|
WHAT STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, THE PRESS AND OTHER READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT GREG'S STORY, THE FIRST THIRTY AND COMPANION WORKBOOK, A PLACE TO SIT (Note: These were their affiliations at the time they sent feedback. They may have graduated, for instance, since sending in the review, or switched companies)
ALLIE, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, NEW HAMPSHIRE: "The First Thirty is a wonderful book that reminds us of the magical things that can happen when spending time with our grandparents."
AMY PSZCZOLKOWSKI, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT & FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE PROFESSOR, ASNUNTUCK COMMUNITY COLLEGE: "A great story of redemption and determination...a virtual case study for First Year Experience programs...a blueprint for new college students."
AMY ZIPERSTEIN, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER, ILLINOIS: "Every educator in America should read this story. It reminds me why I became one in the first place."
ANDREW SCHAFFER, BOSTON COLLEGE: "I wrote an essay about Greg for a course I am taking -- comparing his story and what he's done with Ralph Waldo Emerson's book Experience, and one of Gandhi's philosophies about small actions leading to big things."
ANNA MARIE JOHNSON TEAGUE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, DAWSON + MURRAY + TEAGUE COMMUNICATIONS, TEXAS: "The First Thirty is a tribute to teachers - those found in classrooms, and those who impart their wisdom in the course of everyday life."
ART WORLD NEWS: "A moving portrait of a man who treats life as art and created a masterpiece by helping others realize their dreams."
BARI LEVIN, MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER (ILLINOIS): "I am a special educator and I am using "The First Thirty" with my students in my reading class. I teach Middle School. I love the book and its life lessons. I am using the workbook with them, too (A Place To Sit). Wow! What a great way to teach these kids about life...I have been teaching special education for 19 years and I still love what I do...The book definitely makes you think about your life and I realized that I am happy with my life and what I do...I was at Borders and saw the book. I was a little curious, so I bought it. The best small investment I made. Thank you for putting Greg's life on paper and sharing. Thank you for touching my life and my students."
BETH H, MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT, CANADA: "We all read The First Thirty together in class. I thought the book was amazing. Inspiring, moving, motivational, and the list goes on...It's definItely a book I'll be recommending to anyone, young or old. I'm sure I'll be reading it over again and again untill the pages wear out."
BOB MIDDLEMAS, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, NORDSTROM: "This should be required reading in business school. It's a case study in how to start small, think big and lead by example."
BOBBY, BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY STUDENT: "I read The First Thirty [from beginning to end] today. It was very motivational. The [thirty numbered lessons] within the book give an extra flavor...I enjoyed it very much and hope to share the story with others...reading this book just confirmed what I have been saying. Motivation is everything."
BRENDAN S, BOSTON COLLEGE STUDENT: "Greg's story ranks right up there with Rocky, Forrest Gump, and the other classic underdog stories of our time."
BRITTANY, HIGH SCHOOL INTERN, REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION: "I think this is a great book for anyone of any age."
BRITTNEY, COLLEGE STUDENT, GEORGIA: "My routine has been class-work-class-events-study...but every night around 1 AM, I read [a few more pages of what is] quite possibly one of, if not the best, books I've read in a few years. I LOVE the book!!...As I have read it, I really feel inspired...I really have enjoyed the thirty lessons. They are all so true! That has been my favorite part along with the "milkshake moment" and the importance of remembering names. After I read that part, I decided to take that with me and get better at names because they are really important!"
CAROLYN SILVER, ESQ., DIRECTOR OF LEGAL ADVOCACY & ORGANIZING, LENOX HILL NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE: "...I read the book yesterday. I don't even know where to begin. It was really amazing to read and I was really impressed and inspired with the story. I really related to Greg and his drive and his interest in helping people...and I think it will really inspire my staff - who are all like-minded folks, trying to do what they can to make a difference in our community, while battling [many [obstacles]..."
CeCe McCALL, NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR COMMUNITY AND JUSTICE OF METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS: "I've really enjoyed reading The First Thirty. The simple lessons were powerful! I really am blessed by the relationship Greg shared with his Grandma. I fully understand his sincere love for her...the book was a great read and reminds me to face and answer the simple life lessons on a daily basis."
CHICAGOLAND SENIOR NEWS: "Greg's Grandma plays the role only a grandparent can play - the reality check"
CHRIS, STUDENT, USC (CALIFORNIA): "I thoroughly enjoyed The First Thirty. I endlessly admire the ambition and persistence Greg demonstrated when dealing with his desires and dreams. The story is full of lessons that were particularly valuable to me...I [even] seemed to be able to apply the [lessons from the book] to my life as I was reading it. The advice often rang in my head as I confronted life's daily obstacles, and I truly believe I made better decisions because of the shared experiences. Greg overcame difficulties that I certainly could relate to as a college student, and he did so in such a way that has inspired me to start paying as much attention to my dreams as he does..."
