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A Personal Odyssey

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About this listen

 Here is the gritty, powerful story of Thomas Sowell's life-long education in the school of hard knocks, a journey that took him from Harlem to the Marines, the Ivy League, and a career as a controversial writer, teacher, and economist in government and private industry. It is also the story of the dramatically changing times in which this personal odyssey took place.

The vignettes of the people and places that made impressions on Sowell at various stages of his life range from the poor and powerless to the mighty and the wealthy, from a home for homeless boys to the White House. More than an account of Sowell's life, this is also the story of the people who gave him their help, their support, and their loyalty, as well as those who demonized him and knifed him in the back. It is a study not just of one life, but also of life itself, with all its exhilaration, pain, constant striving, and deserved success.

©2000 Thomas Sowell (P)2001 Blackstone Audio Inc. Cultural & Regional Educators Politicians Politics & Activism Professionals & Academics

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Critic reviews

"Offered a job simply because he was a black man, he turned it down and said why. Despite this righteousness, he has retained a sense of humor....Sowell admits to having had plenty of enemies, but enough friends to save him. This memoir should multiply the latter. Jeff Riggenbach...renders the narrative vividly." ( AudioFile)
All stars
Most relevant  
Too many unnecessary gaps in the speech. Probably owing to its being turned from cassettes to this format.
Still a good biography.

Good Overall

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I'm making my way through all of Dr Sowell's work and I've been blown away. I'll always appreciate how he opened my eyes.

I'll always be grateful to Dr Sowell.

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A must read for any fan of Thomas Sowell. Engaging, revealing, and informative. 5 stars.

Excellent

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America’s greatest critical thinker and race relations expert, a true polymath. From incredibly tough and poor upbringing to the end, his independence and free thinking principles shine through .

A true American hero.

Inspirational and life affirming- true grit

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Sowell is very self assured throughout, to the point of frustration almost. However, every story shows his deliberate mindset and strong principals, nothing he includes here demonstrates anything less than a well disciplined and self-driven mindset. For one to reflect on a life over many years with steadfast conviction of nearly every decision made is really quite a refreshing perspective.
I have learned plenty about myself and those around me just by spending the few hours listening to this man’s story. To the point and unapologetic throughout, sometimes to a painful degree, this is a very insightful book and well written as I’ve found most of his works tend to be.
Highly recommend to anyone who intends to or has read any of his other works.

A fearless piece of self reflection

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Great book, full of insightful stories that help explain a period of history as well as the personal experiences that shaped Sowell vs thinking. Also great narrator.

Great book great narrator

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If there was ever anyone to give coming generations a spark, I cannot think of anyone better than Thomas Sowell doing so.

After reading many of his books it was quite enjoyable to learn about his life.

Enables you to see what and from where that string his remarkable character springs from.

Highly recommended read.

A spark

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Great book, gives a vivid sense of Sowell's toughness and utterly clear moral purpose. And the narrator does an outstanding job.

outstanding

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