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Patrick Henry Hughes – I Am Potentialhttp://www.iampotentialbook.com/ Born with a complex of birth defects which led to malformed limbs, no eyes and more than a half-dozen surgeries in his first few years alone, wheelchair-bound University of Louisville student Hughes details a life overcoming enormous obstacles with hard work, devoted parents and a lifelong passion for music (he’s even a Marching Cardinal, with the help of his father). Much of Hughes’s story is also his dad’s, and the straightforward narrative switches off between them, giving some dimension to otherwise flat prose (not necessarily a bad thing, as the remarkable story needs little adornment). Hughes’s countless setbacks give stark life to perhaps-familiar lessons on acceptance and perseverance (chapter one: “When Life Gives You Lemons, Accept Them and Be Grateful”), but his spirit and triumphs also lead to lessons in pursuing your passion, giving love freely, and appreciating the people around your. For fans of television’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition and the Grand Ole Opry, there’s a behind-the-scenes chapter for each. A gentle evangelical streak comes out in occasional references to God, but the book is probably at its most parochial in the chapter, “Be the You Your Mother Would be Proud Of.” Hughes’s knowing but uplifting tone balances out the tragedies, making this an inspiring addition to the growing self-help-memoir shelf. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.ReviewCarol Besse, co-owner of Louisville’s Carmichael’s Bookstore, quoted in Publishers Weekly, “hot independent press and university press titles for the fall” feature“It is likely to be the feel-good story of the year. Patrick Henry Hughes is someone who has become a celebrity for all the right reasons. He is an inspiration to everyone who knows him and will become an inspiration to everyone who reads his book.”BookPage, November 2008“[A] deeply moving story…A source of inspiration for anyone battling against the odds…I Am Potential emerges as more than an incredible triumph-over-adversity tale or a beautiful father/son relationship saga. It also evolves into the story of how helping one boy fight to achieve his dreams gave so many others the opportunity to expand their own abilities and capacities—to become their best selves.”Kentuckiana Healthy Woman Magazine, 10/08“A very inspiring book…about a remarkable family’s faith in God, courage and perseverance…This book will remind us that challenges can be overcome. Attitude is everything!”Deseret News, 11/2/08“I Am Potential is a lesson in love…[It] is everything a reader would expect from a motivational book…The point-counterpoint format with father and son shifting between narratives adds flavor and variety. And an extensive list of resources at the end of the book is a welcome addition. Written in an almost conversational tone, I Am Potential is easy to read…It serves up a large dose of humility and perspective.”Monday Morning Email, 11/3“I could not put it down. It will capture your emotions from the opening page. This is a book of inspiration that should be bought and given as gifts to other young people who might need a shot in the arm, or to young adults who need an inspirational lift. And YOU will enjoy the book from start to finish…Outstanding…Get the book—today!”PublishersWeekly.com, 11/17/08“Hughes’s knowing but uplifting tone balances out the tragedies, making this an inspiring addition to the growing self-help-memoir shelf.”InfoDad.com, 11/20/08“[Shows] the resiliency of the human spirit…One of those sure-fire tearjerkers about someone with extremely severe handicaps who not only overcomes them but also finds a way to thrive and to get great enjoyment out of life…Clearly, Patrick Henry Hughes is a remarkable individual, his story serving as proof that being disabled in some ways does not mean being disabled in all ways…It is impossible not to be moved by who this young man is and what he has overcome to accomplish so much.”Southern Living, December 2008“Everyone should read this…This book gives a new definition to the term ‘able-bodied.’”Today’s Woman, November 2008“Might give you the inspiration you’ve been needing all along.”American Author’s Association website“Inspirational…A wonderful true life tale…This is one of those feel good stories that would make a great feature movie by Disney…Uplifting…[A] must read…This is a book that all family members can read.”Library Journal, 12/9/08“[An] engaging memoir…Strongly recommended for all school and public libraries…A memoir that is a testament to the disabled and undaunted Patrick Henry’s courage and his guiding principles of living with faith and without fear, loving unconditionally and reaching for your dreams…The father-son portrait is unforgettable.”Florence Morning News,1/9/09“An inspired sharing…Inspirational.”Catholic Digest, June 2009“A powerful, inspiring story about rising above hardships and the value of every human life.”