inmates. Malcolm is the CEO. Both parties get to play mentor.

So, the book has two distinct targeted audiences:
(1) any adults working with and mentoring at-risk youth
(2) at-risk youth, first-time offenders, incarcerated youth, adolescent boys prone to taking risks without considering consequences

The book is SUPER SIMPLE and aims to foster hope and combat learned helplessness. Let me be clear: there's a LOT that the book leaves out about Tony's story prior to being incarcerated, but I wasn't bothered by any of that. Clearly, a million different factors could have impacted Tony's story and trajectory in life; that's not the point of the book. Throughout reading the book, I kept thinking about this quote I have in my classroom: "We cannot concern ourselves so much with 'fair.' As the old adage goes, 'life isn't fair,' and education should prepare students for life. Life may not be fair, but it is predictable in a statistically significant way; success generally follows hard work, doing something is typically more effective than doing nothing, and asking questions leads to answers."

As soon as I finished the book, I knew exactly which students I wanted to specifically recommend it to, but I do think many adolescents will enjoy it, so I plan on book talking it soon. I have already recommended it to a few colleagues.

I should note that I personally enjoyed the book, too, as a reminder of the importance of a trusted mentor as well as a reminder to always keep learning and bettering myself.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding the right book recommendation can be such a difficult task. What might resonate with one person might totally miss the mark with another. This is one of those books I would highly recommend depending on my target audience. While the book is not complex or masterfully written, it definitely delivers on a number of levels. It is accessible to all reading levels and definitely might be the absolute perfect book for any of my students who are struggling to find meaning and purpose in life. I appreciate so much what the author was trying to accomplish and I love the constant reminders on each page of how to live a life of purpose. Those ideas and the importance of reading that is woven throughout the book are lessons everyone can stand a refresher on. I am so excited to recommend this to a number of my students and I 100% think this book packs enough punch to change people's lives.

[Haley Crandall]

I just want the $50. 🥲

[Summer Jaramillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a young man who is 19 named Tony who gets into trouble with the law and finds himself in jail for the second time. He always blames his mistakes on other people. Tony always refuses to participate in anything so he just sits in his cell. Until one day a man who has a big reputation in the jail tells Tony that he is only young and he has a hole future ahead of him and to go to a man named Malcoms class and do whatever he tells him to. Scared of this this guys he end up going to the class and meets Malcom, Malcom is a really successful man who is always talking about how important it is to have a mentor. At the end of the session he hands out a book and Tony quickly grabs it knowing he needs some type of proof that he went. Slowly he starts to read the book and finds that he relates to a lot of parts in it. He even stays to talk to Malcom one on one, their relationship grows closer and closer as time passes. The two end up learning from each other and unlike everyone else in Tonys life Malcom listens to what tony has to say, and Tony ends up being there for Malcom not only as a student but as close friend. Malcolm shows Tony to set goals he can actually reach and starts to mentor him. When Tony is released from jail he continues to meet with Malcolm and they continue to help each other through every up and down no matter how tough things get.

In my opinion this is a really inspiring book, a cliff hanger, and it never gets boring at any points. That's a lot coming from me, because I tend to get board/doze off during most books. There is so much more to this book then just how a boy gets in and out of jail with the help of a mentor. It's about friendship,hard work,and commitment.

[Brock Sanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Response

Mentor: The Kid and the Ceo. This is one of those books that is really uplighting in a lot of ways. I love reading this book and would recommend it to anyone. The book has so many good messages in it about life's obstacles and how to overcome them. It strays away from the religious side of people, so if people aren't religious they would still enjoy the book. I do not really dislike anything about the book. It is fun and easy to read and I look forward to reading it when I have time. Overall, this book has changed a lot of my viewpoints and really gives me a glimpse of what being in other people's shoes are like. Also, it is based on a true story which makes it even more shocking.

Plot

In my opinion, the storyline of The Kid and the Ceo is the best part. It starts with this guy whose name is Tony in his early adulthood life. He is 19 years old and has been through a lot so far. Tony’s mother is worked to death and his father left him as a kid for him to raise himself pretty much. Tony, eventually, gets thrown in jail for bad choices he makes and ends up meeting a speaker whose name is Malcolm. Malcolm speaks to any prisoner who joins about reading and just normal life stuff with everyone. Malcoln gets most of the prisoners to find themselves and change their lives through books. After a while, Tony finally gives into Malcolms methods and starts to read. Malcolm gets Tony out of prison by showing him his path. The story unfolds into Tony, Malcolm, and Malcomn’s friends having the next years of their lives changing and unraveling into many different possibilities.

