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Breakfast at Sally's: One Homeless Man's Inspirational Journey
"Reads like a novel. . . . But it has the ring of truth, and an uplifting message that endures."— New York Times. Features a new foreword by the author and a heartfelt endorsement by Washington State's First Lady, Trudi Inslee!
Once a happily married businessman, avid golfer, and the proud owner of several luxury cars and three boats, conservative-minded Richard LeMieux saw his fortune change almost overnight. In this astonishingly heartfelt memoir, he describes his descent into homelessness and his struggle to survive personal and economic disaster.
Evicted from his home in 2002 and living with his dog, Willow, in a beat-up old van, LeMieux finds himself penniless and estranged from his family and friends. He dines at the Salvation Army (aka Sally’s), attempts suicide, and is treated at a mental hospital where he is diagnosed with depression.
Writing on a secondhand manual typewriter, first at a picnic table in a public park, and then wherever he can, LeMieux describes his odyssey and the quirky, diverse, and endearing cast of characters found among the homeless people of Bremerton, Washington, and, by extension, everywhere else. Breakfast at Sally’s is a rare inside-look at how the other America lives, and how one man, beaten down and alone, was able to reconnect, find good people, and ultimately, with their help, to persevere.
Once a happily married businessman, avid golfer, and the proud owner of several luxury cars and three boats, conservative-minded Richard LeMieux saw his fortune change almost overnight. In this astonishingly heartfelt memoir, he describes his descent into homelessness and his struggle to survive personal and economic disaster.
Evicted from his home in 2002 and living with his dog, Willow, in a beat-up old van, LeMieux finds himself penniless and estranged from his family and friends. He dines at the Salvation Army (aka Sally’s), attempts suicide, and is treated at a mental hospital where he is diagnosed with depression.
Writing on a secondhand manual typewriter, first at a picnic table in a public park, and then wherever he can, LeMieux describes his odyssey and the quirky, diverse, and endearing cast of characters found among the homeless people of Bremerton, Washington, and, by extension, everywhere else. Breakfast at Sally’s is a rare inside-look at how the other America lives, and how one man, beaten down and alone, was able to reconnect, find good people, and ultimately, with their help, to persevere.
448 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2008
177 people are currently reading
970 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
March 24, 2009
As a person living in Bremerton, WA I found this to be an extremely interesting book as the author lives here. It is well written by a homeless person who lived with his dog Willow in his car for over a year after loosing his lucrative business. His battle with depression is an issue that is frequently overlooked and not understood by many who cast the homeless aside as being lazy and not worthy of assistance. The generosity of the poor to give to each other is a memorable part of his saga as well as the caring people who have helped him regain independence. People caring about others is the key!
December 2, 2008
As with most non-fiction that includes significant conversations in direct quotes, I wondered how accurately recalled some of the dialogue in this book was. But then again, the author, who lived mostly in his van for more than a year after losing his business and his family and succumbing to depression, was meeting some striking people and living in an American culture that most of us only brush up against uncomfortably.
The stories in this book are like something out of a modern day Oliver Twist: a family living in a storage locker; a party of ragtag teens camping behind a big-box hardware store; a fireman who became homeless after he couldn't get over the deaths in the line of duty of his two best friends; a man who dresses like a pirate, deals pot, rates soup kitchens using the language of an NYT food critic and reads philosophy to cats and fellow street people who lack his energy and optimism.
I was drawn to this book for two reasons. One, we work with a lot of homeless people at my job at Boulder Public Library, but despite the daily proximity, there is a wall between us that prevents real understanding. This book is just the kind of thing every public librarian should read.
The second reason I was drawn to this book is that I do often feel, despite the relative security I'm surrounded with, that what happened to Richard (who in his life prior to homelessness was far wealthier than I probably ever will be) could happen to me or to anyone I love. Alcoholism, depression, mental illness, etc. happen to everyone. There but for the grace of (hopefully) someone go all of us. So we must be kind to each other, and not give up even on those who seem most hopeless. A hard lesson, but a necessary one if we are to become truly good and enlightened people. Good job, Richard LeMieux! I will be nicer to someone today because of you.
The stories in this book are like something out of a modern day Oliver Twist: a family living in a storage locker; a party of ragtag teens camping behind a big-box hardware store; a fireman who became homeless after he couldn't get over the deaths in the line of duty of his two best friends; a man who dresses like a pirate, deals pot, rates soup kitchens using the language of an NYT food critic and reads philosophy to cats and fellow street people who lack his energy and optimism.
I was drawn to this book for two reasons. One, we work with a lot of homeless people at my job at Boulder Public Library, but despite the daily proximity, there is a wall between us that prevents real understanding. This book is just the kind of thing every public librarian should read.
The second reason I was drawn to this book is that I do often feel, despite the relative security I'm surrounded with, that what happened to Richard (who in his life prior to homelessness was far wealthier than I probably ever will be) could happen to me or to anyone I love. Alcoholism, depression, mental illness, etc. happen to everyone. There but for the grace of (hopefully) someone go all of us. So we must be kind to each other, and not give up even on those who seem most hopeless. A hard lesson, but a necessary one if we are to become truly good and enlightened people. Good job, Richard LeMieux! I will be nicer to someone today because of you.
