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رخصة للحلم
يخرج الجد غاردنر (المؤلف) مع حفيدته بروك لشراء آلة الهارمونيكا الموسيقية. يستذكر غاردنر لقاء حفيدته بالرئيس باراك أوباما وجلوسها على الكرسي الرئاسي في البيت الأبيض، حالمةً بنظراتها العودة ثانية لتكون هي الرئيسة يومًا ما. تبدأ المغامرة في سيارة أجرة تشق طريقها فوق الجليد للوصول إلى متجر للآلات الموسيقية قابع في حي غير صالح للسكن، وتبدأ بروك بطرح الأسئلة على جدها والتي تكون إجاباتها قصصًا يستذكرها الجد من ماضيه وصعوده من الفقر إلى الغنى ونضاله لنيل حقوق الملوّنين، ويطرح خلالها آراءه حول قضايا الساعة مثل المناخ والعنف المنزلي وقوّة الفرد.
Paperback
First published April 13, 2021
63 people are currently reading
2031 people want to read
About the author
Chris Gardner
56 books215 followersChristopher Gardner is the owner and CEO of Gardner Rich LLC with offices in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Conquering grave challenges to become a successful entrepreneur, Gardner is an avid motivational and aspirational speaker, addressing the keys to overcoming obstacles and breaking cycles. Gardner is also a passionate philanthropist whose work has been recognized by many esteemed organizations.
The amazing story of Gardner’s life was published as an autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, (Amistad/Harper Collins) in May 2006, and became a New York Times and Washington Post #1 bestseller. In paperback, the book spent over twenty weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into fourteen languages. Gardner was also the inspiration for the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness,” released by Columbia Pictures in December 2006. The movie is the #2 all-time domestic grossing drama. Will Smith starred as Gardner and received Academy Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his performance. Gardner was an associate producer on the film.
Gardner’s second book, Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be will be published on May 12, 2009.
Born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Christopher Paul Gardner’s childhood was marked by poverty, domestic violence, alcoholism, sexual abuse and family illiteracy. Gardner published his autobiography out of a desire to shed light on these universal issues and show they do not have to define you. Gardner never knew his father, and lived with his beloved mother, Bettye Jean Triplett (nee Gardner), when not in foster homes. Gardner is indebted to Bettye Jean for his success as she provided him with strong “spiritual genetics” and taught him that in spite of where he came from, he could chart another path and attain whatever goals he set for himself.
Gardner joined the Navy out of high school and then moved to San Francisco where he worked as a medical research associate and for a scientific medical supply distributor. In 1981, as a new father to son Christopher Gardner Jr., he was determined to find a career that would be both lucrative and fulfilling. Fascinated by finance, but without connections, an MBA or even a college degree, Gardner applied for training programs at brokerages, willing to live on next to nothing while he learned a new trade. Chris Jr.‘s mother left and Gardner, despite his circumstances, fought to keep his son because, as he says, “I made up my mind as a young kid that when I had children they were going to know who their father is, and that he isn’t going anywhere.”
Gardner earned a spot in the Dean Witter Reynolds training program but became homeless when he could not make ends meet on his meager trainee salary. Today, Gardner is involved with homelessness initiatives assisting families to stay intact, and assisting homeless men and women who are employed but still cannot get by. It is estimated that 12% of the homeless population in the United States is employed; in some communities that estimate is as high as 30%.
Gardner worked at Bear Stearns & Co from 1983-1987 where he became a top earner. In 1987 he founded the brokerage firm Gardner Rich in Chicago from his home with just $10,000. Gardner Rich LLC is an institutional brokerage firm specializing in the execution of debt, equity and derivative products transactions for some of the nations largest institutions, public pension plans and unions.
Dedicated to improving the well-being of children through positive paternal involvement, Gardner is a board member of the National Fatherhood Initiative, and received the group’s Father of the Year Award in 2002. He serves on the board of the National Education Foundation and sponsors two annual awards: the National Education Association’s National Educational Support Personnel Award and the American Federation of Teachers’ Paraprofessio
The amazing story of Gardner’s life was published as an autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, (Amistad/Harper Collins) in May 2006, and became a New York Times and Washington Post #1 bestseller. In paperback, the book spent over twenty weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into fourteen languages. Gardner was also the inspiration for the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness,” released by Columbia Pictures in December 2006. The movie is the #2 all-time domestic grossing drama. Will Smith starred as Gardner and received Academy Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his performance. Gardner was an associate producer on the film.
Gardner’s second book, Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be will be published on May 12, 2009.
Born February 9, 1954 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Christopher Paul Gardner’s childhood was marked by poverty, domestic violence, alcoholism, sexual abuse and family illiteracy. Gardner published his autobiography out of a desire to shed light on these universal issues and show they do not have to define you. Gardner never knew his father, and lived with his beloved mother, Bettye Jean Triplett (nee Gardner), when not in foster homes. Gardner is indebted to Bettye Jean for his success as she provided him with strong “spiritual genetics” and taught him that in spite of where he came from, he could chart another path and attain whatever goals he set for himself.