COLLEGE NEWS: "A remarkable story of strength and conviction filled with lessons that will take every student through the college years and beyond."
DAVID CRAMER, ALLSTATE: "...I am just starting a career, and am at a critical point in choosing where I will take it. I have always looked at my career in terms of finding the right balance of [how much I enjoy myself and how much money I make]. Reading The First Thirty has modified my view of success to include the interaction I have with the people around me."
DAVID DAVIDSON, MEDICAL STUDENT, RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER: "I interact with people going through adversity every day. I use lessons and take inspiration from The First Thirty to help me create unique solutions to many of the problems."
DAVITA SIEGEL, PARENT, ILLINOIS: "I loved the book!!...more than anything else, what is so extraordinary...is that it documented Greg's entire life in less than
100 pages, and, (2) Greg LIVES his life so fully -- learning and loving along the way. That is in two short sentences what amazes me the most....actually to the point of tears!!"
FRESNO FAMOUS: "For anyone who's been knocked down or told, "you can't do it," The First Thirty is an uplifting read that will make you want to get up, dust yourself off, have a milkshake, and get back to work..."
JAY MATHEWS, THE WASHINGTON POST: "The legacies of Greg Forbes Siegman and Steven Spielberg are the people they have helped and the lessons and images they have brought to life."
JEANNE-MARIE, COLLEGE STUDENT, LOUISIANA: "An inspiring reminder that, whether it's the other side of the world, the other side of the country, or just the other side of the tracks, if you end up in a place you never expected to be and dare to explore it, you just may find your passion in the process."
JERRY EHRLICH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ST. LOUIS SOCIETY FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED: "The First Thirty WILL inspire you to believe dreams ARE reachable, "I can't" turns into "I can", and that one person CAN overcome and make a difference (It will also give you a new appreciation for milkshakes)."
JOEL MARCOVITCH, MICHIGAN: "A story that embodies what unconditional love for a grandchild is all about."
KARA SONSKY, FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY: "I just finished reading The First Thirty, and I have to admit that it left me speechless...it is not like any biography I have ever read..It reminded me just how sacred everything is, whether it be a person, an idea, or even nothing, as Greg showed even nothing is something..."
KARA TIGGAS, EDUCATOR, ILLINOIS: "I literally forgot to go to class because I was so wrapped up in the book...I have to say, I assumed it would be thought-provoking prior to reading it, but I didn't realize that it would be a forget-about-work, hole-up-with-a-book-all-night kind of provoking!"
KATIE, KENDALL COLLEGE: "I was only halfway through the book before I couldn't resist pulling over on the way home from work and getting a milkshake...The First Thirty is inspirational proof of one person's ability to build something meaningful out of literally nothing."
KEISHA BOWMAN, LOUISIANA NATIVE, NOW IN GEORGIA: "I finished the book. I cried at the end. It was beautiful."
KRIS EKDAHL, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY STUDENT: "It makes you think about what it really means to be a success."
LAKE MAGAZINE: "Greg's Grandma is Mama to his Gump."
LAURA BRANDYS, GENESIS MITZVAH FUND PROGRAM COORDINATOR, JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (MINNESOTA): "...I finished reading The First Thirty on a trip...a very welcome companion during a 4 hour layover...I continue to be in awe...an amazingly talented author...I read the ending page over and over again, because I enjoyed it so much...The entire book was such an enjoyable read...I will be distributing the book to about 30 teen tutors in the Shabbat School program at my synagogue as a staff appreciation gift. I also intend to use it, along with the workbook (A Place To Sit) based on the book , as a teaching tool for teen philanthropy recruitment."
LINDSAY K. WALLS, NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP PROGRAM, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - ST. LOUIS: "Any man, woman, child with an idea or dream HAS to read this book. Not only will it give them hope, it will inspire them to do more than they could have ever imagined. Throughout my life, I have spent countless hours volunteering in the nonprofit sector. Not only did the book resonate with my experiences, it has encouraged me to do more and accomplish more."
LUCY RUIZ, CBS 47, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR: "The message is infectious, it will motivate you to get out of your chair and make a difference."
MICHAEL IRPINO, ACTOR/WRITER/DIRECTOR, CALIFORNIA: "The First Thirty is such an inspirational book that it can even give new hope to someone that's been living in Hollywood for the past fifteen years. It gives new meaning to the phrase "when life gives you lemons make lemonade" and it certainly has taught this old dog some new tricks. I may never look at adverse situations in the same way ever again.