August 23, 2009
Call me insensitive; call me unsympathetic; call me jaded; but don't call me someone who thought this book was inspirational. I usually get my book recommendations from other reader friends or from high ratings from other Amazon reviewers. In this case, I got this recommendation from one of my doctors who told me the book was terrific. After he said that, I immediately came home and checked out the Amazon reviews and it looked like all of the reviewers concurred with my doctor. Why is it then that I don't agree? It's probably because of all of the adjectives I've attributed to myself above. Let's face it.....I didn't like Tuesdays With Morrie either.
But I still can't understand why so many people think this book is so good and even consider it "inspirational". How can I be so wrong? I teetered on despising it. I get the whole homeless thing and how it happens and how it happens many times to people who had great jobs and have lost everything...even their families. But the thing I don't get, and the thing I'll never get, is why don't they just get a job? Okay I know that a job at McDonalds or in a retail store is not going to give them the kind of life they are used to but at least it will give them a bed to sleep in and a stove to cook on. But instead, this particular homeless person (author) decided to live in his car and take handouts from people who actually went to work every day and made money so they could be able to donate this same money to places who in turn feed the homeless.
During parts of the book, I felt like I was reading about the daily existence of high school kids where they go over someone's house in the middle of the day to watch TV and smoke some weed. Because many days, this is what Richard Lemieux did.....when he wasn't playing on the homeless softball team, of course. And why don't I consider someone who lives in their car and drives their friends around during the day, homeless!!! His situation was so much better than someone living on the street. But such is the life of Richard Lemieux who finds himself no longer with the company he founded and the family he supported. His homeless journey will lead him to write a book about his experiences.
The inspirational part of the journey for me wasn't that of the homeless people but that of the people at the Salvation Army and other charity organizations who are so selfless in giving up their time and money to help these people. That was what was truly inspirational to me.
And I know that the writer of the book is not an experienced author but this book read like a high school senior's journal. You might wonder why I even finished it and I'll still wondering what the answer is to that question. I'm sure many of you will not agree with me but I feel I must state my case and my reasons for not being among the dozens of "lovers of this book". I think I mainly feel sorry for his family who had to take this journey with him whether or not they did it alongside of him or in the background.
And lastly, all the political bashing just made me dislike the book even more. I guess the author loved the theory of capitalism and achieving the American dream when it was all going well for him but, once the tides turned, it was obviously the system's fault and apparently not the author's. Well at least he's made enough money from this book to get out of his car. I sure hope he's made it up to his poor dog who was forced to live in a car while Richard went about his daily activities with his friends. At least Richard got to get out of the car most of the day while poor Willow had to stay in there. I think I had better end it here before I get myself even angrier over this situation. Needless to say, it's not a book I'll be recommending to anyone. One last thing though....is the cover picture meant to look like someone who has no teeth or is that accidental?? See I told you upfront I was jaded.
But I still can't understand why so many people think this book is so good and even consider it "inspirational". How can I be so wrong? I teetered on despising it. I get the whole homeless thing and how it happens and how it happens many times to people who had great jobs and have lost everything...even their families. But the thing I don't get, and the thing I'll never get, is why don't they just get a job? Okay I know that a job at McDonalds or in a retail store is not going to give them the kind of life they are used to but at least it will give them a bed to sleep in and a stove to cook on. But instead, this particular homeless person (author) decided to live in his car and take handouts from people who actually went to work every day and made money so they could be able to donate this same money to places who in turn feed the homeless.
During parts of the book, I felt like I was reading about the daily existence of high school kids where they go over someone's house in the middle of the day to watch TV and smoke some weed. Because many days, this is what Richard Lemieux did.....when he wasn't playing on the homeless softball team, of course. And why don't I consider someone who lives in their car and drives their friends around during the day, homeless!!! His situation was so much better than someone living on the street. But such is the life of Richard Lemieux who finds himself no longer with the company he founded and the family he supported. His homeless journey will lead him to write a book about his experiences.
The inspirational part of the journey for me wasn't that of the homeless people but that of the people at the Salvation Army and other charity organizations who are so selfless in giving up their time and money to help these people. That was what was truly inspirational to me.
And I know that the writer of the book is not an experienced author but this book read like a high school senior's journal. You might wonder why I even finished it and I'll still wondering what the answer is to that question. I'm sure many of you will not agree with me but I feel I must state my case and my reasons for not being among the dozens of "lovers of this book". I think I mainly feel sorry for his family who had to take this journey with him whether or not they did it alongside of him or in the background.
And lastly, all the political bashing just made me dislike the book even more. I guess the author loved the theory of capitalism and achieving the American dream when it was all going well for him but, once the tides turned, it was obviously the system's fault and apparently not the author's. Well at least he's made enough money from this book to get out of his car. I sure hope he's made it up to his poor dog who was forced to live in a car while Richard went about his daily activities with his friends. At least Richard got to get out of the car most of the day while poor Willow had to stay in there. I think I had better end it here before I get myself even angrier over this situation. Needless to say, it's not a book I'll be recommending to anyone. One last thing though....is the cover picture meant to look like someone who has no teeth or is that accidental?? See I told you upfront I was jaded.
January 26, 2015
I give my book group’s May selection, Breakfast at Sally’s, a 1 star. It did encourage compassion for homeless people but it offered the wrong answers and dragged me through too much crud. It is very sad that the world is so unfair, that some people struggle with such difficult circumstances, addictions and bad habits but the hero, C, is covetous, ungrateful, slothful and misguided. I was insulted by his misunderstanding of Christ. Christ did encourage care for the less fortunate, but he had very harsh words for the wicked. He did not go to Caesar to try to set up welfare programs and confiscate the wealth of the more prosperous. He did not try to take away the consequences of people’s poor choices. He was about helping people change, become better and stronger, more able to serve others. (And if Christ were alive today, no, he would not be gay.)
