Watch
Me RISE

"I am a friend of Doug and his brother Darrell and went to graduate school with them. I knew some things about their lives and about Doug being the graduating class speaker at Northeastern and his visit to the DC to meet Senators Kerry and Kennedy and President Clinton. What I did not know was how hard their lives were, and how things could have ended up very badly with their family but thankfully did not. I'm so glad that he and his family are doing well, because sadly, there are many who grow up in circumstances such as theirs who don't have happy endings. Reading the book and imagining his voice as he was telling his life story was incredibly emotional and moving, and it was a hard book to put down. It's a great book for anyone who is an educator or works with youth, or anyone who just wants to read a heart-warming story.This is an incredibly inspirational and motivating story for our time."

"Watch me RISE is a book for everyone to read , I started reading this book because I grew up a couple house down from Doug. I even remember the first time I met Doug was in third grade. I also remember that summer when he wouldn't come to play. Doug's Mother is and always will be and amazing person, " RING THOSE BELLS , Mama Luff". Doug and I went to the same high school. We even had some of the same friends. I never knew what went on behind closed doors. Doug's story is amazingly written with joy and sadness with each turning page. I cried and laughed with each page as a read his book. So proud to call him a friend, you are truly amazing person. Watch me RISE Doug!!! Watch Me RISE!!!"

"Doug's tale will keep you riveted. He is an amazing man and his story is compelling. He reminds us that we each have it within us to soar. He will get you up and out and striving for all you are meant to be. Doug gives us heartfelt encouragement to be cognizant of our gifts and to develop them in service to our fellow human being. He reminds us to look inside at our talents and use them to live the big life that God intended for us all. You will be deeply moved by Doug's story. It will help you to contemplate how you are spending your life here on Earth. You will love Doug's story."

"I graduated HS with Doug. We were not friends but knew of each other as you do when your in large city HS. Reading his story brought back many memories of the guy I saw. Yes I never knew his obstacles the time. But I believe anyone who works with children as we both ultimately did needs to read this book. I also believe anyone who is not sure how push through their obstacle will be inspired to RISE in their own right. I will be donating my copy of the book to a local library"

"When you feel the pressure to give up on life, read Doug's book and realize there is always a ray of sun behind every cloud. Doug faced many challenges in his younger life, abuse, poverty, homelessness, hunger and he overcame all! A beautifully written story about how Doug made his dreams come true with the encouragement of his mother and a few mentors. This book only took me two days to read (less if you count hours instead of days)! I cried while reading it and felt so proud of Doug and his accomplishments!"

"I recently read Watch Me RISE by Doug Lufforough and was just blown away with his personal story. His story is told from his heart and serves as a positive example for young and old alike. As a former classroom teacher and school administrator, this book should be on a required reading list for all current and future educators. Doug, thank you for having the courage to share your story."

"Watch Me RISE is a fascinating, heart-wrenching, and entertaining book. With each chapter and stage of life, Doug shares his high points and low points, with the reader always rooting for more of the former. Doug's moving story embodies the axiom that hard work is the ticket to success. I'm recommending this book to all my friends and family. Thank you Doug for sharing your incredible story."

"OMG just finished this amazing book in 2 days I couldn't put it DOWN!! Doug I admire your courage in writing such a personal book about your life and what you endeavored and overcome in your life to become the person you are today!! SO proud of you and I think this book should be in all school systems for our young children to read!!"