Review Book Endorsement Quotes   “License to Live is a must-read book for anyone striving to move past their mountains and turn their obstacles into opportunities.” Greg S. Reid Speaker, Filmmaker and Co-Author, Three Feet from Gold   “Elvin’s life is truly amazing and inspirational.” Lia T. Gaines President & Chief Executive Officer, BEDR Corporation   “Elvin Dowling’s ability to overcome overwhelming obstacles—in spite of his circumstances—is a testament to the indomitable spirit inside each of us as we strive to live our dreams.” Bill Stephney Former President, Def Jam Recordings and Author, Be a Father to Your Child   “Elvin Dowling is the sort of man who is a facilitator. He gets things done. If there’s a call to action, he’s the man who hears that clarion call and steps up to the plate… Elvin Dowling is a true motivator.” Wendell Pierce Critically Acclaimed & Award Winning Actor Played “Detective William ‘Bunk’ Moreland” on HBO’s “The Wire”   “Each and every one of us want more change in our lives—change meaning to make it bigger, better, brighter, more beautiful. And, Elvin is the guy to do it because he is the leader of the ‘Architects of Change.’” Mark Victor Hansen, Co-Author, Chicken Soup for the Soul   “I have witnessed Elvin’s vitality, his ambition and his passion for ministry. I am sure that young people and older people alike will be blessed by the Word of God as presented by this very powerful and anointed brother.” Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Johnson, Sr., Senior Pastor, Canaan Baptist Church of Christ   “Elvin obviously has a passion for the church and a calling that he is going to have the opportunity to fulfill.” Ann Nobles Senior Vice President, Eli Lilly Company   “This book is going to touch thousands and thousands of people.” John Mack President, Los Angeles Police Commission         “Having experienced both the highs and lows of life, I know what it takes to succeed. This book, License to Live, is an essential tool in helping each of us to plot our own “Real Life Roadmap” to live our greatest life, with quality and satisfaction. It’s simple truths, wrapped in a framework that most of us can understand—learning how to drive—and the universal rules that we can all learn from this common rite of passage, as we travel along our way. Read this book. Take the test. Live with passion. Change the world!” Peter Hirsch Author of the Best-Selling Book, Living with Passion   (Endorsements Below are from elvin’s website) v     hardworking and reliable “He’s incredibly hardworking, diligent and reliable. He has the highest integrity possible, but, more importantly, he’s just a good guy!” -        Tom Hyde, Executive Vice President—Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.   v     an asset to any organization “Elvin is an asset to any organization, any team. He is the go-to guy to solve problems. He has a generous spirit and a great sense of humor. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.” -        Melinda Emerson, The Small Biz Lady     v     gets things done “Elvin Dowling is the sort of man who is a facilitator. He gets things done. If there’s a call to action, he’s the man who hears that clarion call and steps up to the plate.” -        Wendell “Bunk” Pierce, Critically Acclaimed Actor—HBO’s “The Wire”     v     truly amazing “Your life story is truly amazing and inspirational!” -        Lia T. Gaines, President—BEDR Corporation Read more From the Back Cover "License to Live "is where "Heart of Darkness "meets "Chicken Soup for the Soul." It is the story of Elvin Dowling, an African American who not only to saw the world while mingling with those who rule it, but also gained the life experience to inspire others. His story begins in an overcrowded apartment in a South Florida ghetto, winds its way through Capitol Hill in Washington, DC (and, from time to time, the White House), and lands on Wall Street, the financial capital of the world. "I am blessed and highly favored. To say that God has been good to me is an understatement when you consider the obstacles placed in my way and the losses I have endured." By sharing the harsh realities of his upbringing, the author delves into the heart of life's challenges while providing a roadmap for you to defy the cruelties of life. He reveals reactions to his own troubles, and unveils the detours to lead you to destiny rather than defeat. An eye-opening and heart-stirring message that sheds light on the truth that" your past does not dictate your future. " Read more See all Editorial Reviews
A**R
inspiration
This book is really written for everyone. It was passed on to me from my brother-in-law and now my Auntie is reading it, everybody is being affected by its story though!It is about overcoming obstacles and not allowing the negative issues in your past to affect your future. As someone who has also had a very difficult upbringing (albeit not involving murders etc) I can totally relate to this which is why i tend to seek out these titles to help provide 'answers', because this book comes from the story of someones life it is very personable rather than some that tend to be lectures on how to live your life.The book is also written with the analogy of the universal language of those who have learned how to drive and uses the language of driving (i.e. "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" and "stop look and listen") although it still doesn't help me to turn right which I am prone to avoid forever I think!If you need inspiration then it is here for sure and the fact it is endorsed by the incredible Les Brown speaks volumes.
