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This book is subtitled "My story from crime to community and fat to fit", but that's not entirely accurate. What struck me about this book is that it is less one man's story, more a multitude of stories tied together by one man's story. Acres of space are given over to the many other people who have played significant roles in Letele's life. This feels very, very right.

There is inspiration in this book if that is what you are looking for.

There is plenty in this book to infuriate you, too, and I got the impression that Letele was holding back a lot. New Zealand has a very long way to go before we can honestly say that all our people get a fair go. But there is no wallowing in this book, no self-pity. Instead there's a lot of people stepping up where government and society have failed and contributing what they can to fix things.

"No excuses" is a bit of a clue to Letele's philosophy, but there is much more in this book: no judgement - accept people as they are; just start now, don't faff about waiting for "the right time"; consistency - keep plugging away at what it is you're doing; you will have bad days, but you will also pick yourself back up and get back on the wagon. And more.

Well worth a read.