I was suspicious of the author’s background. He said he couldn’t get a job because he didn’t have an address. Why would all his capable, successful friends and family have turned against him to the point that they wouldn’t even let him use their addresses? Something is fishy. He doesn't seem to think that part of his story is worth mentioning but I it is a glaring gap that illustrates his self-justification. He was full of self-pity as he wandered around the streets in his van.
I think that Americans are very compassionate and there are so many great organizations and individuals who so freely offer a hand-out as well as a hand up. (I recommend the Tacoma Rescue Mission where people would help him help himself to get his life back to a happy, healthy place.)I thought it was sad that C would feed free bread to the birds and that they all complained about the quality of the food they were served at Sally’s, the Salvation Army. I have seen real poverty in Central America where they do not have food, let alone vans. I do not recommend this book. I forced myself through the first 80 pages and perused the rest, curious to see if the author matured at all. He didn’t. I hope he eventually does.
I was suspicious of the author’s background. He said he couldn’t get a job because he didn’t have an address. Why would all his capable, successful friends and family have turned against him to the point that they wouldn’t even let him use their addresses? Something is fishy. He doesn't seem to think that part of his story is worth mentioning but I it is a glaring gap that illustrates his self-justification. He was full of self-pity as he wandered around the streets in his van.
I think that Americans are very compassionate and there are so many great organizations and individuals who so freely offer a hand-out as well as a hand up. (I recommend the Tacoma Rescue Mission where people would help him help himself to get his life back to a happy, healthy place.)I thought it was sad that C would feed free bread to the birds and that they all complained about the quality of the food they were served at Sally’s, the Salvation Army. I have seen real poverty in Central America where they do not have food, let alone vans. I do not recommend this book. I forced myself through the first 80 pages and perused the rest, curious to see if the author matured at all. He didn’t. I hope he eventually does.
October 27, 2008
Richard LeMieux was a successful college educated business man. He lived in a lovely home, took vacations to Europe and had a weekly golf date with his buddies. He had a loving family and had the typical Hallmark holiday gatherings. But when his business failed and depression overcame him, he found himself homeless, living out of a van with his only companion his dog Willow. I found LeMieux's story extremely compelling. Not just because of his own story but the story of the many other homeless men, women and children he meets on the streets. He treats their stories with compassion and care. He does not judge and through his eyes you can look past your own prejudices about the homeless and see the real people living those lives.
I know that there are many omissions in this book such as why his family so uttely desserted him. However, in the end it doesn't really matter. What does matter is that in a country with such wealth, why should people be living on the streets, in cars and, if lucky, in shelters. I have never been homeless but have been very close. I am now comfortable but I have never forgotten it can happen very easily. I try to be compassionate and help where I can. But in reading this book I still see my prejudices coming out all the time. I realized I need to practice more compassion. Once in a while LeMieux would come across an angel who would keep him going for just a little longer. In our chaotic world, there might be a time when many of us will need help. Hopefully, we can find angels around us but in the meantime I'll try to be one myself.
I know that there are many omissions in this book such as why his family so uttely desserted him. However, in the end it doesn't really matter. What does matter is that in a country with such wealth, why should people be living on the streets, in cars and, if lucky, in shelters. I have never been homeless but have been very close. I am now comfortable but I have never forgotten it can happen very easily. I try to be compassionate and help where I can. But in reading this book I still see my prejudices coming out all the time. I realized I need to practice more compassion. Once in a while LeMieux would come across an angel who would keep him going for just a little longer. In our chaotic world, there might be a time when many of us will need help. Hopefully, we can find angels around us but in the meantime I'll try to be one myself.
December 8, 2017
I dislike this time of the year. It always takes all my internal strength to get through it. Perhaps, it is no different from the rest of the year, except, it seems that the stage lights are always on and it is very bright, from November to January. There is no darkness to escape to.
It reminds me of a Woody Allen joke. “When you go to have a colonoscopy, right before the procedure, they inject you with Propofol, a drug that allows you to experience the most delightful and restful sleep, while the procedure is being performed. Therefore, death must be like a colonoscopy… Problem is, life is like the prep day for it.”
This is the story of a freshly minted homeless man of sixty years and his foray into the community of the disinherited. Before this, he was like you and me. He had a roof over his head, for now, and he did not worry about this month’s food bills, for now. And he had his false friends, for now.
This necessitous group of people, (men, women and children) have always seemed nearby. I pass them every day. But that is not exactly what I am trying to impart. I have always felt that I (we) are inches away from a comparable destitution. A kiss away from being unloved. An ache away from becoming hideous. An accident away from being stranded and still. A medical condition away that drops one on an island without help or hope. And boom...we now share a crate at night under the bridge.
This population also confuses me. I have never understood what is my part in their existence. Should they be ignored? Should I contribute what I have in my pocket to them? Should I engage them in conversation or should I keep walking? To this day, I remain unreconciled. I do not have any answers. It has always caused internal turmoil. Whatever actions I may have taken have never satisfied me. I have never surfaced this sea feeling good about myself and my deeds or lack of them in regards to this segment of humanity.
It was not an easy story to read. But I needed to read it.
I just closed the book now and started writing this non-essential commentary, unaware until this moment of how it dovetailed startlingly with Thanksgiving and Christmas and the New Year.
