My Orange Duffel Bag

by Sam Bracken, Echo Montgomery Garrett

Sam Bracken grew up in poverty in a horrifically abusive, drug-filled home surrounded by mobsters and motorcycle gang members in Las Vegas. MY ORANGE DUFFEL BAG: A Journey to Radical Change is a short, inspirational book that outlines his journey from abandonment as a young teen to triumph on the football field and in life. His forthcoming mini-memoir with a purpose also contains prescriptive advice - Sam's 7 Rules for the Road -- on how to forge a path to the life you want no matter your circumstances.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Education, Self Help, Memoir, Inspirational, Personal Growth

201 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2010

Reviews

[Corey Vandenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam's story is incredible, emotional and raw. What I love about this book, is that it isn't asking for pity or a pat on the back for what he has accomplished. It's about serving those that can't serve themselves. I'm astounded that so many kids age out of our foster care system and are invisible. The story about Sam at college for the first time really hit me hard. I had never thought about the fact that if a foster child beats the odds and manages to get into college, they will still be homeless whenever there is a holiday or a break between semesters.

I was very moved by this story and I hope that others will take the opportunity to hear this incredible story.

[Brooklyn Bartlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the outside Sam is just an ordinary boy. At home its different.
Sam is a victim of horrible abuse. By his mom, his stepfather, and friends. He never knew how he made it out alive. In this book he gives you the seven rules for the road to be able to live the life you deserve.
One major thing that I really liked about this book was the strength behind the authors writing. He really puts a lot of feeling into it and adds personal expieriences and tips which really help put meaning behind the book.
The one and only thing I disliked about this book was all the sadness and sorrow. I could never imagine anybody hurting another person and it was really sad because this book is nonfictional. I would never want my life to be like that wondering if I will make it for another day or not.
My favorite part of the whole entire book was how Sam overcame all the hardships he went through and earned a full on football scholarship. It is just amazing how you can leave an abusive home, with only a duffel bag full of stuff, and make your dreams come true.

I would reccomend this book to anybody and everybody because it is a very inspirational and life changing book. It will really get you thinking about others and maybe not everybody is who you think they are.

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like this one. I have to tell my son about it since I think he would really enjoy reading this book too.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

From experience I've learned that people undergoing therapy for childhood abuse respond very differently to a variety of techniques; what resonates with one person may blow right over another. It's a matter of matching the resources with the circumstances and the person. Therefore, I'll resist giving a subjective review here and offer - this *book/presentation* is like a tool that I could see, in some cases, being valuable in a therapeutic arsenal, both professionally or personally for those do-it-yourselfers.
Duffle bag is arranged as a scrapbook/journal/duffle bag: the journal and scrapbook portions list the abusive events in the author's childhood, and chronicle his growth and recovery through a series of memorabilia with notes; the duffle bag serves as a *bag of tools* and also as a metaphor for putting away the past, taking control, and moving on with new skills into a healthy empowered life. Simplistic enough to relate to an older child (assisted by professional therapist)or an adult traumatized as a child. A very concrete, elementary approach to laying out the problem and breaking it down. About the equivalent of a personal journal in other therapy models. What may seem like a trite and gimmicky presentation has some qualities I've seen work with specific clients. I also know adults that have gained a sense of strength from sharing this kind of retrospect presentation from the adult author.
I will say the author does rely on his religious faith and beliefs for those interested in that aspect; and obviously, tackling real demons is not as easily done as coloring a picture and stuffing it into a bag. But, Bracken isn't making any claims to the contrary. He is just sharing his story and process. I can't find fault with the sincere revelation of a person's experience and recovery. It's always brave to tell your story and reach out to others--whether or not they grasp this offered hand or the next, the intentions are well placed. Simple, sweet--unique and light-handed in its approach.

[Garrett Zecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Orange Duffel Bag is an inspiring self-help book from motivation speaker and missionary Sam Bracken. It is part memoir, part instruction manual for life, and part mixed-media art piece for clarity, energy, and engagement with the message. I read this after taking it down from a professional development shelf where I teach, and I am happy I did. It is a simple, straightforward book with concrete goals and enough anecdote to provide some meat to the message. Sam Bracken was an orphaned young man when he turned to drugs and was influenced by the emotional vampires around him. he had no choice but to listen... But after some positive steps and encouragement from coaches and mentors, he turned his life around and found beauty and meaning. amid the dysfunction.

