“[Alan Pesky’s memoir] soars with emotion, hard lessons, and zippy writing. It’s a compelling story of learning from our most difficult loved ones and healing from loss with a dedication to public service that anyone would enjoy ..”
“Had Pesky chosen to write a book simply detailing his life and many accomplishments, it likely would have been intriguing. But what he has produced is deeper and more emotionally riveting, as the author peels back and examines the layers of his often difficult relationship with his eldest son, Lee. While filled with wonderful tales of personal and professional fulfillment, the narrative is propelled by a singular, excruciating loss.”
“At times this well-written, gut-wrenching memoir reads like a thriller. At other times, a labor of love. Alan Pesky takes us on a journey of immense loss and grief but pulls us back from the edge with a sleight of hand — he dedicates the third act of his life to helping others overcome some of the hurdles his late son faced.
In this mesmerizing account of a childhood in the boroughs of 1930s New York City, to his rise to Madison Avenue and the very top of advertising, the trail is filled with unexpected twists. At once sad and heartbreaking, it is also a humanistic, purely American tale that takes Pesky and the reader from grief and remorse to inspiration and hope.
I couldn’t put it down!”
“I was crying by page three, learning by page five, and inspired by every following page in Alan Pesky’s memoir, More To Life Than More. This is a necessary book for parents and teachers. It needs to be read and shared.”
“There is an abundance of wisdom and inspiration for us all in Alan Pesky’s story. Particularly for parents of kids who learn differently, More To Life Than More is a must-read.”
““As one of the original “Mad Men,” Alan Pesky used his imagination to help transform the way consumers saw household brands. As a bereaved father, he founded an organization to help children with learning challenges in the way he wasn’t able to help his son. Alan’s lessons in building empathy will be as invaluable for wise business and non-profit leaders as they are for parents and teachers.””
“Alan Pesky’s transformation from high-powered advertising executive to dedicated and passionate non-profit entrepreneur was driven by the loss of a son he misunderstood. More to Life Than More is a poignant read for anyone who loves, teaches, or works with someone who has learning challenges or disabilities.”
“I have been a grief specialist for over 20 years and I am telling you that within the first chapter you encapsulated all aspects of grief and life. Thank you for the vulnerability in writing this book. I know that without a doubt that it will change the course of readers’ lives. I know this because I believe that nothing affects us more than our relationships with our family, our childhood and how we perceive our parents view us.”
“Readers of many backgrounds will find meaning in this wonderful book —parents who have lost a child, parents of a child with learning difficulties, and anyone who is still in pursuit of their life’s purpose. Alan Pesky’s honest and soul-searching memoir weaves together a series of related narratives, but the heart of the book is its discovery and exploration of empathy and love. A highly recommended book”