J**S
Simply Nothing but a Rewarding Read
Is it still possible to pick yourself up by your own bootstraps, overcome a life of misery, and become an amazing leader that helps to reverse artifacts of the past? Yes and Elvin Dowling proves exactly that. In License to Live, both my husband and myself were so impressed with Elvin's motivation, desire, and goals. He has become a man who has led some of America's most historic institutions. He is a man who gives back to society even though society didn't always give him a chance.The greatest thing Elvin taught us was that our past does not have to dictate our future. He teaches this very concept by his life and his story here. I know for a FACT than some of Elvin's principles will help me achieve more than I would without them. His "Behavior Kinesiology" shows how you can combine both a physical and mental forces within you to be better in all walks of life.
S**4
License to Live
License to Live, bye Elvin Dowling is a very unique and wonderful book designed to help even the most "down-on-your-luck" person in our society to find a sense of self-worth and completion in even the most difficult of circumstances. That having been said, it should not be misinterpreted that this is, in any way, a self-help book in the traditional sense. This book is not about pity-parties. It does not encourage you to simply "think positive thoughts" and all will go away. Instead, Dowling has encourages his reader to join him on a heart-felt, and deeply personal, journey in which they will face their problems head on.Dowling starts this book where few others have the courage, with a recounting of his own personal journey. This very personal touch to the book sets a tone of solidarity with is reader that carries throughout the text. Also, having seen everything he's been through only enhances the amazing message of hope that this book provides. It is not simply the half-cocked ramblings of some blow-hard, telling you how your life should be even though he has never been there. Instead, this is a heart-felt plea for each and every person, regardless of their circumstances, to find their place in life. To discover exactly what it is that makes them unique and to use those unique gifts to tackle all the obstacles that lie ahead.As a person who has suffered from depression for a majority of my life, I can tell you that this book is unique in both its format and function. There are many out there who attempt to offer solutions by trying to fundamentally change who you are. They want you to overcome yourself, not just your affliction. They encourage you to change everything, even the fundamental elements that make you who you are. At no point during my reading of License to Live did I ever feel such pressure. Instead, I felt inspired by this basic implication of the text: my obstacles and afflictions in life have affected me, even in some ways defined me, but they do not have to control me. They can make me stronger, and they can equip me to help others. This is a message of hope I find unrivaled by the plethora of "self-help", pseudo-psychological nonsense on the market today.Dowling's work is truly one of compassion. His passion for the marginalized of the world is evident on page 1 and carries through to the very last page. This is not simply a money making gimmick for him. He is not promoting some empty personal agenda. This is not about face time or publishing deals. This is about helping you, his reader, to discover the rich and fulfilling life that is available to you. He knows your struggles, feels your pain, and he wants to be there by your side to help you overcome it all. And, above all else he wants you to remember that, in the midst of it all, hope does exist.
J**E
An Adorable, Encouraging Book!
As they say, "The Underdog Overcomes...and So Can You!"This is an amazing book about an amazing man, Elvin, who overcame incredible odds to become a leader among men. His story inspired me to do much more with my own life and I wanted to write this review as my THANKS to Elvin for writing such a jewel. He opened his life and his heart for us. He explored the depths of his childhood problems and showed us how he climbed up from there to success that some only dream of.He now encourages others, not just through his writing but also in his seminars and speeches. I can't wait to see him in person as soon as I can. If you want pointers, REAL pointers on how to achieve fame, success, fortune, or simply a calm, peaceful countenance, there is no better place to turn than to License to Live.
R**W
This Book Will Bring Out The Leader In You!
I always enjoy reading books about people who have overcome obstacles and fought against great odds to become pillars of inspiration. In License to Live Elvin Dowling shares his hardships and struggles and how he surpassed them to become the man he is today. He's a leader who doesn't carry around the bitterness of his past or make excuses. Instead, he used the lessons in his life as a springboard to the future and has created a life that will inspire all who read License to Live.
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