How Starbucks Saved My Life

Now in paperback, the national bestselling riches-to-rags true story of an advertising executive who had it all, then lost it all—and was finally redeemed by his new job, and his twenty-eight-year-old boss, at Starbucks.

In his fifties, Michael Gates Gill had it all: a mansion in the suburbs, a wife and loving children, a six-figure salary, and an Ivy League education. But in a few short years, he lost his job, got divorced, and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. With no money or health insurance, he was forced to get a job at Starbucks. Having gone from power lunches to scrubbing toilets, from being served to serving, Michael was a true fish out of water.

But fate brings an unexpected teacher into his life who opens his eyes to what living well really looks like. The two seem to have nothing in common: She is a young African American, the daughter of a drug addict; he is used to being the boss but reports to her now. For the first time in his life he experiences being a member of a minority trying hard to survive in a challenging new job. He learns the value of hard work and humility, as well as what it truly means to respect another person.

Behind the scenes at one of America’s most intriguing businesses, an inspiring friendship is born, a family begins to heal, and, thanks to his unlikely mentor, Michael Gill at last experiences a sense of self-worth and happiness he has never known before.

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“In the best tradition of The New Yorker, How Starbucks Saved My Lifeis one great read.”

?In the best tradition of "The New Yorker", "How Starbucks Saved My Life" is one great read.?
?"The Wall Street Journal"

?An intriguing look behind the counter of one of the world's most recognizable brands.?
?"The Christian Science Monitor"

?"How Starbucks Saved My Life" works as an interesting memoir of one man's transformation. But it could also work as a wake-up call to corporate America.?
?"Minneapolis Star Tribune"


aIn the best tradition of "The New Yorker," "How Starbucks Saved My Life" is one great read.a
a"The Wall Street Journal"
aAn intriguing look behind the counter of one of the worldas most recognizable brands.a
a"The Christian Science Monitor"
a"How Starbucks Saved My Life" works as an interesting memoir of one manas transformation. But it could also work as a wake-up call to corporate America.a
a"Minneapolis Star Tribune"
"A great lesson in finding your highest self in the unlikeliest of places-- proof positive that there is no way to happiness-- rather, happiness is the way."
Wayne Dyer, author of "Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling"
"I like my Starbucks, but I loved this book. It hit me emotionally and intellectually, right in the gut. The message, what the world needs to embrace most, made my cup runneth over!
Dr. Denis Waitley, author of "The Seeds of Greatness"
""How Starbucks Saved My Life" is based on the simple idea that down-to-earth, humbling labor can help you re-orient your values and priorities and give you new life. It will speak to anyone in need of radical surgery on their worldview, and that includes most of us. Sit down with a cup of coffee and this book and entertain yourself toward enlightenment."
Thomas Moore, author of "Care of the Soul, Dark Nights of the Soul," and "The Worth of Our Work"

The son of New Yorker writer Brendan Gill, Michael Gates Gill was a creative director at J. Walter Thompson Advertising, where he was employed for over twenty-five years. He lives in New York within walking distance of the Starbucks store where he works, and has no plans to retire from what he calls the best job he’s ever had.

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