Characterization:

This book is told through the first person viewpoint of Tony. It tells how his life changes from being with the wrong crowd, always getting in trouble, and never listening to anyone. Tony is a very stubborn character and pushes things too far in the beginning of the book with the law. Tony’s father left him as a kid with his mom who works non-stop. Tony barely gets to see her as well. As the book progresses, Tony meets Malcolm who changed Tony from being a runaway kid who is always in trouble with the law to a man who had a path and knew how to get there. ?hen he is facing problems in his life. What changes Tony’s life is a single book Malcomn gives him. The book changesTony and makes him into who he is at the end of the book.

Malcolm is a middle aged man who is very strict with his life. Malcomn is a person who someone would say has the perfect life. He is a CEO of his own company, has a good family, and his own house. Malcom is the plot twist in a way in this book. He helps people even if they do not want help. Malcolm speaks at the prison and hands out books to prisoners. That is were the life changing process began for Tony. For instance, Gary is exactly like Tony, a young stubborn kid who always gets in trouble and finds himself in jail. Malcolm helps Gary set his life straight by having a plan. He gives everyone who fully committedli8yiiiiiikuuuuuuuujnmjmmmmm4 to let him help them a path for a new life. Malcolm gives them every necessary tool to get there. Even though Malcolm seems like the chosen one who saves lost people, Malcolm experiences his own misfortune. His business is going bankrupt and he is lost. Then along comesTony to help the one person that gives him his path and returns the favor to Malcolm.


Gary is one of Malcolm’s good friends who really shows people that with the proper foundation and path they can change their lives. There is not really much about Gary’s personality only that he is a super hard worker and is really inspiring to see how he survives. Gary’s story is very similar to Tony’s. He is just like Tony and finds himself in prison where he met Malcomn who gives Gary the tools to turn his life around. He goes from being in jail with nothing to owning his own shoveling business and buying his own house with a pickup. One of Gary’s most defining traits is his sympathy towards the prisoners and young kids in trouble as he is one of them. Gary opens his home to Tony and hires him in his digging business, so he is a very open hearted to others who need help.


Setting:

The setting is in the 20th century. Tony and his mom live in a rural/city area. The prison is a small fracture of the setting, but it is the most significant part of the plot. Tony meets Malcolm in prison and Malcom gives Tony the tools to change his life.


Thematic Connection:

In this book there really is only two main themes which are kinda complex just because of the broadness of the themes themselves. The first theme mainly focuses on finding a person’s own path no matter who the person is or where he or she comes from. The other theme is people should not forget to turn around and help those who have help them. Both of these are greatly expressed in the book, as well as many more themes that branch out under these main ones.









Recommendation:

I recommend this to all ages who can read. This book is very inspiring and teaches very valuable lessons that everyone who reads it can take so much from it. The book strays away from religion so it also not offensive towards anybody who's non religious. Overall the book is the most inspiring I have read personally and highly recommend everyone to give it a shot and read it.

[Kevin Patton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one. I totally buy into the significant impact that a mentor can have on someone and this book did get me thinking about different ways that we can provide this sort of program in schools (I work in public education). I also appreciate that it was a quick read that highlighted some great principles to live by. With that being said, the book also felt pretty unrealistic. It was a made up story and at times seemed more like a fairy tail with the way things seemed to quickly fall into place. Some students may be fine with this but others would see right through it. I’m not saying I wouldn’t recommend it to my students but I would preface some things before doing so, especially with regard to the biased religious sections. I’m all for healthy spiritual beliefs but I would want to be sure that no one felt like I was pushing Christianity on them.

All in all, the world would be better off with more people taking the time to mentor those in need of direction and I appreciate that this book is promoting that mindset. :)

[Tyler Fielding · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very good with a very good story. It was heartwarming and has a lot of really good values. I gave it 3 stars, but I think it has 4 or 5 star potential for many people of because I know this book can dramatically impact them. I did take a the knowledge of this book with gratitude and I appreciate it. I loved the book of recommendations as well! I’m gonna dig through those!

