**Sam Braken's story is now out as an enhanced e-book (multi-media) iPad app that plays off it's award-winning zip-around canvas book.

Sam Bracken shares his story of growing up in Las Vegas with mobsters and motorcycle gang members as his role models. Abused by his wannabe mobster stepfather Leroy and a sadistic older stepbrother, Bracken started drinking and doing drugs by age 9. As a 13-year-old his love of sports led him to quit drugs and drinking. He languished in special education classes until an eighth grade teacher discovered he just needed glasses.

His mom suffered a mental breakdown and abandoned Bracken when he was 15. Despite being essentially homeless throughout high school, Bracken graduated with a 3.9 GPA and No. 11 out of a class of 720 and won a full football scholarship to the Georgia Institute of Technology. When he left Las Vegas, everything he owned in the world fit into an orange duffel bag.

After a standout year as a freshman Georgia Tech football player, Bracken suffered seemingly career-ending shoulder injuries. Once again, he beat the odds, eventually re-earning his starting position on the team and graduating with honors. Today the abused, homeless teen has grown into a man who lives the American dream with his wife Kim, three sons and a daughter. As an executive with FranklinCovey, Bracken travels the world speaking about change, leadership and excellence.