A treasury of motivational anecdotes from people who wanted another chance at something good—and took it.

The book collects the hopeful examples of people who found a leg up, another spurt of energy, a hidden talent, or even an untapped strength, sometimes with the unexpected help of friends or strangers, to make a happier life for themselves. It’s the big stuff like going back to college after the kids have grown up, as well as the little things like getting a judo belt when you thought you could hardly manage a push-up.

From the author of One Good Deed, Like My Mother Always Said, and other entertaining and motivating volumes, this book is an inspiring guide to letting the future win over the past.