The book has not made me an authority on the subject, but it did provide some insight into it.
I guess it is important for us all to be grateful for whatever we have, whether it is a couple of dollars in the bank, a loved one, sufficient health, the ability to read our books, and lapses of peace.
As far as I can tell, though, we are all part of the same community. We all suffer, in different degrees, throughout life.
Homeless or not.
**************
On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star
Like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are
How fragile we are
--Sting
It reminds me of a Woody Allen joke. “When you go to have a colonoscopy, right before the procedure, they inject you with Propofol, a drug that allows you to experience the most delightful and restful sleep, while the procedure is being performed. Therefore, death must be like a colonoscopy… Problem is, life is like the prep day for it.”
This is the story of a freshly minted homeless man of sixty years and his foray into the community of the disinherited. Before this, he was like you and me. He had a roof over his head, for now, and he did not worry about this month’s food bills, for now. And he had his false friends, for now.
This necessitous group of people, (men, women and children) have always seemed nearby. I pass them every day. But that is not exactly what I am trying to impart. I have always felt that I (we) are inches away from a comparable destitution. A kiss away from being unloved. An ache away from becoming hideous. An accident away from being stranded and still. A medical condition away that drops one on an island without help or hope. And boom...we now share a crate at night under the bridge.
This population also confuses me. I have never understood what is my part in their existence. Should they be ignored? Should I contribute what I have in my pocket to them? Should I engage them in conversation or should I keep walking? To this day, I remain unreconciled. I do not have any answers. It has always caused internal turmoil. Whatever actions I may have taken have never satisfied me. I have never surfaced this sea feeling good about myself and my deeds or lack of them in regards to this segment of humanity.
It was not an easy story to read. But I needed to read it.
I just closed the book now and started writing this non-essential commentary, unaware until this moment of how it dovetailed startlingly with Thanksgiving and Christmas and the New Year.
The book has not made me an authority on the subject, but it did provide some insight into it.
I guess it is important for us all to be grateful for whatever we have, whether it is a couple of dollars in the bank, a loved one, sufficient health, the ability to read our books, and lapses of peace.
As far as I can tell, though, we are all part of the same community. We all suffer, in different degrees, throughout life.
Homeless or not.
**************
On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star
Like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are
How fragile we are
--Sting
October 29, 2014
I really enjoyed Richard LeMieux's book except for the last chapter--because that meant the book was coming to the end. He is, however, working on a second book about a woman he met while homeless.
We all think we know what it means to be homeless or think we know why people are homeless. Read this book. I think we can all learn something from it.
I don't like being cold, wet, or chilled. What determination to go on it takes to be in that condition endlessly. Putting myself in Richard's place was not a pleasant thing. LeMieux met many interesting people while he was homeless--a lot of them at "Sally's", which they called the Salvation Army, where they could get a meal.
To have it all, like he did, & then to lose it all would really be devastating.
He was well-to-do, owned a publishing company, had a nice home, & a nice family. He lost it all when his business went "under." No wonder he was depressed & considered suicide. Thank God, he didn't go through with it!
I recommend this book to everyone.
We all think we know what it means to be homeless or think we know why people are homeless. Read this book. I think we can all learn something from it.
I don't like being cold, wet, or chilled. What determination to go on it takes to be in that condition endlessly. Putting myself in Richard's place was not a pleasant thing. LeMieux met many interesting people while he was homeless--a lot of them at "Sally's", which they called the Salvation Army, where they could get a meal.
To have it all, like he did, & then to lose it all would really be devastating.
He was well-to-do, owned a publishing company, had a nice home, & a nice family. He lost it all when his business went "under." No wonder he was depressed & considered suicide. Thank God, he didn't go through with it!
I recommend this book to everyone.
November 16, 2008
This is an excellent book about being homeless, written by a homeless person. He was once a very successful, wealthy business man who even had traveled abroad but when his business failed, he lost everything. His wife left him and his grown children didn't want anything to do with him. All he had was his van, some clothes, an old typewriter and his dog, Willow.
It's an inside look into the homeless way of life and their community. I will never look at the homeless in the same way again after reading this book because it showed how it could happen to anyone and how much a little help from someone can make a difference. Richard also suffered from depression and fortunately got some help. What stood out to me was the willingness of the homeless people to help out one another. Richard said the other homeless people became like a family to him.
It's a very interesting book about the 18 months this man spent living in his van which he was fortunate to have. Reading this certainly made me thankful for the things I have. The day I missed my bus one rainy, cold morning and had to wait an extra 20 minutes, I thought about the poor homeless people who slept outside the whole night and who would be outside today, looking for a place they could hang out for awhile just to warm up.
It's an inside look into the homeless way of life and their community. I will never look at the homeless in the same way again after reading this book because it showed how it could happen to anyone and how much a little help from someone can make a difference. Richard also suffered from depression and fortunately got some help. What stood out to me was the willingness of the homeless people to help out one another. Richard said the other homeless people became like a family to him.
It's a very interesting book about the 18 months this man spent living in his van which he was fortunate to have. Reading this certainly made me thankful for the things I have. The day I missed my bus one rainy, cold morning and had to wait an extra 20 minutes, I thought about the poor homeless people who slept outside the whole night and who would be outside today, looking for a place they could hang out for awhile just to warm up.
January 18, 2009
Some interesting portraits of the homeless and those who reach out to help, yet at times I felt like it was just another attempt to capitalize on an author's misery while "down and out." What redeemed it all were the uncomfortable truths about those of us who are among the "privileged" and our attitudes towards the homeless, whatever the causes of their condition. It certainly gave me pause for thought...
