The Advance

Issue date: 10/22/09 Section: Entertainment

There is nothing like combing great coffee with a story about riches to rags. In fact, it isn't often enough that a reader doesn't mind hearing rich man whine. However, Michael Gill's "How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else", an ill fated saga, embraces a whole other aspect of our fast paced society.
Discriminated against because of his age, Gill loses his executive job, cheats on his wife, fosters another child and discovers that New York has little to offer an old white male. Coincidentially enough, his saving grace turns out to be a younger black woman. Gill is forced to work in a store fully staffed by minorities. During the story, Gill often refers back to earlier instances in his life.
While working for the prestigious New York communications and advertising company JWT, he recalls being racially driven when it came to their staff and clients. When he works at Starbucks, Gill realizes he was given a chance that he, personally, wouldn't give to a black man.
Needless to say, this book hits hard on the themes of racial equality, age and gender discrimination and more importantly, second chances. I thought it was an extremely quick read for 272 pages.
It's important to note, however, Gill's ability to gain favor with his honesty. Initially, the reader will feel that he's asking for sympathy. Yet, in the end, Gill becomes happier than he was when he was wealthy. It is truly a humbling experience.

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