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: "A lesson in humanity...The First Thirty delivers a strong, positive message that is particularly relevant to high school students but is valuable to everyone...the real story is not about Greg's achievements...it's about the path that he took to accomplish them, and about all of the roadblocks that he ran into on the way. The tale is refreshing in its honesty - Greg is not afraid to...genuinely illustrate his faults... Perhaps, most importantly, Greg shows that he could never be where he is today without help...an uplifting true story that reminds us that all the movie-caliber underdog stories we see don't always have to be make-believe..."
MORGAN, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT (TEXAS): "A refreshing reminder that each of us can -- and should -- be open to the world beyond our window while changing the world within it."
NAHREN ISHAYA, GRADUATE STUDENT (ILLINOIS): "The First Thirty really makes me understand the power of believing in your own dreams. When no one else in the world believes in your vision it is up to you to make others believe, just as Greg did. No matter what obstacles stand in your way, Greg teaches the reader how to rise above all and continue to work for what they envision. In the end, the actual outcome of Greg's hard work proved to be even greater than probably what he even he could have imagined. Thanks to the book, others will continue to learn, be inspired, and believe in the power of changing the world outide of your window."
NATALIE, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT (CALIFORNIA): "The First Thirty should be read by any college bound student or anyone with hopes in making a difference. Student's everywhere can easily relate to Greg Siegman's story and sense of humor..."
NATHAN, MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT (IL): "The First Thirty is a good and funny book. Many of the students like the part where Greg had to wear a helmet because he was so distracted by your dreams. There is a lot of things you can learn from this book. The book is not just a reading novel - you can learn a lot from it. It can help you in life, also."
PAT LANG, PRESIDENT, CONFEDERATION COLLEGE (CANADA): "I read The First Thirty. I was truly inspired...it made me think about the privilege I have every day to change someone's life. I challenged myself to see if there is something more I could be or should be doing. Greg is...truly a gift to society..."
PAUL NEWTON, PRINCIPAL, ENRICO FERMI HIGH SCHOOL (CONNECTICUT): "I personally read The First Thirty earlier this year and was brought to tears on three different occasions. I knew right away that I wanted to try and make it possible for our students and staff to meet Greg. The themes of his story reinforce aspects of our mission like service, leadership and lifelong learning."
PETER K, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, KENYA: "An American tale with global relevance, The First Thirty illustrates the ability within each of us to help bridge the divisions that have separated so many for so long."
RUSSELL FRYE, STUDENT, MOREHOUSE COLLEGE: "A poignant story that epitomizes the evolution of never-ending struggles into ever-lasting legacies."
SAM GEIL, PRESIDENT, GEIL ENTERPRISES INC. (CALIFORNIA): "The First Thirty illustrates the responsibilities we have as parents, grandparents,
teachers and business leaders to influence the people around us...Every teacher should make The First Thirty required reading. It's William Saroyan for the next generation."
SAMANTHA FARBMAN, SEATTLE: "I just finished reading The First Thirty...a thoroughly enjoyable story, exposing the funny quirks behind a genius."
SIR WILLIAMS, UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO HOSPITALS: "...I thought it was a great read. The overall theme I took away from the book really reminded me of one of my favorite poems, The Man Who Thinks He Can. I can almost recite it from memory..."If you think you're beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don't. If you'd like to win, but think you can't. It's almost a cinch you won't...Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man, But sooner or later the man
who wins is the man who thinks he can!"
SONYA HESSELS, HONOURS BACHELOR OF ARTS (UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO), BACHELOR OF EDUCATION STUDENT (LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY - CANADA): "I finished the book, I really liked it, it was inspiring. I think it's good for both children and adults, the lessons you have in it resonate with people of all ages and I found them to also really have an impact on me.
SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN: "The First Thirty has captured the attention of critics and readers nationwide."
SUE WEINER, THE JEWISH CENTER (NJ): "I love the ending of the book!!!! I really enjoyed the thirty lessons...I think they are important lessons for everyone to see...Our 7th graders are required to do a Mitzvah Project and I think it would be great to use the book as part of the class...on a separate note, when is the workbook going to be available? " [NOTE: The workbook, A Place To Sit, is now available - www.APlaceToSit.com]
TEACHER INFORMATION NETWORK: "A dazzling gem. When you finish, you will want your students to read it, too. Its lessons are immensely teachable."
YAN, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, NEW YORK: "I really have to tell you, it was really the best book I have ever read. It took me only one day to read it because I liked it so much. It made me think about my life...the book was really an inspiration to me because it tells me that there is a place for me in this place we call The World...."
TO GET A COPY OF THE BOOK AND/OR WORKBOOK AND/OR POSTERS BASED ON THEM, CLICK HERE
For bulk orders (for your staff, class, members, clients, supporters and/or to get them for a local organization or school in your community),, email Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com
|
