From Coal Dust to Gold Dust: The Journey of a Miner's Son is a story about finding your place in the world.
From Coal Dust to Gold Dust: The Journey of a Miner's Son is the true story of a coalminer’s son who enters the world of International corporate troubleshooting. An odyssey of travel, culture, witnessing firsthand the multi-faceted aspects of human behaviour; where one’s spirit and values are tested to the full and life’s simple lessons are relearned.
Excerpt
My Spanish was now becoming quite fluent and I felt comfortable in most situations whether it be work or in a social setting, as colleagues regularly invited me to their home or to parties. Summer was coming to an end although the temperatures in the daytime were still warm; a chilling wind would increasingly remind one that autumn was near. Ricardo Sanchez De Pablo, a great traditionalist, invited me to his home to share with his wife and his neighbours the official passing of summer. The event was to be held on a large grassed area with a rotunda where the fine art of Sevillanas dancing would be practised. This dancing was so erotic although partners barely touching one another. The men were like proud peacocks displaying their style as he danced around this partner with a passion I have rarely seen in my lifetime. Ever since that moment the mere sound of Latin music whenever or wherever it might be evokes something off in my soul.
Praise for From Coal Dust to Gold Dust
"I just finished reading 'From Coal Dust to Gold Dust'. I must say I enjoyed this new book immensely and found it very easy to read. I looked forward to every new chapter in the author's life. Many of us have a picture of a tough life in English coal mines after seeing films including old black and white footage. So it is no surprise that the author starts in a coal town with humble beginnings rising to become a successful business executive - trouble shooting his way around the world, often leaving his family at 'home' wherever that was. Stories reveal a young man’s career, his aspirations and personal growth over a forty year period. What surprised me was not the highs and lows or difficult times over this period but the honesty with the author describes each event. The journey is of a modern family experiencing people and countries all over the world before ending up in Adelaide, South Australia.
A great story that will interest many."
Peter Lawrence, Western Australia
"Amazing, inspiring and very funny. Ken has the knack of making the reader feel as though he or she is there with him. He seems to have a boundless energy to test new waters and learn other cultures. Once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down."
Sheryl Caston, South Australia
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Reviews for "From Coal Dust to Gold Dust: The Journey of a Miner's Son"
Reviewed by John Irving
3/21/2011
I know the author and approached the book with some trepidation given that relationship. I needn't have worried as I thoroughly enjoyed the book on a number of levels.
It is a good story and well written but it also has some terrific lessons about life and how to live it. The author by his own admission had no great ambitions but by accepting the challenges and grabbing the opportunities he fashioned a great life...one he could never have envisaged when he started down the path.
I think thats a great lesson and one most people would benefit from...bite of more than you can chew and chew like hell!
Reviewed by Ella Blake
2/10/2011
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ken's book, as did my husband. I particularly enjoyed the way in which Ken detailed the characters whom he has met. I laughed when some were described and could relate them to friends and foes of my own. It was a very interesting journey into an amazing array of work situations and associated dilemmas. Ken's book drew me in, I became very unproductive and managed to devoured it in 2 days. Thank you Ken and congratulations to you.
Coal Dust to Gold Dust” is a must read book. From cover to cover, Ken’s journey had me intrigued every step of the way. His story is both interesting and inspiring and I found it difficult to put the book down. The depth of experience Ken has achieved in his years is brought to life brilliantly. 10/10.