Gardner joined the Navy out of high school and then moved to San Francisco where he worked as a medical research associate and for a scientific medical supply distributor. In 1981, as a new father to son Christopher Gardner Jr., he was determined to find a career that would be both lucrative and fulfilling. Fascinated by finance, but without connections, an MBA or even a college degree, Gardner applied for training programs at brokerages, willing to live on next to nothing while he learned a new trade. Chris Jr.‘s mother left and Gardner, despite his circumstances, fought to keep his son because, as he says, “I made up my mind as a young kid that when I had children they were going to know who their father is, and that he isn’t going anywhere.”
Gardner earned a spot in the Dean Witter Reynolds training program but became homeless when he could not make ends meet on his meager trainee salary. Today, Gardner is involved with homelessness initiatives assisting families to stay intact, and assisting homeless men and women who are employed but still cannot get by. It is estimated that 12% of the homeless population in the United States is employed; in some communities that estimate is as high as 30%.
Gardner worked at Bear Stearns & Co from 1983-1987 where he became a top earner. In 1987 he founded the brokerage firm Gardner Rich in Chicago from his home with just $10,000. Gardner Rich LLC is an institutional brokerage firm specializing in the execution of debt, equity and derivative products transactions for some of the nations largest institutions, public pension plans and unions.
Dedicated to improving the well-being of children through positive paternal involvement, Gardner is a board member of the National Fatherhood Initiative, and received the group’s Father of the Year Award in 2002. He serves on the board of the National Education Foundation and sponsors two annual awards: the National Education Association’s National Educational Support Personnel Award and the American Federation of Teachers’ Paraprofessio
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September 30, 2025
رخصة للحلم كتاب لرجل الأعمال الأمريكي و المتحدث الملهم كريس جاردنر...
كريس جاردنر صاحب السيرة الذاتية 'البحث عن السعادة' التي حققت مبيعات هائلة وتحولت إلي الفيلم المعروف الذي قام ببطولته الممثل الأمريكي ويل سميث
"The pursuit of happyness"
يعرض الكاتب في الكتاب أفكاره في التنمية البشرية كما إنه بيسترجع ذكريات من سيرته الذاتية وكيف بدأ حياته المهنية وكل دة مكتوب بإسلوب سلس من خلال حوار ممتع مع حفيدته ..
الكتاب كله أفكار إيجابية و بيأكد مراراً وتكراراً إن لازم كل واحد يكون عنده حلم يؤمن به و يسعي بكل الطرق الممكنة لتحقيقه و يجب ألا نسمح تحت أي ظرف لأي شيء أو أي شخص بإبعادنا عن أحلامنا...
كتاب إيجابي وفي تفائل كدة ..صحيح إحنا بطلنا نتفائل من زمان وأحلامنا عادة بتتحول لكوابيس بس مازلت قراءة الكتاب كانت ممتعة:)
كريس جاردنر صاحب السيرة الذاتية 'البحث عن السعادة' التي حققت مبيعات هائلة وتحولت إلي الفيلم المعروف الذي قام ببطولته الممثل الأمريكي ويل سميث
"The pursuit of happyness"
يعرض الكاتب في الكتاب أفكاره في التنمية البشرية كما إنه بيسترجع ذكريات من سيرته الذاتية وكيف بدأ حياته المهنية وكل دة مكتوب بإسلوب سلس من خلال حوار ممتع مع حفيدته ..
الكتاب كله أفكار إيجابية و بيأكد مراراً وتكراراً إن لازم كل واحد يكون عنده حلم يؤمن به و يسعي بكل الطرق الممكنة لتحقيقه و يجب ألا نسمح تحت أي ظرف لأي شيء أو أي شخص بإبعادنا عن أحلامنا...
كتاب إيجابي وفي تفائل كدة ..صحيح إحنا بطلنا نتفائل من زمان وأحلامنا عادة بتتحول لكوابيس بس مازلت قراءة الكتاب كانت ممتعة:)
April 13, 2021
If you are a reader who enjoys self-help/personal growth nonfiction this short book on steps that can help you manifest your dreams is one you'll want to check out. I don't tend to read these types of books and I was able to appreciate this short and enjoyable book. One of the things that I appreciated the most is Gardner's message of creating and maintaining positive and meaningful relationships as measure of success, happiness, and fulfillment. That money is only part of what makes someone wholly successful.
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
April 22, 2022
I rarely read self-help or non-fiction books and when I do, it usually takes me a while to get through them. This book was recommended to me and I am so glad I read it because it’s now one of the two self-help books I’ve ever read and loved almost instantly. I looked forward to reading this whenever I had breaks between classes.
I love Chris Gardner’s writing style and the way he continues to switch between the stories he tells throughout the book. He goes from talking about the current situation to explaining things he experienced in the past. I wasn’t confused at any point in this book because he did such a good job at switching stories, and explaining and phrasing what he was trying to say. I would recommend this book to everyone because it has so much to offer and isn’t targeted at any specific person. There are so many messages in this that we could all learn from.