[Deb Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book for its simpilicity and power. Very motivating.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivating to give back and also a great read for any challenges adolescent

[claire r · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to read this for DECA. The author is disturbingly full of himself.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally arrived in the mail with a note from a stranger telling me I needed to read it. I'm on a state-wide mentoring council so I'm sure someone googled me and then passed it on, but it was still a fun surprise. I read it within hours of receiving it. I've read a lot of inspirational tales and in social work have worked with a lot of inspiring people, clients, staff and volunteers. But this book is up there in terms of motivation and inspiration. It's told in a simple, straightforward manner. It's not preachy, and is pretty universal in it's story, it's not about God or religion, but about living a good life, practicing healthy habits and building routines into your life. The characters have flaws and strengths and learn from one another. It's an approachable book and I plan to pass this book on to friends and colleagues. It's such a short read that I think anyone could benefit from taking the time to read it. One of my favorite parts is that the bottom of each page features a little inspiring mantra. It ties into a website and some interactive links that help you to develop your "dream list." There's also a long list of book recs in the appendix - many of which I've added to my GoodReads page.

[Kym McNabney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The MENTOR: The Kid & The CEO, is a must read for all. It's well written and reads like a great novel. Positivity, optimistic, perseverance. This is the attitude and way of life everyone one should be striving for. This book will bring hope and encouragement to those down on their luck, thinking life has nothing to offer them. It really cements the idea that our own thinking and actions can either make or break us. In the end it is up to you. To have mentors throughout your life is vital, and having God as the center of your life is a must.

I found myself continually saying, "Yes, yes." I loved how Malcolm made it a point to teach both Tony and Gary what is needed to be a good person as well as successful in life...in all areas of their life. We can all learn something from this book whether it be from Tony's perspective, that with the right attitude, good morals and hard work, you can do anything. Or from Malcolm whom we witness the importance of looking beyond ourselves and doing for others. After all, isn't that what God has called us to do, and in doing so we end up being a winner as well.

You reap what you sow, so sow well.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book came to me in the mail at the school where I work, unsolicited. That and the $50 guarantee on the back made me roll my eyes, expecting this to be some kind of evangelizing self-help book. I like building my classroom library, so I didn't want to turn away a free book. However, I wanted to read a few chapters first to get a sense of the book. I ended up finishing the whole thing that night. So there were definitely parts that were eye rolling worthy as far as how simply situations worked out in this fairy tale, but I decided to put it in my library anyway because the basic life lessons were reasonable and the evangelizing was minimal.

[Heather Hansen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise behind this story is a good one. Actually a five-star one. But the writing is so incredibly bad I couldn't even make myself finish it. It reads like a cheesy 6th grader's love story. Not about 6th graders. Written by a 6th grader. I haven't read writing this poor in a long, long time. It boils down to the fact that if you read and apply principles from the book The Greatest Salesman in the World your life will change. That is true. But the presentation of the story was absolute junk. Sending it back to the DI.

[Niki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this could be inspirational, and certainly made me think about taking action on a few things in my life, but I find inconsistencies in a book distracting while I am reading. Because I had to stop & wonder why, how, whether I really read that right or if I missed something, I can't give it more stars, although I love the local tale (OKC) & success story.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting, feel good story with morals. Short easy read, motivational.

[Carolina Casas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one sitting. I didn't think I was going to enjoy it. I was not required to read it, rather the students for the professor I was subbing for did but after chapter 3, the things the author said resonated with me. Not because I have been through the ordeals he went through or disappointed my loved ones like he did, but because of his straightforwardness. Many authors who tend to write inspirational books tend to sound preachy and go around in circles. This makes them come off as disingenuous. Tom Pace doesn't. He transports himself -and the reader- back to this nineteenth year where all he cared about was ... well, nothing except living the moment. "It is just a beer." "It is not fair." How many of us have said this a million times over thinking that the solution is going to drop from the sky and we will finally be free of all burdens?
We've all been there. I have had many moments in my life where I thought about giving up and concentrate on cursing those who were (rightly or not) to blame for my situation. There comes a point where you have to choose between a victim and acknowledging that regardless of who's to blame for your problems, you have to push your self-pity aside and stand up.
There are going to be many bumps along the road. No one said it was going to be easy. Tom finds many people willing to help him as he does those who can't stand his success and will make him doubt himself. The latter's words never stop hurting. But just as I have come to realize that I can't erase what the dastardly ogres have said and done, Tom decides to focus on his goal and keep moving forward.
There is nothing stronger than that. If you think this is another inspirational book that is meant to make you feel good and forget all your troubles. You are wrong. Tom doesn't sugar coat his reality nor does he tell you to change your life or else. That choice is yours alone. All he does is tell you his story in the hope that it pushes you to add a new chapter to your life, one where you focus more on a brighter -but realistic- tomorrow instead of continuing on a morose path that will lead to nothing but misery and broken dreams.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the back of the book there is the claim, "Tony's [the book's narrator and protagonist] story will change your life." I have always been skeptical of such claims, particularly when made of a "self-help" book. And this one didn't (so far) change my life. However, I am probably not the book's primary target audience.

