Can a man be so unlucky that he always becomes the target of bullying and discrimination in his life and career? Chibike Ichifenelo Nwabude in his autobiographical book The Sad and Painful Journey of a Struggling Disabled Black Man: Surviving Against All Odds. “Don’t Quit” elevates bullying and discrimination to a whole new level of bad. From the dirt roads of a remote village in Nigeria to the concrete jungles of the United States of America, the author’s journey, through no fault of his, is marked by constant struggle. He points to his physical disability and the dark color of his skin as the drivers of his unlucky streak. Will we see him fold or will we see him rise to the challenge and keep on fighting? This is what the book explores in over two hundred pages of text.
Stricken with debilitating polio that crippled his right leg at the young age of four, Chibike has always found fate conspiring against him. Yet rather than give up, he willed himself to walk with an uncomfortable leg brace permanently strapped to the affected leg. His life in Africa took a turn for the worse when a four-year civil war rocked Nigeria and separated him from his parents. Living in a squalid refugee camp, he managed to survive and find his way back to his family. With his acceptance as a student at the Seattle Central Community College and the University of Washington, he expected to realize his American dream. Instead, unfortunate incidents of bullying and discrimination in school and later on at work nearly derailed his life. Armed with an iron resolve, the author persevered to overcome the difficulties thrown his way. After he graduated with a Mathematics degree from the University of Washington, he proceeded to apply for jobs despite his perceived handicaps as a person with disability and a man of color. Bullied and discriminated again, he stood his ground and fought back with a vengeance.
The book details one man’s unflinching crusade against bullying and discrimination. That he continues fighting the good fight is something that we should all be thankful for. It is an inspiration for us all.
Brown Sugar: The author of this book is such an honest man. I couldn't believe his story, but it really existed because of how he described his experiences with all honesty! The injustices he experienced in his work places were unreal. His faith keeps him going and his love of God is awesome. This book is a must read book especially for those individuals undergoing injustices, inequities, and losing hope. Thank you Mr. Chibike Nwabude for writing your experiences in details. God bless you!
Avid Reader: There is only one word to sum this book up and it is inspirational. Having turned the last page I felt terribly guilty to have taken so much for granted. By sharing his story the author grants us the privilege of seeing his live and the lives of other disabled people from an entirely different perspective. He shares with us his challenges but more inspiringly his total commitment to his faith which has given him tremendous strength of character. I can say without any hesitation that the memory of this book that will stay with me for a long time.
Ebele Okoye: I love this book because it is so captivating, very interesting, realistic and inspiring. Once you start reading it, you won't feel like putting it down till you get to the end. It borders on real life experiences, and some of the day to day occurrences. Way to go to the Author, Chibike I. Nwabude!
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