Some of my favourite quotes include:
“everyone has a treasure map inside. It’s the knowledge that everything we dream has been turned into reality before. Everything that seems impossible to overcome or to achieve has been done before.”
“You know what your great-grandmother used to tell me about the public library? She said it was the most dangerous place possible because you could go in there and learn how to do anything. You want to be world-class, go to the library.”
“Dreams - if we are willing to let them unfold and take us on their ride - may require us to accept that the way forward will be one of nonlinear progressions. Rarely do we have the option to move along from A to B to C. But no matter how much uncertainty and hardship comes our way, we have to be mindful of the smallest blessings that can ignite the biggest fires in us all.”
I love Chris Gardner’s writing style and the way he continues to switch between the stories he tells throughout the book. He goes from talking about the current situation to explaining things he experienced in the past. I wasn’t confused at any point in this book because he did such a good job at switching stories, and explaining and phrasing what he was trying to say. I would recommend this book to everyone because it has so much to offer and isn’t targeted at any specific person. There are so many messages in this that we could all learn from.
Some of my favourite quotes include:
“everyone has a treasure map inside. It’s the knowledge that everything we dream has been turned into reality before. Everything that seems impossible to overcome or to achieve has been done before.”
“You know what your great-grandmother used to tell me about the public library? She said it was the most dangerous place possible because you could go in there and learn how to do anything. You want to be world-class, go to the library.”
“Dreams - if we are willing to let them unfold and take us on their ride - may require us to accept that the way forward will be one of nonlinear progressions. Rarely do we have the option to move along from A to B to C. But no matter how much uncertainty and hardship comes our way, we have to be mindful of the smallest blessings that can ignite the biggest fires in us all.”
May 28, 2021
I really really enjoyed this book.
April 5, 2021
I have not read any of Gardner’s previous works but I have seen the movie based in his book The Pursuit of Happyness. So I was familiar with his story. I found that this book does retell bits and pieces of that story while adding in what he learned in order to be able to pursue his dreams. I though this was a worthwhile read that will make you stop and think about your own journey when it comes to fulfilling your future goals. I appreciated how the story was weaved together with his journey to buy his granddaughter a harmonica. He was able to capture the moments of that day and tie them into the bigger lessons he wanted her to learn. He did preface the story saying he took a little bit of liberty with the reality of that day but I think what he chose to embellish or change made the telling of the story more impactful. My oldest daughter is graduating high school this year. I think this would make a perfect gift for anyone who is about to enter a state of transition such as that. I will be passing my copy along to her in hopes of inspiring her on her next phase of life. I’m very glad that I read this and will be seeking out his other books in the future.
April 14, 2024
I really wanted to like this, given the author’s well-known, impressive personal story, but it was a rambling mess. The primary plot devices didn’t quite work, the fleeting references to famous friends felt more like humblebrags than purposeful inclusions, and it tried to opine on every major issue of this day and age (without breaking new ground) vs. narrowing its focus. Save your time and read or listen to something else.
July 25, 2024
This was a great book! I loved the stories he told throughout.
“Your self worth should never be equated with your net worth”
“I was so low down that kneeling was a step up for me” —- speaking on finding religion again….
This book made me cry and laugh. A lot of the stories told made me think of my time with my grandparents.
Would highly recommend.
“Your self worth should never be equated with your net worth”
“I was so low down that kneeling was a step up for me” —- speaking on finding religion again….
This book made me cry and laugh. A lot of the stories told made me think of my time with my grandparents.
Would highly recommend.
June 27, 2021
The storyline felt just a little bit forced, but the ideas were solid and the last page or two where he shared the questions God (however you define God) would ask you was really inspirational.
May 17, 2022
The book was intended to be a mixture of a memoir, novel and self-help non-fiction on personal development, and as a result it's a poor example of all three.
The author is trying to sell American dream which is long known to be fiction for so many social groups. He mentions important issues of systemic racism, homelessness and income inequality which he experienced himself, but instead of discussing them in depth he give us universal 'remedy': dream big, work hard and you're gonna get where you want. The author clearly has survivorship bias, but instead of acknowledging it, he wrote the whole book to reinforce it.
He argues that in order to solve all your problems you need to become 'world-class' at anything, including 'at sweeping streets', although I don't see how this title would allow you buy your first Ferrari (which is apparently a symbol of success for the author) or pay the bills. He admits that himself saying that up to 60% of homeless people have full-time or part-time job, but fails to see the contradiction here.
Moreover, he totally overlooks ethical questions of such ideology. Dreams of many people are mutually exclusive and a priori cannot be fulfilled at the same time. If a girl wants to save the environment and another guy wants to earn millions off fossil fuels, how are these dreams compatible? And if someone has an ambitious dream of starting wwIII, should we cheer for him and chant 'go for it, you can do it! Just follow your dream and ignore everyone who says you must give up on it'? Well, we see what happens in this case.
