Book excerpt: Life extracts a price from us-and it is up to us to determine what that price will be. This book relates the true story of a young man who believes he has no future. Therefore, he pays the price for failure. He has no goals, no ambition, no work ethic, and no sense of responsibility. After years of self indulgence and numerous brushes with the law, he is on the verge of completely destroying his life. Then something in him ignites: a spark of hope. The spark becomes a raging fire. He finds himself consumed with a burning desire to excel. He learns to pay the price for success and his life is transformed. The dramatic events that motivated this man to rise to the top of his field will inspire those who feel uninspired and give hope to those who feel hopeless. The mature reader will enjoy a nostalgic visit. The teens and younger adult readers will discover the ingredients for success. All readers will experience a roller coaster of emotions.