Can't Is Not an Option

My American Story

By: Nikki Haley

Narrated by: Nikki Haley

Length: 4 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

A rising star in the Republican Party shares her inspirational memoir of family, hope, and the power of the American Dream.

Decades before their daughter surprised the nation by becoming governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley's parents had a dream. Ajit and Raj Randhawa were well-educated, well-off Sikhs in the Punjab region of India. But despite their high social status, the Randhawas wanted more for their family - the opportunities that only America could offer.

So they left behind all they had known and settled in Bamberg, South Carolina (population: 2,500). As the first Indian family in a small Southern town in the early 1970s, the Randhawas faced ignorance, prejudice, and sometimes blatant hostility. Nikki remembers stopping at a roadside produce stand with her father, who always wore his traditional Sikh turban. Within minutes, two police cars pulled to make sure they weren't thieves.

But the Randhawas taught their children that they should never think of themselves as victims. They stressed that if you work hard and stay true to yourself, you can overcome any obstacle. The key is believing that can't is not an option.

The family struggled to make ends meet while starting a clothing business in their living room, eventually growing it into a multimillion- dollar success. At age 12, Nikki started to do the bookkeeping and taxes after school. After graduating from college and entering the business world, she watched business owners like her parents battle government bureaucracy and overregulation.

Her frustration inspired her to get into politics and run for the state legislature. That first campaign, against an entrenched incumbent, led to racial and religious slurs and threats - but Haley, like her parents, refused to back down. She won on a promise to fight for reform, lean budgets, and government accountability, which is exactly what she did - much to the dismay of South Carolina's old-guard politicians.

Soon she had a reputation as a conservative leader who could get things done. In the same state where her family was once ridiculed, she inspired a diverse grassroots following. In November 2010 she was elected South Carolina's first female governor and first nonwhite governor, and only the second Indian American governor in the country.

Haley's story, as told firsthand in this inspiring memoir, is a testament to the power of determination, faith, and family. And it's proof that the American Dream is still strong and true in the 21 century.

©2012 Nikki Haley (P)2012 Penguin Audiobooks

Awesome & Inspiring

This book is awe inspiring. I had to purchase this for all of my children and grandchildren as an object lesson for life. I met Nikki Haley when she came to Greer SC for one of her speeches. She was direct and to the point that she wanted to help the smal business folks. And she did.! I slipped her a note as I shook hands with her and she stuffed it in her pocket. I wanted to draw her attention to some legislation that was floundering in the statehouse. Two weeks after we met, her office called me to say that Governor Haley would personally push the legislators to get the bill approve and signed into law; And she did. Within a year the legislation was passed and signed into law.

Haley is a remarkable woman who’s love and background should be required reading for all high schools. I only met her that one time but she sure made an impression on me as I watched her during her governorship in SC. May God bless her with wisdom and understand for she is now in the corporate world, doing her best; as always....

Very Inspiring

loved it! A quick and truly inspirational read, and her determination is awe-inspiring. Really loved it.

An American story!

Such a great American story! If you want to understand what it takes to stand up for what our country should be read this book!

Great Story Well Read!!!

What made the experience of listening to Can't Is Not an Option the most enjoyable?

I just love the story of success against all of the odds. this is the story of a courageous person setting a goal and then with her family working hard to achieve that goal. This is a book about a politician, but more importantly a person who you get to see all throughout the book.

Truly Inspiring

Governor Haley reads her story beautifully. The meaning she draws from her own journey reveals the best of the conservative movement.

loved it and gave me an insight into her life.

loved it and gave me a insight into her life. would recommend this book highly.

An inspiring role model

This story is told from firsthand experience of facing impossible situations, and coming out standing tall. This is a must read for women looking for a positive role model in U.S. politics.

Magnificent story by an incredible woman!

If you could sum up Can't Is Not an Option in three words, what would they be?

Inspiring, tenacious, wholeome values

What did you like best about this story?

I love learning about people that I admire, how they got where they are and what influenced them.

What about Nikki Haley’s performance did you like?

I like books read by the author best

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

As I listened to Her story I felt a sense of pride for our Country and this family for what they accomplished. These are the stories our children need to hear...stories of working hard for what we earn, to learn from failures, to have faith in God, and not give up! always be kind and respectful as these are what makes life so good.

Wonderful Book!

This is one of the best books I have listened to for a long time. I decided to get this one to listen to before listening to her new book. I am so happy I did. Nikki Haley is a strong, intelligent woman. I admire her for her strength and the way she can get things done without being nasty.

An excellent read!

While much of the contents included topics that I am already aware of, it is also true that that there were quite a few of which I was not aware. It is definitely a great read and I'm glad I read it.

I truly loved listening to this book

I really enjoyed listening to Nikki Haley's story; her sincerity and her rise to political power. I have a very strong feeling that she will be the first female President of the United States of America.

Awesome

Fantastic listening experience from Nikki Haley, her background, her experience, her fight for victory.
a truly beautiful and rewarding book.