Not to mention that the very idea of having THE BIG DREAM is very problematic. Some people are lucky to know what they want to do with their lives, but many don't. And it's fine. I'm 30 and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. Reading books like these as a teenager gave me huge inferiority complex and constant anxiety that haunts me since then. Uncertainty about my future made me feel worthless, hopeless and pathetic because 'how dare I not having my big dream when everyone else seems to be conquering the world at this very moment?'. I hate to think that some young folk might read this book and feel the same.
Finally, he capitalizes the idea of necessity to work hard every second of your life and drills in the importance of maintaining impeccable reputation since adolescent period, so that in the end his little granddaughter gets apprehensive about she's saying or doing. Ugh. Don't even get me started on that.
Such book would look less awkward maybe fourty years ago when its ideas wouldn't be challenged so much, but now when this approach is widely considered as narrow-minded and exclusive, I don't see why one would want to have it on their bookshelf.
My dad has worked at oilfields for more than 30 years, and at early days of his career he used to be given entire boxes of canned milk because it was thought to be helpful against toxicity of the working environment. After reading the book I feel I deserve some free milk too.
The author is trying to sell American dream which is long known to be fiction for so many social groups. He mentions important issues of systemic racism, homelessness and income inequality which he experienced himself, but instead of discussing them in depth he give us universal 'remedy': dream big, work hard and you're gonna get where you want. The author clearly has survivorship bias, but instead of acknowledging it, he wrote the whole book to reinforce it.
He argues that in order to solve all your problems you need to become 'world-class' at anything, including 'at sweeping streets', although I don't see how this title would allow you buy your first Ferrari (which is apparently a symbol of success for the author) or pay the bills. He admits that himself saying that up to 60% of homeless people have full-time or part-time job, but fails to see the contradiction here.
Moreover, he totally overlooks ethical questions of such ideology. Dreams of many people are mutually exclusive and a priori cannot be fulfilled at the same time. If a girl wants to save the environment and another guy wants to earn millions off fossil fuels, how are these dreams compatible? And if someone has an ambitious dream of starting wwIII, should we cheer for him and chant 'go for it, you can do it! Just follow your dream and ignore everyone who says you must give up on it'? Well, we see what happens in this case.
Not to mention that the very idea of having THE BIG DREAM is very problematic. Some people are lucky to know what they want to do with their lives, but many don't. And it's fine. I'm 30 and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. Reading books like these as a teenager gave me huge inferiority complex and constant anxiety that haunts me since then. Uncertainty about my future made me feel worthless, hopeless and pathetic because 'how dare I not having my big dream when everyone else seems to be conquering the world at this very moment?'. I hate to think that some young folk might read this book and feel the same.
Finally, he capitalizes the idea of necessity to work hard every second of your life and drills in the importance of maintaining impeccable reputation since adolescent period, so that in the end his little granddaughter gets apprehensive about she's saying or doing. Ugh. Don't even get me started on that.
Such book would look less awkward maybe fourty years ago when its ideas wouldn't be challenged so much, but now when this approach is widely considered as narrow-minded and exclusive, I don't see why one would want to have it on their bookshelf.
My dad has worked at oilfields for more than 30 years, and at early days of his career he used to be given entire boxes of canned milk because it was thought to be helpful against toxicity of the working environment. After reading the book I feel I deserve some free milk too.
July 18, 2021
“When you think there’s absolutely no way you can make it and you’re about to give up on your dream, it takes just one person — you — to make a difference.”
~ Chris Gardner
If you’re in the mood for an inspiring novel filled with gems to give you the push you need to continue pursuing your dreams then Permission To Dream by Chris Gardner is perfect for you!
Permission To Dream begins with beautiful dialogue between Gardner and his girlfriend, Holly, who is terminally ill. It’s in these bittersweet moments that she asks him, “What are you going to do with the rest of your life?” If we’re certain about anything, it’s that tomorrow is not promised and we cannot get back the time that has passed. As Gardner sets to create the blueprint for the rest of his life, his conversations with his granddaughter lead to him discovering what his goals are and what he needs to do to get there.
This novel was so much more than I expected. In both my personal and professional life, I will be focusing on ways to improve my 3R’s - The Rep, The Rap and The Rolodex - which focus on our reputations, ability to communicate our ideas, and the relationships we create. I will be graduating next May and creating a blueprint for where I want to be and how I’ll get there will significantly impact my ability to achieve my goals. Permission To Dream is definitely a book I will be referencing often during challenging moments and when I’m thriving.
Thank you #partner @bibliolifestyle @amistadbooks for the gifted copy!
~ Chris Gardner
If you’re in the mood for an inspiring novel filled with gems to give you the push you need to continue pursuing your dreams then Permission To Dream by Chris Gardner is perfect for you!
Permission To Dream begins with beautiful dialogue between Gardner and his girlfriend, Holly, who is terminally ill. It’s in these bittersweet moments that she asks him, “What are you going to do with the rest of your life?” If we’re certain about anything, it’s that tomorrow is not promised and we cannot get back the time that has passed. As Gardner sets to create the blueprint for the rest of his life, his conversations with his granddaughter lead to him discovering what his goals are and what he needs to do to get there.