In this book, Bracken outlines the “seven rules of the road” that are the backbone of his success (and I am not giving anything away about the strategies here) that include Desire, Awareness, Meaning, Choice, Love, Change, and Gratitude. While there is a spiritual component to his message, I am actually happy he didn’t shove it down our throats, which is so often the case with books like this. I came upon this book in a particularly important time in my life right now. While I am usually super skeptical about woo such as self-help, I am pretty happy with my journey through this book – I didn’t encounter anything new, but I'm very happy that I was gently reminded of my own journey and what I need to work on in achieving my goals from this piece. Overall, a good book with simple strategies for personal growth and success. I will definitely encourage my students to visit this book as needed.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Sam Braken things at home weren't always a pleasure. When Sam got home from school he would be brutally beaten by his family and forced into drugs and alcohol. At age 15 Sam decided to stand up to his family and he told them he would not do drugs. Sam was kicked out of his house at age 15. All he had now was football and track. At age 17 he went all-state in track and football. He was given a scholarship to BYU where he always wanted to play football. After playing in the all-state bowl in Las Vegas he learned he blew out his knee and BYU gave away his scholarship. Read this book to find out how Sam fairs with this injury and his road to his comeback. I would recommend this book if you like a biography or an informational book. This book expresses how to be a good athlete and what you need so if you are an athlete you would like this book.

[Corey Vandenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam's story is incredible, emotional and raw. What I love about this book, is that it isn't asking for pity or a pat on the back for what he has accomplished. It's about serving those that can't serve themselves. I'm astounded that so many kids age out of our foster care system and are invisible. The story about Sam at college for the first time really hit me hard. I had never thought about the fact that if a foster child beats the odds and manages to get into college, they will still be homeless whenever there is a holiday or a break between semesters.

I was very moved by this story and I hope that others will take the opportunity to hear this incredible story.

[Jill Kemerer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.

This is a non-traditional format, and it really worked for me. From the beginning where we learn about Sam Bracken's abusive childhood to his subsequent move to college football and faith in the Lord, I was mesmerized. But this isn't a memoir or autobiography. This is a book detailing how we can live better lives.

Every page shares a picture, an inspiring quote, a bit of the past, a sign for the future--and it's full of solid, practical advice for making a radical change to get your best life.

I loved this book. I plan on studying each section in depth.

Looking for motivation? Buy My Orange Duffel Bag!

[Kay Huck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Bracken gives hope through his story of perseverance in the face of adversity in life. His was an abusive childhood and foster care. He had endured and is now helping others through his foundation. Noble Work.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great manual for how to turn out to be a successful person in life despite the hand that life deals you. Would be great for young adults and I might even use in my Health classes. It is a young adult novel, though, so if you aren't into that don't read this.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think all students should read this one. Sam Bracken's life is far too similar to that of my students. I think his story is not only inspirational but so intentional in its instruction. Awesome! Read it!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Stephen-Covey-like book which you need to have as a reference. It is hard to believe the changes this man made in his life as a teen which led him forward. A most entertaining presentation, as well.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It really made me think of the changes I could make in my own life. Very inspirational.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I even found myself taking notes! A great read for everyone.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring story. Makes you want to be better in your life, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. Wonderful story. Must read.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring book! A quick read, but I found myself slowing down to absorb everything. One of the very few books I "forced" my husband to read (he loved it too!).

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering for freshman reading next year.

[Steven Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult story. A fantastic telling. A unique format. I've shared this book with several friends. It is a book that you cannot put down. It is a book that changes you. Let the changes begin.

[Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly inspirational book and a great example of how keeping a positive attitude no matter the odds and never giving up can lead to tremendous growth and achievement.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book!!!!!!

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars (rounded up this time)

WHAT I LIKED
1) accidental Church of Latter Day Saints kick. This is the second time this month that I’ve read a random book that includes a significant mention of the Mormon faith. Wild, that! So now I’ll be researching Mormonism.
2) The tone was bright/enthusiastic and full of drive. The author is definitely vibrant and motivated. I can appreciate that.
3) a few solid quotes spattered here and there. (“Life is not fair, but nothing good comes from sitting around and feeling sorry for yourself”
“Adversity is just a detour when you know where you’re headed”)
4) short read. Easy to start and finish in one sitting.
5) Spiritual mental physical emotional categories. These are solid! I love this method of categorization for self-help. It’s nice to have a metric to stand by and hold yourself accountable for.

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE

1) Reads like something a business major would write as a profound thesis on management when it’s really just the same old story in every inspirational speech. There are a LOT of well-meaning cliches and frequently recycled quotes throughout. Yea, that can be great in moderation, but it just felt like too much for such a small book. I just couldn’t get swept up in the motivation. I wish it had worked well in picking me up, but alas.
2) (as a continuation of 5 on what I liked). ...BUT...these categories remind me a lot of the five pillars of childhood development (physical, cognitive, social, emotional) under different names. I think there’s a bit too much overlap between the categories in this book, which makes them a little harder to follow. Like, mental/emotional especially seem like they are essentially the same. The explanation in the book helped a bit, but personally, I still like the childhood development pillars better as a metric of self development.
3) not my kind of book. As implied in earlier points, this is a book for people who want a quick read to lift them up and motivate. It didn’t really work effectively for me, but that’s quite possibly because I’m not really in the target market. My age matches up, but my demeanor (and ideal career path) is probably not quite what Sam was shooting for in audience.


