Rating: 
Summary: Warm, but only scratches the surface
Review: I enjoyed reading about the life of George Dawson, a man whose life has spanned three centuries. However, the mere fact that he has lived so long does not necessarily a feature book make. Aside from Mr. Dawson's rail travels and working on the Mississippi, Mr. Dawson had not done much else until he took up reading at 98. He can't comment much on events of the 20th century because he couldn't read, and what he could remember was scant. The reader is presented with a view of a genuinely kind man whose outlook on life is basically positive and warm. Yet, I often could not distinguish if I was listening to Mr. Dawson, or his "co-author", Richard Glaubman. It would have been far more interesting to detail Mr. Dawson's years since he began to read. The book speaks of the large numbers of letters written to Mr. Dawson, congratulating him on his beginning his literacy venture so late in life. Why not write more about his classroom experience and how that must have transformed him recently?... or the interaction with those who now wish him well? Perhaps a second book should be in order because that is where the REAL interest in Mr. Dawson lies.
Rating: 
Summary: A story of the past, yet a story of a man's potential
Review: When a friend loaned me this book, I hadn't heard about it. Once I started reading, I wondered why the book wasn't widely known. LIFE IS SO GOOD reveals, with great poignancy, how an illiterate black man earned his living for most of a century--years of wandering, taking hard labor jobs, following the rules for survival in a white man's world. At an age when white boys were getting their favorite toys, he left home to work on a white man's farm. . .truly a hired "hand," not acknowledged as a youngster who needed family, recreation, education, social development, and nurturing. We follow George Dawson as he hoards the few dollars he earns, never complaining about his plight. Unable to decipher a newspaper, George is oblivious to the progress taking place around him--automobiles, modern appliances, jobs with fringe benefits. He knows little about the historical and social revolutions permeating America. Nevertheless, he survives--and remains content. His greatest miracle, though, comes at age 98, when he learns to read. At this point, he starts to grasp what others have known all along. LIFE tugs at the reader's heartstrings. We grieve as we consider all he missed in life, we rejoice at his delayed triumphs. If you've ever considered yourself disadvantaged, read this book. You'll be blessed by George Dawson's fortitude and gratitude.
Rating:
Summary: After 5 years, I still think about this book
Review: I read this book about 5 years ago and have never forgotten it. I wanted my grandson to read it, but I couldn't remember the title and was so glad after trying many searches to find it. This is one of those quiet books. I found it very engaging and soulful when I read it, but I have only come to understand recently how much it affected me. I still think about it often. This is a sign of a great book.
Rating:
Summary: An inspiring, true story
Review: This book is about the life of George Dawson, a remarkable 101-year-old man who is the grandson of slaves. Born in 1898, he tells of what life was like in Texas before integration. He turned away racial hatred by his gentle manner and kept his dignity during the most trying circumstances. He did manual labor from the time he was 4 until he was 90, and at age 98 he began to look for new challenges and so decided to go to Adult Education classes and learn to read. When he was growing up, he was always working,and as the oldest son he was depended upon to contribute financially to his family. His younger brothers and sisters went to school, but he never had a chance until someone knocked on his door and offered him the chance to learn to read. His quiet dignity shines through the pages as his story is told to co-author, Richard Glaubman. Glaubman is an elementary school teacher from Washington who became fascinated with a newspaper article he read about Dawson in a Seattle paper. The two became good friends over the course of the writing of this book and it is told in a narrative style of two friends chatting about the past. Some of the most interesting stories involve Dawson's early years and the times in his 20's when he traveled around the country just to satisfy his wanderlust. This is a wonderful book and in the course of reading it I felt as if I'd gotten to know a very special person
Rating:
Summary: The most interesting book Iv'e ever read!
Review: When my teacher said that we were going to read a book outloud I thought oh no another baby book! but when I heard the first chapter I couldn't wait to read the rest it was so exciting and to know that this really happened it was like taking a trip to a virtual tour through history! Maybe it isn't the best book ever. Maybe the fact that my PE teacher is the author inched me to think it was great I love it! When I heard that Gorege Dawson was coming to our school I was thrilled I even got to shake Goerge Dawsons hand! This book is probably the best book I've ever read! It's true.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Review: "Life is So Good" is a must read for those who enjoy learning about culture and about individuals' with experiences that differ from theirs. The experiences of this character made me think, cry, and appreciate life as it is today. He taught me many personal lessons and kept my interest throughout. This novel is definately one of the top 5 reads that I have enjoyed.George is a black man who is 103 years old. A few years prior, he began to fulfill his life long dream - he learned how to read. George walks you through his life experiences educating you of the culture of his time, and tells you about, for example, the stories that his grandmother shared with him about her experiences as a slave and her day of freedom. He shares with you his life experiences and lessons from age four through late adulthood. A must read.
Rating:
Summary: A "good for your soul" book
Review: This book is excellent. One reviewer said the book was good but not riveting. This is true, but it is not meant to be riveting. It is a book that humbles you, makes you think, makes you appreciate life and appreciate the lives of others. After reading this book I could better understand my 71-year-old mother's life experiences. She left home at 14 to work but never talked about how she felt about having to do this. This book helped open up a dialogue with her about that experience. This may be like talking to your grandparents (as a previous reviewer stated) but should be read in addition to the talk you have with your grandparents.
Rating:
Summary: "It's not my fault I'm 101!"
Review: WOW!! what a book.I was not awfully surprised that this book was so good.I read about half of the Customer Reviews before I started the book.From those reviews ,I was expecting the best;and that is exactly what it was.No doubt I found it to be one of the most enlightning and inspirational books I've ever read.This is not just a book about rememberences of a person who happened to live and continue to learn during a lifetime of 103 years.This is a great book of wisdom and love by one who possessed an uncanny ability to deal with life.He didn't develop this ability because of his long life;he already had it when he watched his friend Pete being hung as well as having to leave his family and go to work at 10 years of age.
I strongly recommend this to everyone;and also to read all the super reviews.As well you should check the several web sites under George Dawson;good things there plus some good photos.
And yes, I went back and read all the reviews after finishing the book.I very seldom read a book a second time;but I plan to read this one again.This man,George Dawson,was truly a gifted person.
Rating:
Summary: Life is So Good
Review: This is a wonderful story of a simple but great man who was black and lived for over 100 years. There are many simple lessons to learn from him. It is told from the perspective of a poor black man who has dignity and there is absolutely no whining in this book. He never stopped learning and learned to read when he was 98. Although he was poor all of his life he has a lot of gratitude for the basics. Here is a poor man who had a rich life; likely having to do with his general positive attitude. This book is a good read and quite heartwarming.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Read
Review: I got this book from our library but then decided I must have my own copy. It is a wonderful book full of life lessons. This man had a truly fulfilled life not placing value on material things but on his experiences. I would highly recommend it.
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