Breakfast at Sally's: One Homeless Man's Inspirational Journey

The story of how this gentleman became homeless was eye opening and a little frightening. It could happen to any one of us middle-class people. The problems the homeless face finding basic human necessities--shelter, food, medical care--is a situation the United States has to address. This books covers the topic in a well written first-person narrative that holds the reader's attention. What surprised me was that the "bums" in the book were more caring, accepting, kind, and helpful than those with means. The book wasn't "preachy" and highlighted the many acts of compassion given by churches, individuals, and the Salvation Army. It's a good read.

This was an enjoyable read, very personal telling of author's life as a homeless man. He does meet some interesting and crazy folks along the way. When he tells about the helping hands that showed up when needed, specifically the minister allowing him to stay overnite in the church, use the shower, refrigerator etc., I was reminded of a similar event involving my church years ago. Our pastor insisted on leaving the church door unlocked offering homeless folks shelter for the nights. He met with objection and worry from church members concerned about damage and liability -- points brought up by the author in this story. It is a dilemma. Our church was burned down with the cause being cigarette butts. No one was injured, but it makes a sad circumstance become a heartbreaking one. Trying to be kind Christians does not necessarily make homeless people responsible or grateful. I'm glad Mr. Lemieux was both.

This book pulls at your heart strings. After reading it, hopefully you do something to help the needy ! I did!

A well written story of Richard's life after he lost everything he owned, after his children shunned him & his wife left him, all because of a financial crisis following his business failure. This is not an "oh woe is me" story though. From what I gather, he kept a journal on a daily basis and, using a discarded typewriter, wrote this book as he was living it. His new circle of friends provide the material and substance for this book as they, and Richard too, become resourceful at living, eating, and, in some cases, raising children without the benefit of a home. Sure, there is an RV that one of his friends have, and some others have may have a car that they can sleep in, as one family of four he meets does, (Richard has a van that he can sleep in). It's the stories in this book that make it hard to put down, a book that you will not want to end, and the way that they are offered for us to read... very well written and a pleasure to read. Absolutely loved chapter 23 for all it had to offer, and for the sportswriter in Richard, I had to read it twice, it was that good :)

What a wonderful book about the authors life as a homeless person. He masterfully told the story and opened my eyes on the plight of our homeless population. A touching story that I recommend for you to read.

Ultimately, I liked this book and wanted to continue reading more about the author and the other homeless people he met. The book does have a lot of "boring days" but this reflects what life is like. Richard is giving us a feeling for the rhythm of life as lived by the homeless. We never get a good understanding of how he ended up losing everything but his dog and his van - the same is true for most of the people in the book; we just don't know their full stories. But, again, I think this reflects what life is like - we seldom know people's back-stories. However, we do get a feel for what their lives are like on the street - finding places to sleep, finding free clothes, finding free meals. Richard doesn't judge anyone - and we, seeing through his eyes, just accept each person for what he or she is. Richard meets some interesting characters, some not so likable characters, some noble characters, some tragic characters. The book is interesting, it is easy to read, I found it a good experience and recommend it for anyone interested in a better understanding of the homeless, or the marginalized. I think the book could be read by even high school students as there is little illicit material (a little drinking and a little dope). I hope Richard LeMieux is happy and healthy now; I do think the book leaves the reader wanting good things for him as he does not blame anyone or seem to feel any entitlement - he's just a man doing the best he can in a puzzling and sad situation.

An endearing and soulful look at a situation we are all maybe one paycheck a way from.

But for the Grace of God. This book is one of the very few I will remember for the rest of my life. Richard made me laugh and he made me cry. I cannot imagine at his age having to go from very comfortable to living on the streets. I think he was very forgiving with his children after them abandoning him so shamefully.

Diese Lebensgeschichte hat mich von Anfang an gefesselt. Ohne großes Selbstmitleid und ohne Beschönigung, dafür aber mit Einfühlungsvermögen, guter Beobachtungsgabe und Humor erzählt der Auto von seinem Leben als Obdachloser. Ein anrührendes Schicksal, ein bemerkenswerter Mensch.Auch sprachlich und erzählerisch sehr gut gelungen, so dass selbst ein so trauriges Thema auf unterhaltsame Weise nahe gebracht wird.

Quite an interesting read and shed some light on the homeless situation. However, I'm still not convinced that it has to be as bad as it is. A couple of the situations he gets into really stretches one's credulity. Also, it says nothing about the rest of us who are subject to B & E's etc. not to mention the clean up that we have to pay for when they move along. I could write a book just on that subject. However, the book was not about us. It was nice to think that little faithful Willow finally had a nice home. God knows she earned it.

4 stars for a real star of a man who made it through the rain. Richard has a heart for people and his beloved dog and a love for life which took time to recognise.Read this book and be challenged, it's not what we have but what we are that matters.