Often customers recommend books they have enjoyed or learned from. It’s interesting when I find myself reading several in a row with a similar theme. This is how it has been for the past few weeks.

The last four I read are very interesting as they tell stories of people who did extremely well in their professional lives and terribly in their personal lives:

David Nino Rodrigez wrote “When the lights go out: from survivor to champion.” He is a former heavyweight boxer with a 36-0 record who was heading for the world heavyweight title when it all fell apart. When he decided to commit suicide, he wrote this book on his cell phone so that it would be a record of his life. What a life! He’s been full of destructive behaviors, addictions, and two escapes from death. The book is extremely honest to the point that sometimes he would just shake his head while reading and wonder how he could repeatedly injure himself. But David fought through his personal issues and now he is a champion not for the kids who have been bullied but also an inspiration to all of us.

Brandtt Myhres was a boy from Alberta who often spent time on the track to escape the beatings his stepfather inflicted on his mother, sister and himself. His book, “Pain Killer,” describes life as an enforcer on seven hockey teams, including San Jose, Calgary and Los Angeles. His addictions and emotional trauma, however, led him down a dark path that eventually ended with a lifetime ban from the National Hockey League. Brandtt squandered all the millions of dollars he had earned, went through rehab programs multiple times, and finally figured out how to stay clean and sober. He then studied in a substance abuse behavioral health program at Mount Royal in Calgary and was hired by the Los Angeles Kings in September 2015 as the team’s player assistance director (sober coach). He now reaches out to others who are struggling with their own demons.

“What Are the Odds? – From Crackhead to CEO” is the story of Mike Lindell. Mike created and owns the “My Pillow” company that most of us found out about through the advertisements. On the outside, Lindell may seem like a very successful person who is friends with various politicians and celebrities, but the journey he has undertaken has been fraught with problems. Mike openly admits in his book about his substance addictions, gambling problems, terrible decisions, relationship problems and financial recklessness. Getting sober was a long journey, and learning how to run a business properly was just as difficult. At the beginning of this autobiography, Mike wrote, “I dedicate this book to anyone looking for hope.”

Clint Malarchuk wrote “The Crazy Game: How I Survived In The Fold And Beyond” with Dan Robson. In addition to having the stress of being a hockey goalie, where everyone is watching and waiting for you to stop the puck, Clint experienced a lot of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He also had a skid to the neck that was so severe that he nearly ended his career and threatened to end his life. Clint played in the NHL for the Quebec Nordiques, Washington Capitals, and Buffalo Sabres. Like Brandtt, Clint was also born in Alberta and, like the previous three authors, used substances inappropriately.

I like to read biographies. They all talk about the struggles the individuals faced, how they overcame them, and how they ended up helping others. So inspiring!

Enjoy reading about these four men and how they overcame problems in their personal lives.