July 23, 2010
This is the story of a man who lost everything; home, job, family and was left with his car and his dog. They lived in his car and ate at shelters. The book is based on the people he met and experiences he had.
After reading this I will never look at a homeless person the same.
What an awesome book!!!
After reading this I will never look at a homeless person the same.
What an awesome book!!!
January 3, 2015
This book shook me up. And I know why. If you've ever worked on the behalf of someone who was close to losing it all, and who would be out on the street if not for the efforts of a few family members, you realize what the existence of a homeless person could be like.
Richard LeMieux lost it all, and came perilously close to ending his life. Thankfully, with the help of angels like his friend "C" and women who gave him all the money they had in their purses, he kept putting one foot in front of the other, and survived. Indeed, he is a modern-day Steinbeck documenting the journeys of the chronically poor, mentally ill, runaway teens escaping abusive parents, people who suffered job-ending injuries, traumatized veterans, and those who went bankrupt and had everything seized from them. LeMieux tells how he lost his dignity and respect, but found it again among the others who breakfasted at Sally's (Salvation Army), and from a kind minister and church community who gave him shelter and hope.
Read this book. You won't be the same afterwards.
Richard LeMieux lost it all, and came perilously close to ending his life. Thankfully, with the help of angels like his friend "C" and women who gave him all the money they had in their purses, he kept putting one foot in front of the other, and survived. Indeed, he is a modern-day Steinbeck documenting the journeys of the chronically poor, mentally ill, runaway teens escaping abusive parents, people who suffered job-ending injuries, traumatized veterans, and those who went bankrupt and had everything seized from them. LeMieux tells how he lost his dignity and respect, but found it again among the others who breakfasted at Sally's (Salvation Army), and from a kind minister and church community who gave him shelter and hope.
Read this book. You won't be the same afterwards.
February 6, 2015
Such a beautiful story
I saw this book on Amazon and decided to purchase. This story was so beautiful and heartfelt, I found myself actually shedding tears on the train as I read it. Richard's story could be anyone's story. Most people live paycheck to paycheck now, and most of America is a whisper away from being homeless and losing everything. Richard Le Mieux,s story touched me so deeply, I now have empathy and understanding for the homeless. Not all are addicts, or alcoholics. And if they are, they are trying to do the best they can. Thank you so much Richard for sharing your experience with the world. I look forward to your next book. And possibly you could do a children's book about Willow the wonder dog. I think it would be a great book.
I saw this book on Amazon and decided to purchase. This story was so beautiful and heartfelt, I found myself actually shedding tears on the train as I read it. Richard's story could be anyone's story. Most people live paycheck to paycheck now, and most of America is a whisper away from being homeless and losing everything. Richard Le Mieux,s story touched me so deeply, I now have empathy and understanding for the homeless. Not all are addicts, or alcoholics. And if they are, they are trying to do the best they can. Thank you so much Richard for sharing your experience with the world. I look forward to your next book. And possibly you could do a children's book about Willow the wonder dog. I think it would be a great book.
July 13, 2011
This book made me very angry. It was suppose to be 98% true. Really?? I think it is more like 48% true. I believe that he was living the good life and lost it all. I believe that he and his dog lived in the van. I believe that the basic story is true but then I start having a hard time with it. I think he fabricated and sensationalized a lot for the sake of the book. For instance: He just happened to be sitting in Bill Gates seats at the opera and then saw a murder of the person they were going to visit on the way back home. He shopped in a store for 20 years when the store was built in 1995. He just happened to be there when his friend dids and he just happened to go past a fire when he is giving a homeless ex fire fighter (that he just met) a ride. And five minutes after he meets a man who owns a car dealership, the guy takes him for a ride to personally visit a tennent who is going to be evicted. And everyone who has money and a normal life is either a rude jerk or messed up. And his kids all hate him and verbally abuse him just because he lost his money. Really?? I could go on and on and on. I just can't figure out why he thought it was necessary to add so many sensationalized incidents. I wanted to read a true story about homelessness. I wanted to know more about why he fell into it. I wanted to know more about the family with the little girls who lived in the car next to him. He never mentioned going to any agencies for help, did he? I just had a hard time with a lot of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2010
this book made me very mad at first. There were some true sad tearjerker moments, but the whole book felt false. Not hearing Richards complete story made it not ring true for me, Jagged little pieces.
I do believe that giving people dignity is the only way to save them, but they don't want to play by the rules.
The biggest biggest bunch of pcky in this book is C. i'm assuming he is a totally made up character, and illiteration of Christ. A drug dealer that preforms miricles and has the cash or enough drugs to rent a storage unit to the black mama. REALLY?? and then he disappears and is called an angel, but isn't really dead,hmmmm and the whole money changer thing at walmart Pulease!
I don't know what the answer is, but richards pride and mental illness were a big part of the problem, he could beg from strangers but not family? nothing is said abouthow much he must have hurt them. i see no responsibility, he doesn't say he made mistakes and lost his business, and didn't try to find new work while he could, he says he had it all and he lost it all. I also picked up on the line about him not wanting people to think he committed fraud or stole from them at his busineses, but hmmmm.
maybe if i was a dog lover. does that describe the uncondinioal love.
AND a dude gave him a room in a house, but he refused, what does that say??
stinky!!!