READING NOTES
I’m getting Maniac Macgee vibes from Jerry Spinelli
The background audio amazing
JESUS WHAT TRAUMA. arm in lighter fluid-????
This is a CHILDREN’S book?? Uh MATURE THEMES ALERT
“Mom finds my stash of weed. She asks if she can have some” shdjsjcjkadjw
Classic American rise to power story.
“Life is not fair, but nothing good comes from sitting around and feeling sorry for yourself”
“Adversity is just a detour when you know where you’re headed”
Spiritual mental physical emotional categories are SOLID — were these the categories? I hoped he would go over them again. Oh he did later. Took a while tho
*sigh* self help was not what I was anticipating
Reads like something a business major would write as a profound thesis on management when it’s really just the same old story in every inspirational speech
I respect this guys tenacity but. Preachy much???
A lot of well meaning cliches with more cliche quotes sprinkled in.
***i extracted some content from here for my review but wanted to include the full notes for my own reflection at the end of the year****

[Jocelyn Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, Sam Bracken used to be my neighbor about four years ago and his daughter was my best friend for three years. Sams wife, Kim gave it to our family to read and I recently found it in our basement of unpacked boxes. I opened it up and read the first few pages and I was hooked. This book is Sams autobiography. It is a quick read but I cant even put in words the effect it had on me. It is a firsthand example of how people can go through hell and back and still be in one piece, better yet find ways to channel all that negativity into something that actually advances you instead of pulling you back and drowning you. I learned that no matter what happens in life, there will NEVER a time where you are beyond change within yourself. Whatever you learn, see, or go through, there is always an open road to healing. But you have to be strong enough to see it - even stronger to follow that road. But it is there - and always will be.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read - in one sitting. Basically, Sam Bracken had a tough childhood, but he was guided by a coach in high school to create a notebook with different sections for different personal goals and a space to track his progress. The book is structured to look like one of those notebooks, with tabs on the side, but it has an art journal feel, with photos, newspaper articles, doodles, and lots of other ephemera in each two page spread. It is part personal memoir, part self-help, with just a touch of Christian evangelicalism toward the end. (Really: I'm not religious, and I did not find it offensive.) It was an interesting story, but felt like the advice was too easy, like most self-help books. Just work hard, write your goals down, honor your mistakes, believe in yourself, and you'll be successful!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a photo essay/graphic novel about a boy who has had everything bad happen that possibly can to a person, yet he grows up, works on his goals and stays motivated to make a better life for himself and others. It's for a YA audience, but there are useful tips here for anyone who wants to spur on a positive change in his/her life. I can think of four kids I worked with this week who could use a kick in the pants AHA moment like this guy had-ok, maybe more than four-and if I thought they'd read this book I would buy it for them in a heartbeat. Maybe I'll look into
his foundation to see if there's something useful for non-readers there.

[Margaret Agard · Rating 5 out of 5]

My teenage granddaughter loved this book. The book is uniquely designed to draw in young people and teach them the value of setting and tracking life's goals. An amazing job. The profits fund The Orange Duffel Bag charitable organization that serves youth aging out of foster care. I found this out after reading the book and have donated often as a result. I've been a foster parent and know how difficult it is for any young teen to move from dependence to independence and yet our foster youth are expected to do it in a matter of days once they turn 18. Sam Bracken's example provides hope for that vulnerable group and an example to any teenager. I love how the book is arranged.

[Faith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had trouble with this book because I don't think I would ever be able to use his advice. The most inspiring and motivating part was his story and how he overcame his hardships. However, the bulk of the book, the 7 Rules of the Road, was too vague and all over the place. I need concrete things to do. Radical change is a huge process in one's life, and I think Bracken gives a good description and outline for how to get started, but for someone who is really going to change, they will have to find their own road map and create their own rules.

[Tiare · Rating 3 out of 5]

The picture and graphics in this book are amazing and what drew me to it. The story is disjointed reading it from page to page with some repetition, which is the reason for the 3 stars from me. It was almost like watching a slideshow presentation rather than reading a book. I needed a quick read like this. Motivational cliches and all.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

guys!!!Top notch inspiring. You will cry all the tears, feel all the pain of his and your life, feel his spirit swell within you, and feel you deserve to be more. His story iiiiis truly beautiful and messy and painful and grit and faith filled 😬 like he did, I’m trying to surround myself more with people who lift and spark hope in me, and this does just that 👊🏼 .

[Noel Salaices · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very simple and Sam’s story seems pretty basic white boy success story, but I actually enjoyed the simplicity of this book. The lessons were very easy to learn and it was inspirational while also informative on Sam’s life. We need more books like this featuring people of color! But overall I recommend.

[Michael Oakley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling, inspiring story for sure. I have seen him as a presenter twice and have wanted to read the book since the first time. Definitely worth the time.
His plan and guidance for making personal change makes sense. I will re-read the book and try to implement the ideas presented.