When I first started reading “Lincoln and Obama” by Gene Griessman, it was initially because I wanted to learn more about our President.  However, not only did I gain a great deal of insight into Obama’s character, I learned a lot about what it takes to be successful.  

I am a graduate student in public health.  Granted, its not law, but it still requires an unbelievable amount of focus and drive.  I read what you have to do to be successful. You have to be focused, have great will power to succeed, be resilient and bounce back from defeat, learn from mistakes, learn how to communicate, etc.  I learned so much about success through this book.  Lincoln and Obama is not just a book about politics. It’s like a case study of career success.

Both Presidents came from very humble origins.  I also grew up in less than ideal circumstances.  My parents divorced when I was young, my mother struggled to ensure the health and security of my brother and myself. I have pushed and I am determined to achieve success.

I have no aspirations to become president, but I still believe that this book is highly relevant to my situation.  I think it is a great example of what hard work and circumstance can provide.  

I encourage all people engaged in a transitional life period to read this book.  I don’t know if the recommendation of a single graduate student will do any good, but it has certainly helped me.