Breakfast at Sally's

One Homeless Man's Inspirational Journey

By: Richard LeMieux

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

“The book reads like a novel... But it has the ring of truth, and an uplifting message that endures.” (The New York Times)

Once a happily married businessman, an avid golfer, and the proud owner of several luxury cars and three boats, conservative-minded Richard LeMieux saw his fortune change almost overnight. In this now classic memoir that has touched thousands of readers across the globe, LeMieux describes his descent into homelessness and his struggle to survive personal and economic disaster.

Evicted from his home in 2002 and living with his dog, Willow, in a beat-up old van, LeMieux finds himself penniless and estranged from his family and friends. He dines at the Salvation Army (Sally’s), attempts suicide, and is treated at a mental hospital, where he is diagnosed with depression.

Writing on a secondhand manual typewriter, first at a picnic table in a public park, and then wherever he can, LeMieux describes his odyssey and the quirky, diverse, and endearing cast of characters found among the homeless people of Bremerton, Washington, and by extension, everywhere else.

Breakfast at Sally’s is a rare inside look at how the other America lives, and how one man, beaten down and alone, was able to reconnect, to find good people, and, ultimately, with their help, to persevere. Updated with an all-new chapter, interviews with the author, a book club guide, and an obituary for Willow.

©2009, 2012 Richard LeMieux (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Penetrating look into the lives of the homeless...

I wish he would have told the story of how he ended up on the streets, but the portraits that he paints here are vivid and touching.

Amazing insight

What made the experience of listening to Breakfast at Sally's the most enjoyable?

While the story itself was captivating and held my interest, the narration by Dick Hill was outstanding, and made this book so enjoyable as an audible. The many different voices he gave to the many characters was delightful, and made me feel like I was really there.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I left this story with a whole different view of homelessness than I started with, and a much better understanding of homeless people and their many different situations. It made me both laugh and cry.

Any additional comments?

This book was so well done, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read that will truly impact their lives.

This guy is very inspirational.

If you are at a low point in your life and need some inspiration, look no further.
The questions at the end of this audio pose some serious thought, I really enjoyed it.

Compelling look at homelessness

This book is a very engrossing look at homelessness, from the point of view of a man who had everything, lost it all, and somehow regained hope again. His depiction of life on the streets, the network of people - the chance encounters, the long-term relationships - was beautifully rendered. Some portions of this book made me laugh; others made me cry. With beauty, grace, humility, and grit, Richard LeMieux captured my heart and made me question my beliefs about the homeless in my own little slice of Canada.

Dick Hill did a wonderful job with this book, in my opinion. Based on many of the reviews I have read of his performances, this is a narrator many either love or strongly dislike; Breakfast at Sally's is a good book to introduce you to him.

This was not a book I could listen to all in one sitting - at points I was so moved or simply had to stop to digest what I was reading - but it is so well worth your time, money or credit.

different point of view

I have had friends who have been in situations that have had them sleeping in their car or at shelters. I have also allowed friends with their children to live with me when they had no where else to go. In all cases these mothers worked, but had more month than money at the end of each month. This book has definitely brought about another perspective. The book highlights the challenges and struggles of the homeless. However, I love how the book also highlights the love, connection and concern amongst people, showing that even through one's struggle, many were willing to help the next person. Great book, would definitely recommend.

Talk about a paradigm shift!!

High Schools should make this required reading coupled with community service. We all get in our comfy little bubbles and call anything we don't understand, "Bad." Thank you Mr. LeMieux for your perseverance to live out your most difficult struggles so you could help others.

What a great book

This book really kept me invested in Richards story. I love it so much. I’ve learned that you can find good people everywhere

forever changed

If you could sum up Breakfast at Sally's in three words, what would they be?

Breakfast at Sally's opened my eyes to see the less fortunate, in a new light. I never really thought of myself as a judgmental person, though realized that culturally my mind was conditioned to be one. I love this story and did not want it to end. I now look for any opportunity to make a difference in a homeless persons life. Rather it's to give them few dollars when they ask or simply just treat them with love and kindness. It is not my place to judge there motives, just to treat them the way we all want to be treated, like a human being. I recommend this book to everyone.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Richard, clearly for his courage to tell his story. I also loved Cee, (if that is how you spell it) I love how he challenged the rules, laws and understanding of what "we" think we know of who Jesus is. His insight into God himself, helped me see Jesus's presence through out the entire story. Love that he looks out for everyone's well being. Yes he is a regular pot smoker, though honestly if that is his medication for coping, who really cares. His heart and the kindness he had for his homeless friends made that small detail so insignificant.

Have you listened to any of Dick Hill’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not that I remember

A must read

While I am not one to like reading long books - this one captured my heart and attention having me listening any moment I could. I will re- read and am sending this book to a social worker who works with the homeless.

I feel schools should have thus as required reading. Helping to gain not just and understanding of what it is like to be homeless yet to see how they help one another and serve one another. The poorest of the poor still find it in them to share their metal last dollar. My compassion for tge homeless grew immensely and the end of the book gave ways to help homeless.

Thank you for writing this book. May God bless all your days and your beautiful homeless family.

Disappointing

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I just didn't buy into the story. It seemed more fictional than non-fiction.

What could Richard LeMieux have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

This is an account of his experience so what happened, happened. However, having a similar experience (living out of my car for 9 months) I just don't believe a large portion of it.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Dick Hill?

Dylan Baker

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not for me.

Any additional comments?

Having been in a similar situation I just cannot buy into this story. It is more of a fictional tale and leaves me doubting the authenticity of it. But I have not been to that part of the country so it may be true. I found it hard to relate to the author and characters. Many people have liked this book but unfortunately I found myself wanting my money back.