Winner’s Way

Kirkland R Gable
Star Cloud Press (2009)
ISBN 9781932842326
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/09)


“Winner’s Way” tells the story of a college student named Mark.  Mark has several deep issues in his life.  In addition to recovering from Leukemia, Mark is caught between choosing an education that will support his dad’s dreams of running his business, or following his true dreams.  This dilemma has a huge impact on Mark’s life. He really has no interest in the business.  Mark also is surrounded by people who materialistically make him feel inadequate.  Mark also attempts to “keep up with the Joneses,” in an effort to impress his girlfriend.  He doesn’t let her know who he really is because he feels ashamed about his family’s lack of wealth and status.   On top of all this, he has frequent run-ins with some local gangsters. 

When Sensei enters Mark’s life, his perspective starts to shift. Sensei is an enigma to Mark, sometimes he appears to be a drunken bum, and other times he seems to be a man of great wealth. No matter what, he always has a life lesson in store for Mark.  Through Mark’s adventures with Sensei we get to watch him grow and we learn from his experiences.  Actually, in addition to Sensei, I found all of the people that Mark encounters to be great teachers for him.  This includes his roommate, his girlfriend and his father.  Sensei is definitely the one that shows Mark “The Winner’s Way.”

Kirkland R. Gable, the author of this book, incorporates his extensive background in Psychology into this story.  In addition to reading an enjoyable story, I was able to look at the messages being taught and apply them to helping me improve my own life.  In the back of the book, the author includes some very interesting Author’s Notes and a list of references that could be used as resources to assist the reader on their personal journey.  Personally, I found “Winner’s Way” to be very inspiring and motivating.  I highly recommend to all reader’s who seek a better way of life. Young adult readers will really enjoy relating to the story.

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