This novel was so much more than I expected. In both my personal and professional life, I will be focusing on ways to improve my 3R’s - The Rep, The Rap and The Rolodex - which focus on our reputations, ability to communicate our ideas, and the relationships we create. I will be graduating next May and creating a blueprint for where I want to be and how I’ll get there will significantly impact my ability to achieve my goals. Permission To Dream is definitely a book I will be referencing often during challenging moments and when I’m thriving.
Thank you #partner @bibliolifestyle @amistadbooks for the gifted copy!
May 24, 2021
3.75 ⭐️
On a blustery winter day in Chicago, Chris Gardner and his granddaughter set off into the city to find the harmonica of her dreams. Along the way Chris imparts his wisdom to creating the life of your dreams, while reminiscing with his granddaughter about his past, in turn discovering his own next life pursuit.
Did this book ever give me a little kick in the pants to make things happen in my life!
Going into this one I knew about Chris Gardner only from the movie, Pursuit of Happiness. I enjoyed learning more of his story. There’s also quite a bit of important history added in the mix. I wish all self-help books were written as this one. Wisdom passed on to his granddaughter on their day out in the city made this a really fun, interesting, and quick read.
I especially like that the message is simple yet powerful, and most importantly positive. This isn’t a way to get rich quick. This is the pursuit of your dreams and finding happiness, with a lot of emphasis on building meaningful relationships.
I enjoyed reading this inspirational story, that has me questioning my own life (in a good way), and searching for my next life pursuit. As the book says, every second counts.
*Thank you to Booksparks and Amistad for providing me with a copy.
On a blustery winter day in Chicago, Chris Gardner and his granddaughter set off into the city to find the harmonica of her dreams. Along the way Chris imparts his wisdom to creating the life of your dreams, while reminiscing with his granddaughter about his past, in turn discovering his own next life pursuit.
Did this book ever give me a little kick in the pants to make things happen in my life!
Going into this one I knew about Chris Gardner only from the movie, Pursuit of Happiness. I enjoyed learning more of his story. There’s also quite a bit of important history added in the mix. I wish all self-help books were written as this one. Wisdom passed on to his granddaughter on their day out in the city made this a really fun, interesting, and quick read.
I especially like that the message is simple yet powerful, and most importantly positive. This isn’t a way to get rich quick. This is the pursuit of your dreams and finding happiness, with a lot of emphasis on building meaningful relationships.
I enjoyed reading this inspirational story, that has me questioning my own life (in a good way), and searching for my next life pursuit. As the book says, every second counts.
*Thank you to Booksparks and Amistad for providing me with a copy.
April 15, 2021
PERMISSION TO DREAM by Chris Gardner, Mim Eichler Rivas
Do you like to read non-fiction? I want to but I don’t always read one. This is my first from Chris Gardner. I have heard about The Pursuit of Happyness so this book got me interested. The author narrates his encounter with his granddaughter. It’s quite engaging and cute but I am more interested in what he has learned and did based on that experience.
These questions in the book made me think:
What will you do with what you have been given?
How will you create your masterpiece in life?
I know that even in our simple day to day lives, doors can open for us to learn something new or to do something different. The short book imparts the message of pursuing our dreams despite hurdles and to acknowledge blessings in disguise.
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @amistadbooks .
Do you like to read non-fiction? I want to but I don’t always read one. This is my first from Chris Gardner. I have heard about The Pursuit of Happyness so this book got me interested. The author narrates his encounter with his granddaughter. It’s quite engaging and cute but I am more interested in what he has learned and did based on that experience.
These questions in the book made me think:
What will you do with what you have been given?
How will you create your masterpiece in life?
I know that even in our simple day to day lives, doors can open for us to learn something new or to do something different. The short book imparts the message of pursuing our dreams despite hurdles and to acknowledge blessings in disguise.
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @amistadbooks .
December 29, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up / this was a lovely, thoughtful, and touching before bed read. i was touched by my first time watching “the pursuit of happyness” years ago and to read about his story again through the lens of dreaming up the future you want for yourself was really empowering. it was such a delight to get this from my dad for christmas after he saw chris gardner give a talk. i’m torn between keeping this on my shelf and cherishing it or donating it so someone else can receive the gift of the permission to dream.
May 31, 2022
Permission to Dream written by Chris Gardner and Mim Eichler-Rivas
Chris Gardner is inspirational & his life quite extraordinary to say the least. He uses the deep conversations he had with his 9 year old granddaughter on a blustery cold day in Chicago to illustrate his perseverance to achieve his dreams while teaching her life lesion along the way. While I found the story to be quite impactful, it wasn’t what I needed at this time in my life. I have achieved my dreams & in actuality did it in many of the ways Gardner points out.
Gardner had some really tough times in his life and came out a champion.
Chris Gardner is inspirational & his life quite extraordinary to say the least. He uses the deep conversations he had with his 9 year old granddaughter on a blustery cold day in Chicago to illustrate his perseverance to achieve his dreams while teaching her life lesion along the way. While I found the story to be quite impactful, it wasn’t what I needed at this time in my life. I have achieved my dreams & in actuality did it in many of the ways Gardner points out.