Mentor, written by Tom Pace with Walter Jenkins, told from the point of view of a young man named Tony, age 19, who is sent to jail for a parole violation and faces the real possibility of going to prison for several years. While in jail awaiting sentencing, he goes to a group therapy session run by a businessman named Malcolm who offers all who come the hope of turning their lives around. At first, Tony is skeptical and barely listens to Malcolm, just glad to escape the boredom of jail life. However, in a fairly short amount of time, largely due to the encouragement of a "lifer" convicted of murder, Tony attends, listens and becomes interested.

Malcolm stays to talk to Tony and gives him the book "The Greatest Miracle in the World" by Og Mandino to read. Tony doesn't read the book at first, but finally, with Malcolm's encouragement reads the book and begins a life-changing journey. Malcolm acts as Tony's mentor, and when Tony is released from jail without having to go to prison (due to his good behavior), Malcolm is there for him to offer guidance and encouragement. As is typical for these stories, Tony, by following Malcolm's sage advice, and through his own hard work and perseverance, succeeds as a person, a businessman, and a family man. (Tony goes to church and there meets the love of his life.)

All through the book, in the bottom margins, are bits of wisdom and advice like "finish what you start," have integrity," "have values," "save 10 percent," "read books," and so on.

I respond to this book on different levels, wearing different hats.

My book critic hat, for example, says that this is a pretty average plot line. The conflicts are resolved rather quickly with little dilemma. Malcolm introduces Tony to Gary, also a ex-con who now owns a backhoe business. It just so happens that Gary has a need for some extra help. Surprisingly, it takes a chapter or two for Gary to realize that Malcolm is the answer to his problem. Malcolm later gets into financial trouble and faces a class action lawsuit. He solves this problem by selling some of his property, and the suit is dismissed as "frivolous." Great plots are not this neat. The Joads have no property to sell to get them out of their troubles. They mortgaged it away long before they are dispossessed.

However, when I look at the advice the book offers, I am pleased with it. The advice is simple, mainly involving taking responsibility for yourself and working hard to achieve your dreams. Simple is often good and the advice is good in this simple form. My students, many of whom have already made some wrong choices (I have several fathers and mothers in my English 11 class.), should heed the advice in the book. The book is easy to read and moves quickly. Mr. Pace has made several copies of the book available to my school and others in our district. I plan to use them.

The next hat I put on is my teacher hat. I can use this book to further some lessons I have been teaching this year, particularly those involving the Heroic Archetype. Tony is on a journey, a quest for significance. He follows many aspects of the archetype, particularly, as the title says, having a mentor. He also descends into the "belly of the beast", both the jail and his own limited thinking, rises out of the depths to fight his enemies, those of his inner character. He emerges victorious and brings something good from his life: a business, a family, an opportunity to mentor others.

However, the last hat I wear is my social hat. Pace's philosophy is one of individual initiative and personal responsibility. It is a philosophy rooted deep in the American psyche and includes adherents as American as Ben Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Dale Carnegie. (Tony reads "How to Win Friends and Influence People.") It's the American ideal of "rugged individualism." I have no quarrel with those who remind us that we are ultimately the ones responsible for our lives. However, we are not in this alone. We cannot ignore larger social forces at work that create the Tonys of our country. Poverty is not just an individual problem. Pace only hints at the larger social forces at work in America. Tony at first cannot find a job because businesses won't hire felons. He is lucky to be living with Gary when Gary, a convicted felon and therefore sympathetic to Tony's plight, develops the need for another employee. Pace also never mentions Tony's race, probably for good reason, but we cannot ignore the fact that race and poverty have become in inexorably intertwined in America.

Yes, we need individual action; my students need to take action to move their lives in a positive direction. We need self-help books, but we need just as much "social-help books" and social mentors. We do have them in America,books like "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich and mentors like Marian Wright Edelman of the Children's Defense Fund.

