The Way of the Bootstrapper: Nine Action Steps for Achieving Your Dreams

by Floyd H. Flake and Donna Marie Williams

Former Democratic congressman and pastor of one of America's largest, most prosperous churches, Floyd Flake inspires us to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, turn obstacles into springboards, build stronger families and communities, and make our dreams come true.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062515969
• ISBN13: 9780062515964
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Amistad Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

PICK YOURSELF UP!

Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and make it - against all odds is the success formula shared by the authors of this book through the remarkable journey of Floyd Flake. His committment to his dream of self-sufficient people galvanized a community, and the "impossible" became possible. The book details his nine steps to success which can be equated to being responsible for our every thought, word, action and deed. Whether in the pulpit of his church, or in the political arena, or in the community helping to build adequate housing for senior citizens or spear-heading youth programs, or motivating more legions of people to rise to the level of proficiency and achievement, this gentleman's life is an astounding example. He motivates us to try- and try- and try again; just don't give up. Welcome back ethics and values. With more leaders of this calibre, America has a chance to fulfill its destiny as a land of the free and home of the brave. After reading this book, you will never again be afraid to pick yourself up, and start all over again. Time to begin bootstrapping your way to actualizing your dream. Floyd Flake says and demonstrates all things are possible, - if you only just believe, and make the committment. An inspirational and courageous book.

"Practical Wisdom for the New Millenium"

"~At a time when so many hunger for practicality and wisdom in ordering life, Pastor Flake delivers a powerful tome for our times!"~ philosophy. His church, Allen AME Church, New York,NY, models this book and serves as a model for authentic, attractive witness to the Lordship of Christ.

Love It!!

I loved the section where he advocates going off by yourself and do some self-knowledge. Great book. A bit slow moving at first, but gets going.

Practical Advice and Memorable Stories

I was wary of the book when I saw a preface by William Bennett, but found it to be an inspired book of practical advice. As a Senior Paster of a 10,000 member church, and leader of a church that is the second largest African American led employer of NYC, the former U.S. Congressman Flake from Queens, NY knows something about organization and leadership. I was most inspired by his stories of growing up one of 13 children in Texas, his arrival at Allen AME Church in 1976, when it had 1400 members (800 active), the start of his ministry, and his confrontation with his Board in 1985, which precipitated a power struggle so great that he was layed low with chest pains. The greatest lessons... knowing yourself, taking responsibility, siezing opportunities, and overcoming challenges.

very inspiring and motivating

being a brother at Allen for thirteen years, and having Congressman Rev Floyd Flake as the residing pastor,it shows me how committed and open a person can be. The book really touched home. After reading the book for the second time, Icannot wait to pass it on to my kids so they can become bootstrappers.