Gardner had some really tough times in his life and came out a champion.
June 8, 2021
Such a powerful incredible story! I loved this so much! It had me in tears a few times but honestly just made me realize how important life is and our dreams! Never stop dreaming, ever ❤️
July 23, 2023
“We don't have all the answers. But what we do have is the choice to live in our seconds, in our moments, and in our limited time in the world. We do have a choice as to how we use all that has been given to us.”
A book that was gifted from a friend always strikes my heart in a unique way. This book is a special one that I will continue to revisit throughout my life.
A book that was gifted from a friend always strikes my heart in a unique way. This book is a special one that I will continue to revisit throughout my life.
July 10, 2023
Just not my cup of tea really.
May 18, 2021
3.75 stars
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. Much appreciated!
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. Much appreciated!
May 12, 2021
I thought this was a good book to read considering we are in a pandemic. It causes you to think about what is important in life. More importantly it makes you think about how to achieve goal by dreaming about them.
August 14, 2021
Hey! My first review! I liked the plot of him with his granddaughter but the flashbacks were too long and boring. It was supposed to be inspiring but not typically my taste. I recommend this book to someone who is trying to start a business. That’s all for now xoxo <3
March 25, 2022
I added this to my audiobook queue because it looked cute. I didn't even read the synopsis. Turns out it wasn't really a story, but a "how to achieve your dreams" type book. It was written as a kind of memoir with an older guy talking to his 9-year-old granddaughter and a cab driver. The information was nice, but the delivery was quite unrealistic because he used the 9-year-old asking follow-up questions as a way to move the content forward. However, her questions and the cab driver's effusive participation in the conversation felt very contrived. If one can overlook that, it has some nice messages and ideas on how to improve one's ability to achieve sucess.
April 27, 2021
Are you a dreamer? A daydreamer? A goal setter? I think they all go hand in hand as you think about what you want for your life. I read Permission to Dream a couple weeks ago and wow it was just wonderful. It was such a great book to read with so many big changes going on in my life. It would also be great if you are ready for some changes in your life!
Chris Gardner (author of The Pursuit of Happyness- you might have seen the Will Smith movie) writes in his new book about turning those “one day” ideas into today. The book is not written like a self-help book, it is more of a story and such a good read. On a winter day, maybe one of the worst, he sets off with his 9-year old granddaughter, to find a harmonica. They head north in the snow, into a town in Chicago, that seemed like a good idea at first.
Throughout the story he talks about how all the things that day remind him of his past and he explains to his granddaughter that you have to give yourself permission to dream. And that it’s never too late to dream and you can do it starting right now! For a man who struggled with homelessness and became a wealthy stockbroker, he is certainly one to listen to when he talks about dreaming big!
Highly recommend this one for you or a gift!
Chris Gardner (author of The Pursuit of Happyness- you might have seen the Will Smith movie) writes in his new book about turning those “one day” ideas into today. The book is not written like a self-help book, it is more of a story and such a good read. On a winter day, maybe one of the worst, he sets off with his 9-year old granddaughter, to find a harmonica. They head north in the snow, into a town in Chicago, that seemed like a good idea at first.
Throughout the story he talks about how all the things that day remind him of his past and he explains to his granddaughter that you have to give yourself permission to dream. And that it’s never too late to dream and you can do it starting right now! For a man who struggled with homelessness and became a wealthy stockbroker, he is certainly one to listen to when he talks about dreaming big!
Highly recommend this one for you or a gift!
August 17, 2021
A very well-written account with some very appropriate insights. While I understand the addition of thoughts about current political climate, I wish those ideas were left out, in order to grant this book the potential to become a timeless classic. By adding those current political thoughts, I wonder if the more appropriate advice of granting and achieving one’s dreams might get lost in political disagreements. If you can put aside those political discussions, the book provides some amazing insight and encouragement to those individuals who struggle to dream, and those who struggle to achieve their dreams.
April 12, 2021
4 STARS. Really enjoyed this. More books helping to turn your dreams into reality exist, but not all of them transcend the written word and STICK. This is not one of those.
April 8, 2021
Chris Gardner is so refreshing, smart, and upbeat. The book 'Permission to Dream' is the same. I recommend it. I interviewed Chris for the Smithsonian Associates podcast I host, and he was fantastic.
November 19, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book prior to publication in exchange for my review. Permission to Dream was written by Chris Gardner, who also wrote the New York Times best seller, The Pursuit of Happyness, and Mim Eichler-Rivas. This is a powerful book that will make you stop and think about your own dreams and the choices you are making in your own life. Gardner believes that fear is what holds most people back from not only achieving their dreams but also from even pursuing those dreams. His overriding wish is that kids believe in themselves and believe that anything is possible. Gardner thinks that people need a blueprint for their lives. This book is not all about becoming rich. According to Gardner the true measure of success is how much we help others. I highly recommend this book.