Too many individual responsibility advocates look at these voices and claim that these community organizers somehow shirk our need for individual responsibility. Such is not the case. Instead, they make us aware of the systems we have in place in this country that have led to the largest gap between rich and poor in our nation's history, and they make us ask, "why?" Are the millions of poor people in this country simply lazy? Is there not something wrong about a person working full time at minimum wage and still being far below the poverty line?

Of course, that is not the focus of Pace's book. Where he is focused, he does well. My students would do well, or at least much better, if they followed his advice. For that reason, this book, will be good for them. As I said, I plan to use it.

[Conner Lowes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book- I read it in a few hours because I didn't want to put it down.

I would describe this book as an inspirational, personal-motivation book. Not quite finance, not quite business (though it does have these elements) but more so about how to build yourself as a good person.

The premise of this book (which is based on a true story) is a kid who goes to jail, and has 90 days to prove to the judge that he should not be sentenced to 7 years in jail (the maximum allowable sentence for the crime he committed on his suspended sentence). In jail, he meets this CEO at 'group', who comes and speaks to the inmates every week and hands them out books to read. The main character is the only one who ever read the books, and so he ended up developing a stronger relationship with his mentor, and this made all the difference.

I would definitely recommend this book to [1] younger kids, because it's an easy book which teaches good principles, or [2] people going through a hard time and struggling to find their larger purpose.

If the second one is you, and I know you personally, feel free to contact me and you can have my copy of this book.

[Jenna Whalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mentor, the Kid & the CEO shares an inspiring story of how having someone believe in you can change your life for the better. It also shows that hard work, smart decisions, and good mentors and friends can help you succeed. I don't know if I would classify this as a self-help book, but more like a book that could inspire someone to make changes or find a mentor.
A couple things I wasn't as fond of with this story - it said it's based on a true story, but I'm not sure how much is true and how much was "sensationalized" for the story.
Also, while Tony's story and life changes were inspiring, a lot of it led to luck. Many people who go to jail don't get second chances like Tony did. The book insinuated that everything Tony got post-jail was solely because of his hard work, but that glosses over that many people can work incredibly hard and will never be able to escape their past of being in jail or other mistakes/bad decisions.

[Frank Deschain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard a lot about this book and recently took a sales training that he put on at his company's building(PaceButler). He's got a lot of great ideas and value to give. The book is brief and to the point. It's the story of a guy who goes to jail for stupid decisions but changes his life by associating with a mentor named Malcolm. Each page has a tip on how to improve our own lives piece by piece.

A little bit corny in parts but it does have a great message. The last 3 pages on finding a mentor/becoming a mentor have a lot of value by themselves outside of the main story. It really comes down to choosing what to focus on and building habits that will support us when life gets a bit rocky.

[Sharon Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mentor: kid and CEO. My son is incarcerated, he is 19 years old and I know he's innocent. We have been trying to get him out. He calls us every day. He has been reading and your book inspired him so much he's been reading it over and over. He never tried to read anything before and he called me (mom) and talked the whole time about this book. It inspired him so much. I tried to find it so I can read it but I can't. He reads this book over and over and tells me that this book is about him. Thank you for writing such a good book that it has inspired my son

[Tyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and yet a quick read. Not beautifully written but both practical and inspiring, particularly the part that demonstrates how simple starting one's own business can be.

Cliff notes: Exercise, read, take action, get a mentor, institute positive routines. Not earth-shakingly original, but solid, timeless wisdom nonetheless.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really easy read. It's for those of us who can't quite find a mentor. It gives you as close to a first-person experience of one as possible. I recommend getting the workbook along with the story. It stepped me through how to look at the story and apply the concepts to my own life.

Takeaway:
Support your employees in their endeavors, even if that's leaving the company to start their own.

[Cheralyn Salone · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tips in the book alone were very inspiring to me. This book really shows why everyone should feel empowered amd confident no matter what life throws at them. I highly recommend this book for anyone who feels like they are stuck in life!

[Will Siskey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked it, it had good points and lessons. However, wasn’t my favorite. Probably not one I’d recommend if someone asked. Read The Noticer by Andy Andrews instead. Very moving, less cheesy, and better written.

[Barry Bridges · Rating 2 out of 5]

A self-help guide to self-help. A bit to simplistic for an experienced reader, helpful for those searching for a path to significance. The collective wisdom of short altruisms is genuinely a way to be a good person, working off the self-help theory that good things come to good people.

[Avery]

i am on page six right now and so far the book is good it is about a young adult that is trying to stay out of trouble but can not seem to found how.

[Melissa P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It's a very sweet story.