Book excerpt: "Papa's Pearls: A Father's Gift of Love and Wisdom To His Children and Grandchildren" is an engaging and uplifting memoir that tells the story of how the author's father transformed his own life as a Depression Era street kid on a fast track to prison, to become the archetype of a successful self-made man who was also a loving father. The nurturing customs, practical advice, and life success principles (learned through the school of hard knocks) that he imparted to his children and grandchildren are a prescription for how to live a happy, productive, and meaningful life.