May 5, 2021
So inspirational!
Dream, plan your life’s blueprint, acquire and transfer skills. Then the 3R’s: The Rep (your accomplishment), The Rap (your way to communicate your dreams, and The Rolodex (your relationships with those who can help you and those you can help.)
One hand, one foot!
And always ask yourself…
1. If tomorrow I could wake up and be or do anything what would it be?
2. What did I do today that will lead to that tomorrow?
And remember every time you have a rough time “This has been done before. So why can’t I?”
Dream, plan your life’s blueprint, acquire and transfer skills. Then the 3R’s: The Rep (your accomplishment), The Rap (your way to communicate your dreams, and The Rolodex (your relationships with those who can help you and those you can help.)
One hand, one foot!
And always ask yourself…
1. If tomorrow I could wake up and be or do anything what would it be?
2. What did I do today that will lead to that tomorrow?
And remember every time you have a rough time “This has been done before. So why can’t I?”
May 2, 2021
Inspirational and engaging!
You will feel like you can take on the world after reading this book! The dialogue with his granddaughter is priceless! The author takes you on an existential journey while leaving you with practical advice to give traction to your dreams! Being a lifelong Chicagoan, I truly appreciated the Chicagoland geographical references.
You will feel like you can take on the world after reading this book! The dialogue with his granddaughter is priceless! The author takes you on an existential journey while leaving you with practical advice to give traction to your dreams! Being a lifelong Chicagoan, I truly appreciated the Chicagoland geographical references.
November 2, 2021
I randomly picked this up at the library with 0 expectations. Had I expected something like self help or a really great story, I may not have liked it. However, it was a sweet story that was sometimes over embellished. I understand that he exaggerated characters for effect, yet the taxi driver's responses and his granddaughter's responses were too implausible to take seriously.
Even so, it is a nice heartwarming book with a call to action. It just takes one person, one action in a day, and giving yourself permission to dream to make a difference. His story is inspiring and there are some great nuggets about how to be successful in this world in the ways that matter. Some themes of the book including making the most of this one life, the ability to dream is America's greatest export, people are here now because of our ancestor's ability to dream, and letting our life to be a masterpiece.
I appreciated the concept of the rep, the rap, and the rolodex. (Reputation, being able to communicate your ideas, and your relationships). I especially loved the emphasis on relationships here. I also want to come back to his mentioning of Dr. King's speech about having a blueprint for you life which includes sombeodiness, a dedication to excellence, and a commitment to love, beaty, and justice. Last, he left us with a question of what God or your higher power might ask you about what you've done with your life.
Some quotes that stand out to me:
"Dreams-if we are willing to let them unfold and take us on their ride-may require us to accept that the way forward will be one of nonlinear progression. Rarely, do we have the option to move along from A to B to C"
"Your external circumstances are impossible to change when you lack the capacity to imagine possibilities that may not be right in front of you-yet."
"When you help someone else choose to believe in themselves and their most audacious, wildest dreams, you are also giving them permission to be different"
"The truth is that there are many masters of their trade who can't tell you how they got there. They just do it effortlessly. The only thing they would probably say is that you have to be willing to grind in the early going. Learn the basics, improve, find mentors to challenge you, constantly ask questions, push yourself, and sacrifice. The harder you work work, the more real your dream will become. But always remember to work more than you dream, never dream more than you work. "
"You have to make the choice as to whether you want to be the one signing the front of the check or the back of it".
...."there are some dreams you don't have to chase down but will come and find you. Let me encourage you to be receptive to opportunities that may not appear as such in the beginning. When the universe taps you on the shoulder and says there is something you can do for others, guess what-that might be your dream calling you. I tell you this as a reminder to give yourself daily doses of permission to accept the that is coming to you. I tell you this as a reminder that no matter how young or old you happen to be, you are a child of the universe, loved, and meant to be here, a person of worth and substance in this life. "
"We are pivoting away from the old paradigm of doing and being as we enter a period when what counts more are the values of being and becoming."
"Our masterpiece lives will come from taking on causes fully and allowing ourselves to be fully engaged to the nth degree in the passionate and collaborative pursuit of our new vision of the American dream".
Even so, it is a nice heartwarming book with a call to action. It just takes one person, one action in a day, and giving yourself permission to dream to make a difference. His story is inspiring and there are some great nuggets about how to be successful in this world in the ways that matter. Some themes of the book including making the most of this one life, the ability to dream is America's greatest export, people are here now because of our ancestor's ability to dream, and letting our life to be a masterpiece.
I appreciated the concept of the rep, the rap, and the rolodex. (Reputation, being able to communicate your ideas, and your relationships). I especially loved the emphasis on relationships here. I also want to come back to his mentioning of Dr. King's speech about having a blueprint for you life which includes sombeodiness, a dedication to excellence, and a commitment to love, beaty, and justice. Last, he left us with a question of what God or your higher power might ask you about what you've done with your life.