I do believe that giving people dignity is the only way to save them, but they don't want to play by the rules.
The biggest biggest bunch of pcky in this book is C. i'm assuming he is a totally made up character, and illiteration of Christ. A drug dealer that preforms miricles and has the cash or enough drugs to rent a storage unit to the black mama. REALLY?? and then he disappears and is called an angel, but isn't really dead,hmmmm and the whole money changer thing at walmart Pulease!
I don't know what the answer is, but richards pride and mental illness were a big part of the problem, he could beg from strangers but not family? nothing is said abouthow much he must have hurt them. i see no responsibility, he doesn't say he made mistakes and lost his business, and didn't try to find new work while he could, he says he had it all and he lost it all. I also picked up on the line about him not wanting people to think he committed fraud or stole from them at his busineses, but hmmmm.
maybe if i was a dog lover. does that describe the uncondinioal love.
AND a dude gave him a room in a house, but he refused, what does that say??
stinky!!!
June 21, 2011
I changed my rating from 2 to 3 and back at least 7 times. I did learn a lot but I'll keep it at 2 because of the very offensive language in some parts. I enjoyed reading the first 100 pages and the last 100 pages. The middle was pretty depressing and confirmed the rough stereotype of mental illness and drug/alchohol addictions among the homeless. I am glad that Richard LeMieux was able to beat the odds and get back on his feet after losing everything. I believe 5 factors made that possible: he sought and accepted the mental medical attention he needed and he abstained from living in a drunken and drugged stuper like those around him, he found a purpose for his life(writing this book) and his faith was renewed. And, of couse, the generosity of others.
Reading this book did increase my desire to help the homeless. But I feel confident that donating through the Church, Goodwill and other reputable organizations is the best way to do that.
Reading this book did increase my desire to help the homeless. But I feel confident that donating through the Church, Goodwill and other reputable organizations is the best way to do that.
May 12, 2010
OK, I'm done and my feelings for the author are unchanged. He apparently suffers from debilitating depression and for that he has my sympathy. That's where my sympathy ends, however. I believe he wrote this book to illuminate to the rich, selfish public how prevalent homelessness is and how deserving of our sympathy are the homeless. Sorry, Richard, you failed to make me a believer.
The author never tells us precisely how he came to be homeless, but he did let us know that he was also once a rich, selfish, golf-playing, business man and how his perceptions of life changed when he found himself on the streets. To me, he whined and boobed and endlessly pointed fingers at the world that was actually bending its back to help him and other homeless people.
The writing wasn't bad. The story was.
The author never tells us precisely how he came to be homeless, but he did let us know that he was also once a rich, selfish, golf-playing, business man and how his perceptions of life changed when he found himself on the streets. To me, he whined and boobed and endlessly pointed fingers at the world that was actually bending its back to help him and other homeless people.
The writing wasn't bad. The story was.
April 13, 2011
Inspirational! Made me glad that each Christmas I ring bell at the kettle (actually playing guitar and singing "wish you a merry Xmas") for "Sally" (SALvation ArmY).
Provoked me to reconsider the importance in my life of relationships, rather than things and accomplishments. I can't imagine owning only what I can stuff in a shopping cart; not knowing where I'll sleep tonight; if I'll eat tomorrow; begging on street to survive!
I read library copy, and had to buy the book, to underline and study more.
Compassionate, humorous study of WHY we sometimes get down and out, either temporarily or permanently.
Provoked me to reconsider the importance in my life of relationships, rather than things and accomplishments. I can't imagine owning only what I can stuff in a shopping cart; not knowing where I'll sleep tonight; if I'll eat tomorrow; begging on street to survive!
I read library copy, and had to buy the book, to underline and study more.
Compassionate, humorous study of WHY we sometimes get down and out, either temporarily or permanently.
January 12, 2009
Richard LeMieux had everything (or so he thought), nice home, a good business, cars, boats, family. When he lost it all (including the family who turned their backs on him), all he had was his van and his dog.
The dog who "saves Richard's life", the amazing people he meets both those with and those without, the care and love of the fellow homeless friends he makes, all go to make this a wonderfully inspirational story.
I thoroughly recommend this book. I gives us all a wake-up call (or it should do).
The dog who "saves Richard's life", the amazing people he meets both those with and those without, the care and love of the fellow homeless friends he makes, all go to make this a wonderfully inspirational story.
I thoroughly recommend this book. I gives us all a wake-up call (or it should do).
March 29, 2009
This book is about a lucrative business man that ends up, in one year, losing his lively-hood and is out on the streets in Bremerton, WA. Richard's experience makes you think about appreciating what you have and to also recognize the simple gestures and gifts around you- sometimes these get things get lost in our daily hustle.
November 9, 2015
If this book does not open your heart and your mind then nothing will. This is a well written true story of the author's fall from wealth, lavish vacations and huge homes - to becoming destitute and homeless. The real inside story of how the homeless try to survive, wondering where the next meal is coming from and whether they will find a warm dry place for the night.
January 15, 2013
I cried. I appreciate the human face the author gives to those experiencing homelessness. I felt his emotions, the devastation to the rediscovery of true hope and love. Thank you for sharing this journey which is one that is misunderstood and ostracized daily. I learned so much.
January 24, 2018
I gave this book 5 stars because it moved me from complacency to action.
January 13, 2021
Easy fast read. And it has such a great message. Rags to riches story for sure. Or Riches to Rags to make to happiness.
i will always look at homeless people differently.
i will always look at homeless people differently.
