Feet First

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful! Inspirational!
Review: What began in 1924 as one little boy's journey through life is not only the story of that little boy, but also the story of one of the largest waves of immigrants into the United States, and in particular of the Polish people who came through Ellis Island and settled in the coal-mining regions of northeastern Pennsylvania, weaving their history into the fabric of our country. Mr. Baran tells his story with remarkable honesty and clarity. What emerges for the reader is a very clear picture of what life was like for such an immigrant family.

It is a truly remarkable and inspirational story on two levels. First, on an individual level, it shows the reader how one little boy overcame each obstacle that he faced to become a very successful individual--not only in business, but more importantly, in life. Second, on a much broader level, it paints a very vivid picture of one Ellis Island immigrant family's life, resulting in a greater understanding for the reader of how that wave of immigrants impacted our country and our history. By the end of this classic American story, you too will be cheering loudly for that little boy who was born feet first.

Rating:
Summary: Haphazard; smug; unsatisfying.
Review: "Feet First" is indeed valuable if one wishes to catch a glimpse of what the Anthracite Coal Region's life was like for the children of Eastern European immigrants in the early part of the twentieth century. However, Mr. Baran would have been wise to employ a copyeditor, as his manuscript is sadly riddled with misspelled words and poor grammar which, in this reader's opinion, rendered some chapters of the book unreadable. I also found the random chapter subjects and disjointed presentation of themes difficult to accept, as the rambling tone made for unsatisfactory reading. Compounding these flaws is the tone of smug self-satisfaction that echoes throughout his poorly-constructed prose: I acknowledge the author came a long way from being a poor, fatherless Frackville boy to wealthy entrepreneur and politician. However, his delivery so smacks of self-congratulation (and the ridiculously oft-touted fact he was a breeched birth, hence the title, which seems quite the dubious claim to fame) that I wondered for what reason, besides vanity, he published this memoir in the first place. Finally, I was extremely disturbed to read that this self-proclaimed ambassador to all Polish-Americans holds a very disdainful view on polka music and dancing. Really, Mr. Baran. Shame on you.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Story....
Review: Feet First is a wonderful story of every day life and achievement in difficult circumstances, told with self-depreciating humor by a first generation Polish American boy born in 1924. A first time author, Walter Baran writes in the vernacular of the coal regions of Northeast Pennsylvania. This is a personal, historical observation of what America is really made of - the strength of new bloodlines, and strong stoic women who persevere in the face of difficult economic circumstances and a physically challenging environment. This is the story of the life of the immigrants from Eastern Europe, young men who left the farms of Poland to work in the coal mines of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Baran creates a delightful memoir for his family and an enjoyable experience for the rest of us, reminiscent of "Angela's Ashes." This is a coal region classic and a monument to hard work, perseverance and a joyful spirit. His unique style of writing adds much to the story. This is a book you will want to share. We can only hope for another.

Rating:
Summary: Don't bother!
Review: I'm from Frackville originally and thought this would be an interesting book to read. I was quite unfortunately mistaken. Like another reviewer pointed out, it's misspelled, grammar-challenged, and poorly conceived. Don't waste your time on this one.

Rating:
Summary: Feet First, by Walter A. Baran
Review: If Frank Capra had known Walter Baran, he no doubt would have wanted to make the Baran life story into a movie. It is a Capra-esque life, filled with challenge, humor, friendships and the triumph of good-heartedness over physical, financial and social adversity. The rich interpersonal anecdotes paint a vivid picture of a man who loves the human race, tames his adversaries, forges lifelong friendships with his casual acquaintances, and embraces them all like family. In business, in politics, in world travels or in the Baran backyard, an endless parade of colorful characters are enriched one way or another by their Baran encounters. The reader of this autobiography is likewise enriched as he navigates the episodes and parables of this amazing life. Casting the central character of this movie would be impossible; he's a once-in-a-lifetime character.

Rating:
Summary: Feet First, by Walter A. Baran
Review: If Frank Capra had known Walter Baran, he no doubt would have wanted to make the Baran life story into a movie. It is a Capra-esque life, filled with challenge, humor, friendships and the triumph of good-heartedness over physical, financial and social adversity. The rich interpersonal anecdotes paint a vivid picture of a man who loves the human race, tames his adversaries, forges lifelong friendships with his casual acquaintances, and embraces them all like family. In business, in politics, in world travels or in the Baran backyard, an endless parade of colorful characters are enriched one way or another by their Baran encounters. The reader of this autobiography is likewise enriched as he navigates the episodes and parables of this amazing life. Casting the central character of this movie would be impossible; he's a once-in-a-lifetime character.

Rating:
Summary: a lesson can be learnt with humour
Review: Walter Baran paints poignant picture of his childhood - growing in a fatherless family, when there was rarely enough food on the table, and new shoes and shirts were a dream. He leads a reader through his life story with a gentle - and sometimes not so gentle - humour. He doesn't recollect pains of poverty with bitterness, but with a self-confidence and belief that honesty, compassion and understanding of humanity will always overcome the obstacles that the life is throwing his way.
Baran writes in a simple, colloquial, but eloquent style that captivates his audience's attention from the very first page. The chapters covering his childhood and youth are real gems.
Today, it is almost impossible to imagine the hardship the author had to overcome to become a successful entrepreneur and devoted public official.
He did it without complaining, blaming others and the society, or asking for entitlements. And that is probably the most important message Walter Baran is giving.

Rating:
Summary: "feet first" by Walter Baran
Review: With vividness and color, Walter Baran brings to life
what it was like to grow up fatherless and poor in
the anthracite coal regions of Pennsylvania, the area
in which I live. A true-life Horatio Alger story,
the book goes on to describe how he overcame the poverty of his
childhood to become a manufacturing executive, advocate of Polish
causes, and Secretary of General Services in the cabinet of a Pennsylvania governor, Richard Thornburgh. The book is not only a heartwarming autobiography, it's also a valuable tool for anyone interested in the everyday life of 20th century European immigrants to the coal regions.

Rating:
Summary: "feet first" by Walter Baran
Review: With vividness and color, Walter Baran brings to life
what it was like to grow up fatherless and poor in
the anthracite coal regions of Pennsylvania, the area
in which I live. A true-life Horatio Alger story,
the book goes on to describe how he overcame the poverty of his
childhood to become a manufacturing executive, advocate of Polish
causes, and Secretary of General Services in the cabinet of a Pennsylvania governor, Richard Thornburgh. The book is not only a heartwarming autobiography, it's also a valuable tool for anyone interested in the everyday life of 20th century European immigrants to the coal regions.