Never Anything Too Easy Hardcover - 1999

From the publisher

With all its harsh details, this autobiography of a black man's struggle to survive almost insurmountable odds will inspire you. "Never Anything Too Easy" is the fascinating story of how real-life situations can motivate a person beyond his or her wildest dreams. Forced into foster care at the age of 5, everyday became a struggle. Discover how Henry broke free of the "system".

In this heart-wrenching autobiography, native Chicagoan Nathaniel J. Henry shares with readers his struggle to overcome a childhood without a mother and trapped in the "system". Henry details his tumultuous early years and how through his belief and trust in God, he was able to overcome life circumstances that may have been fatal to others.

Never Anything Too Easy (N.A.T.E.) is the story of this young man's remarkable life. The chaotic and challenging years of his childhood provided him with a strong foundation upon which to build a successful adulthood. Now a successful motivational speaker and master's degree candidate, Henry's struggle to make something of himself proves that anything can be achieved with determination, faith, and the will to conquer hardship.

After his mother died just before his fifth birthday, circumstances caused Nathaniel Henry to be separated from his father and siblings. He was placed with the Department of Children and Family Services as a foster child and for the next thirteen years learned just how hopeless life can be. Without any positive childhood role models, young Henry floundered within the government foster system, even contemplating suicide. The DCFS provides children the bare mecessities they need, Henry explains, but it does not provide children love and support, bothof which are extremely important to a child's development.

In high school, Henry discovered he had amazing athletic abilities. The pride felt when breaking several track and field records and working out with various NBA basketball teams went a long way in showing him just how much he could accomplish. After marrying at a young age and having five children of his own, Henry became even more determined to make something positive out of the negative that had thus far been his life. He knew education and hard work would be the answers to overcoming adversity.

With sometimes brutal honesty, Nathaniel Henry's autobiography shows how success can be obtained by anyone despite all odds.