March 30, 2009
This is a memoir by a man who lost everything--except his humanity. Richard LeMieux had it all--a palatial home, a family, a business, luxury cars, boats--all the outward trappings of success. But after a series of business reverses, he was evicted from his home, abandoned by his family, and found himself living in a van on the streets of Bremerton, Washington, with his dog Willow ("the wonder dog") his only companion.
Richard began writing this memoir on a beat-up manual typewriter while still homeless. Its pages are populated by the many memorable people he met on his journey--some sad, some broken by life and nearing its end, but many others amazingly resilient in the face of adversity. Most memorable among them is a homeless man simply known as C. Whenever C appears, Richard knows an adventure is sure to follow. C turns out to be a skilled dumpster diver and a reliable source of marijuana to a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Sometimes there's embarrassment (such as the time the author and C were asked to leave a Wal-Mart after C protested the store's low wages too loudly). But through acts of kindness great and small chronicled in these pages, C proves to be a beacon of kindness and hope to everyone he encounters. Richard is a former sportswriter, and he shows great skill for observing detail and recording memorable dialogue. You'll truly live the story with him--and be better as a result.
The "Sally's" mentioned in the title is the local Salvation Army mission in Bremerton, where Richard and his new friends found safety, shelter from the unrelenting dreariness of Pacific Northwest winters, hot meals and companionship.
I am an elected official who spearheaded efforts in my community to develop a local ten-year plan to end homelessness. As part of our plan, we've now held two Project Homeless Connect events. Project Homeless Connect is a national model that's been held in more than 160 communities to date. It's a one-day service fair for people experiencing homelessness, but it's more than that. It's an opportunity for members of the community to connect with these individuals in a very personal way. We had about 100 volunteers at our second event, serving 133 guests, and one of the most heartening things I heard from the volunteers was that they no longer feared the man on the street corner, but now would feel comfortable striking up a conversation. I think you'll have the same reaction after reading this book
Richard began writing this memoir on a beat-up manual typewriter while still homeless. Its pages are populated by the many memorable people he met on his journey--some sad, some broken by life and nearing its end, but many others amazingly resilient in the face of adversity. Most memorable among them is a homeless man simply known as C. Whenever C appears, Richard knows an adventure is sure to follow. C turns out to be a skilled dumpster diver and a reliable source of marijuana to a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Sometimes there's embarrassment (such as the time the author and C were asked to leave a Wal-Mart after C protested the store's low wages too loudly). But through acts of kindness great and small chronicled in these pages, C proves to be a beacon of kindness and hope to everyone he encounters. Richard is a former sportswriter, and he shows great skill for observing detail and recording memorable dialogue. You'll truly live the story with him--and be better as a result.
The "Sally's" mentioned in the title is the local Salvation Army mission in Bremerton, where Richard and his new friends found safety, shelter from the unrelenting dreariness of Pacific Northwest winters, hot meals and companionship.
I am an elected official who spearheaded efforts in my community to develop a local ten-year plan to end homelessness. As part of our plan, we've now held two Project Homeless Connect events. Project Homeless Connect is a national model that's been held in more than 160 communities to date. It's a one-day service fair for people experiencing homelessness, but it's more than that. It's an opportunity for members of the community to connect with these individuals in a very personal way. We had about 100 volunteers at our second event, serving 133 guests, and one of the most heartening things I heard from the volunteers was that they no longer feared the man on the street corner, but now would feel comfortable striking up a conversation. I think you'll have the same reaction after reading this book
September 18, 2014
Breakfast at Sally’s is a memoir of one man’s struggles with homelessness and depression, and his journey toward hope and healing. Previously a wealthy and successful owner of a directory publishing company, Richard LeMieux found himself at age 59 living on the streets of Bremerton, Washington. For eighteen long months, Richard and his little dog, Willow, lived out in a van in a church parking lot. For survival he went panhandling and looking for hot meals at the Salvation Army and other meal programs. Other homeless folks survived on “dumpster diving”, and literally lived on what others threw away. Sad.
I marveled at how Richard found strength to write his memoir on a second hand manual typewriter at picnic tables in parks around the city. Breakfast at Sally’s presented an insider perspective of homeless people and the vicious cycle of poverty in which they find themselves and over which normal people with roofs over their heads have little understanding. The majority of homeless individuals were war veterans so physically and psychologically scarred they seemed irretrievably maimed for the rest of their lives.
And yet the community of the homeless was a big hearted and giving community. They gave to each other out of their poverty. There were the unsung heroes such as Mrs. Peebles of the Lord’s Diner who fed hundreds of homeless folks every weekend and gave away clothes and necessities “because it needed to be done”. And there was Willow, the sweet Wonder Dog, who seemed to know just when a comforting lick was needed. She saved Richard from throwing himself off the Narrows Bridge.
What was left unexplained was why none of Richard’s family members was willing to help him out when he became destitute. This made the memoir less transparent for reasons known only to the author. It is good to know that Richard is no longer living on the streets. He has also created the Willow Charitable Foundation, a non-profit organization to raise awareness about the homeless.
I marveled at how Richard found strength to write his memoir on a second hand manual typewriter at picnic tables in parks around the city. Breakfast at Sally’s presented an insider perspective of homeless people and the vicious cycle of poverty in which they find themselves and over which normal people with roofs over their heads have little understanding. The majority of homeless individuals were war veterans so physically and psychologically scarred they seemed irretrievably maimed for the rest of their lives.
