The US Review of Books commends “It Takes Courage” by Samuel Lora for its heartwarming story that gives the readers hope that stimulates courage

Samuel Lora’s book, It Takes Courage, reminds readers that no matter what happens, we should choose courage over anything else. The book tells the story of the author’s journey from childhood abuse trauma to being a father and a successful company owner.

This book emphasizes the importance of courage, “It does not matter what negative things happen in life. People will put you down, knock you off track, or tell you you’re not good enough. You just need to keep applying what you know and never give up. ” When there is a connection, there is courage and endurance. Courage is not something that develops overnight.

Most often than not, it means standing firm and not giving up in the midst of pain, struggle, and injustice. Courage training is a series of everyday decisions to follow and pursue with all of your heart what is meant for you.

Growing up on a farm in the Dominican Republic, Lora was mistreated by his mother and father when he was two years old. He believes his mother found his father with another woman, with Lora as a witness, and that this sparked the spark of cruelty. Lora was the family whipping boy, working from sunrise to sunset while his four younger siblings were adored and cared for. He had no idea what a toy was because he was hungry, exhausted, and uninformed. His grandparents’ house was his lone sanctuary, but he only got there once in a while.

The US Review of Books’ Priscilla Estes praised Samuel Lora’s book, It Takes Courage, for its message to readers, remarking that the book “(his life) inspires and did indeed take great courage.”

Here’s an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:

“Lora narrates a moving tale of his travels, trials, and tribulations while searching for community, good people to believe in him, and reconnection with his family. Homeless in the Marble Hill section of the Bronx, he resists selling or using drugs, preferring to peddle empty bottles from a grocery cart. His faith in God, America, and, remarkably, in himself carries him through a journey most unusual and inspiring. Written in simple, matter-of-fact prose by a man who never went to school, this poignant story warms the heart and fills one with gratitude and admiration for a boy who struggled so hard to become a man.”