Some quotes that stand out to me:
"Dreams-if we are willing to let them unfold and take us on their ride-may require us to accept that the way forward will be one of nonlinear progression. Rarely, do we have the option to move along from A to B to C"
"Your external circumstances are impossible to change when you lack the capacity to imagine possibilities that may not be right in front of you-yet."
"When you help someone else choose to believe in themselves and their most audacious, wildest dreams, you are also giving them permission to be different"
"The truth is that there are many masters of their trade who can't tell you how they got there. They just do it effortlessly. The only thing they would probably say is that you have to be willing to grind in the early going. Learn the basics, improve, find mentors to challenge you, constantly ask questions, push yourself, and sacrifice. The harder you work work, the more real your dream will become. But always remember to work more than you dream, never dream more than you work. "
"You have to make the choice as to whether you want to be the one signing the front of the check or the back of it".
...."there are some dreams you don't have to chase down but will come and find you. Let me encourage you to be receptive to opportunities that may not appear as such in the beginning. When the universe taps you on the shoulder and says there is something you can do for others, guess what-that might be your dream calling you. I tell you this as a reminder to give yourself daily doses of permission to accept the that is coming to you. I tell you this as a reminder that no matter how young or old you happen to be, you are a child of the universe, loved, and meant to be here, a person of worth and substance in this life. "
"We are pivoting away from the old paradigm of doing and being as we enter a period when what counts more are the values of being and becoming."
"Our masterpiece lives will come from taking on causes fully and allowing ourselves to be fully engaged to the nth degree in the passionate and collaborative pursuit of our new vision of the American dream".
March 30, 2021
Permission to Dream is a quick and light read, accessible to and perhaps written especially for young readers. Gardner continues telling his story that began in his book, Pursuit of Happyness (intentionally misspelled). He talks again of being a homeless US Navy Veteran and a single father; how asking two questions to a stranger changed his life: “What do you do” and “How do you do it”? It led to his working in finance and ultimately achieving his version of The American Dream.
Now in his late sixties, he is a proud grandfather of a precocious granddaughter, and he gives her advice on how to reach her dreams. I was ready to completely dismiss this book, as he tells her that she can do and be anything if she doesn’t get in her own way; but he pulled me back in telling her about the many structural challenges that can prevent people from reaching their dreams (racism, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence), while also saying that “dreams need hope to become real”.
I also appreciated that he told her, “The truth is that there are many masters of their trade who can’t tell you how they got there. They just do it effortlessly. The only thing they all probably would say is that you have to be willing to grind in the early going. Learn the basics, improve, find mentors to challenge you, constantly ask questions, push yourself, and sacrifice. The harder you work, the more real your dream will become. But always remember to work more than you dream, never dream more than you work.”
He tells her other very simple advice that he ultimately turned into a youth program (I’m paraphrasing): Be authentic. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be aware of how you are branding yourself. Be able to communicate your values and your dreams. Don’t always think about what you can gain from relationships; what can you give and how can you help? Strive for excellence. Learn from those who are leaders in the field (even through books). Be adaptable and resourceful. Your dreams and plans may change.
He ends the book by thinking about a question he was asked, “What would you ask God”. He turns it around and asks us to think about if God will be pleased with how we used the talents and abilities that he has given us.
The best advice he gave was for people to consider what is already in their “tacklebox”: How can you draw on the skills you already have to achieve your dream(s)? He stresses how skills are transferrable. The two questions he advices people to ask now is of themselves: “If tomorrow I could wake up and be or do anything, what would it be” and “What did I do today that will lead to that tomorrow?”
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now in his late sixties, he is a proud grandfather of a precocious granddaughter, and he gives her advice on how to reach her dreams. I was ready to completely dismiss this book, as he tells her that she can do and be anything if she doesn’t get in her own way; but he pulled me back in telling her about the many structural challenges that can prevent people from reaching their dreams (racism, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence), while also saying that “dreams need hope to become real”.
I also appreciated that he told her, “The truth is that there are many masters of their trade who can’t tell you how they got there. They just do it effortlessly. The only thing they all probably would say is that you have to be willing to grind in the early going. Learn the basics, improve, find mentors to challenge you, constantly ask questions, push yourself, and sacrifice. The harder you work, the more real your dream will become. But always remember to work more than you dream, never dream more than you work.”
He tells her other very simple advice that he ultimately turned into a youth program (I’m paraphrasing): Be authentic. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be aware of how you are branding yourself. Be able to communicate your values and your dreams. Don’t always think about what you can gain from relationships; what can you give and how can you help? Strive for excellence. Learn from those who are leaders in the field (even through books). Be adaptable and resourceful. Your dreams and plans may change.
He ends the book by thinking about a question he was asked, “What would you ask God”. He turns it around and asks us to think about if God will be pleased with how we used the talents and abilities that he has given us.
The best advice he gave was for people to consider what is already in their “tacklebox”: How can you draw on the skills you already have to achieve your dream(s)? He stresses how skills are transferrable. The two questions he advices people to ask now is of themselves: “If tomorrow I could wake up and be or do anything, what would it be” and “What did I do today that will lead to that tomorrow?”
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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