And yet the community of the homeless was a big hearted and giving community. They gave to each other out of their poverty. There were the unsung heroes such as Mrs. Peebles of the Lord’s Diner who fed hundreds of homeless folks every weekend and gave away clothes and necessities “because it needed to be done”. And there was Willow, the sweet Wonder Dog, who seemed to know just when a comforting lick was needed. She saved Richard from throwing himself off the Narrows Bridge.
What was left unexplained was why none of Richard’s family members was willing to help him out when he became destitute. This made the memoir less transparent for reasons known only to the author. It is good to know that Richard is no longer living on the streets. He has also created the Willow Charitable Foundation, a non-profit organization to raise awareness about the homeless.
April 27, 2014
Richard tells a very moving rendition of his experiences as a homeless person. Although this makes out a proportionally small part of his life, I think it is one of the most significant. At times I had to remind myself that this was not the writing of a man who's been homeless all his life. He was intelligent, well spoken and a known entrepreneur in his field. Homeless is not who he is (or was) - his identity - but rather a set of circumstances that he found himself in and had to deal with. All the elements of his life had made a special contribution to this book. Together it has become his voice and his new purpose.
Just recently I saw a video titled "Has the homeless become so invisible?" of an experiment where they took family members/friends, dressed some up to pose as homeless people, had the others walk past where they were posing (without them knowing who they were passing by) and recording the outcome. I immediately thought of this book. Richard wants people to know that homeless people are also people. They hurt, they cry, they bleed, they die. They laugh, they celebrate, they respect and support. (You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6jSK...)
Willow? The wonder dog for sure. Would never have thought that one little dog could touch so many lives. She must be an angel with fur that barks. The book wouldn't be the same without her.
It touches your heart if you let it. This book made the person behind the condition more real to me, and I think that Richard's cause is a worthy one.
The more I eagerly read toward the ending, I realized that this is one of those books where the book itself doesn't contain the true ending. The ending really plays out in Richard's life as a result of the book. It is an inspiring read.
Just recently I saw a video titled "Has the homeless become so invisible?" of an experiment where they took family members/friends, dressed some up to pose as homeless people, had the others walk past where they were posing (without them knowing who they were passing by) and recording the outcome. I immediately thought of this book. Richard wants people to know that homeless people are also people. They hurt, they cry, they bleed, they die. They laugh, they celebrate, they respect and support. (You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6jSK...)
Willow? The wonder dog for sure. Would never have thought that one little dog could touch so many lives. She must be an angel with fur that barks. The book wouldn't be the same without her.
It touches your heart if you let it. This book made the person behind the condition more real to me, and I think that Richard's cause is a worthy one.
The more I eagerly read toward the ending, I realized that this is one of those books where the book itself doesn't contain the true ending. The ending really plays out in Richard's life as a result of the book. It is an inspiring read.
January 6, 2014
I was overwhelmed with emotion through this entire book. If someone asked me what book I would recommend for reading, this would be the one. I live in Tacoma, which is about 45 minutes from Bremerton and I know Tacoma has a huge homeless population and of course Seattle does too. I did not know Bremerton did too. Richard LeMieux puts faces to the homeless and words into their mouths. It is a heartbreaking story. But the fact that he has written this book and he and the book are truly making a difference around all of the United States is amazing. This book should be on everyone's reading list. This book should be handed to every government official clear up to the president. Willow and Richard have touched my life and I hope they keep opening doors until the homeless are not homeless anymore. This is a must read.
July 27, 2015
A very engaging book which turns the homeless into people as the author interacts, helps and receives help from the very homeless community in which he finds himself. Everyday dealing with clinical depression and suicidal thoughts with Willow the Wonder Dog looking after him and giving him a living creature to care for. With the help of a local minister and church he managed to get off the streets and this book has been a great success. He told his mental health therapists that it would be read by the Washington State's governor and the President of the United States which had them worried for its failure. It didn't and the author is currently working on three books, one about Willow, and he still has meals at Sally's with some of the people he met on his journey and the new faces that find themselves there.
July 30, 2017
Inspiring!
This book made me cry, laugh, grieve, pray, and pray again for all the people in our world who are homeless, hungry, suffering, and hoping. Richard LeMieux experienced what we all fear. But, you can see the love of God that was with him every step. All the angels sent to him to help him through his journey are well described in his story. I loved this book. I applaud his bravery to put his humbled life on pages. Thank you for sharing your life, for allowing us to meet all the special friends you made on this journey, and for opening our eyes on the reality of homeless people. Thank you for showing us that good people still exist in this harsh existence we call life. God bless you.
This book made me cry, laugh, grieve, pray, and pray again for all the people in our world who are homeless, hungry, suffering, and hoping. Richard LeMieux experienced what we all fear. But, you can see the love of God that was with him every step. All the angels sent to him to help him through his journey are well described in his story. I loved this book. I applaud his bravery to put his humbled life on pages. Thank you for sharing your life, for allowing us to meet all the special friends you made on this journey, and for opening our eyes on the reality of homeless people. Thank you for showing us that good people still exist in this harsh existence we call life. God bless you.
January 29, 2015
I am not drawn to memoirs for various reasons but this one is an all-church read so I wanted to read it. I was very engrossed for the first half and was especially impressed with the support the homeless get from one another. The stories about the various individuals were interesting and heart wrenching, but they went on and on and there seemed to be a lot of repetition. I think Le Mieux needed an editor who would have cut out at least 100 pages.
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