Book excerpt: In this heartfelt memoir, motivational speaker and life coach Keith D. Harrell writes passionately about the lessons he’s learned from his parents, grandmother, teachers, coaches, mentors, and friends as he overcame stuttering to become one of the nation’s top-ranked professional speakers. Tall, skinny and shy, Harrell painfully learned on his first day of school that he couldn’t talk like the other students. Embarrassed by the kids’ teasing and feeling dejected, he ran home during recess, where he was met by an understanding mom who wouldn’t allow him to remain discouraged. The lesson Harrell gained from this experience and imparts to his readers is: God specializes in originals. He doesn’t make junk! Each chapter in this heartfelt book begins with a quote from the Bible and concludes with a touching and insightful life lesson. Harrell’s story encompasses his years of speech therapy, the awkwardness of being a foot or two taller than his elementary-school teachers, his father’s tough love, the anguish of his parents’ divorce, gaining confidence through playing basketball—and eventually being scouted by the NBA and then watching his dream evaporate. He goes on to recount the trials he underwent in the corporate world as he sought out his true passion, and how he built a fledgling business into a million-dollar enterprise, eventually receiving enormous acclaim as a professional speaker. Harrell’s faith in God and unflagging attitude propelled him to success as he enthusiastically tackled each obstacle that beset him along his path. In An Attitude of Gratitude, he presents this story as an inspiring source of encouragement for anyone who has ever experienced setbacks and wants to learn how to become better equipped to handle each challenge as it arises.