Both Sides of the Fence

Both Sides of the Fence: Searching for Success is the follow-up to Michael A. Amos's 2015 Heritage Toronto Award-winning memoir, Both Sides of the Fence: Surviving the Trap. Searching for Success continues to take the reader on the life journey as seen through the evolved mental attitude of the protagonist, Michael A. Amos, who grew up thrust into Toronto's notorious Jane Street and Finch Avenue West area, and yet refused to accept his early circumstances as the reality for his future. The themes of Michael's story range from how he overcame the psychological effects of being raised around poverty and violence to the positive mental attitude and decision-making process that he developed as an adult. In a mature and poised style, Michael continues the story of his journey with this new attitude that was shaped by positive environments and experiences, and how by persisting through life's many ups and downs, he was able to flourish as a member of Canadian society. Having seen life from both sides of the fence, Michael's goal is to share his story in the hope that it will help individuals from similar backgrounds to identify and recognize what they might achieve by dreaming big; setting goals; and being dedicated, consistent, persistent, and open to change. Michael also hopes that this now two-book series will serve as an inspiration to young readers of similar backgrounds and provide educators, law enforcement officers, social services, government agencies, and the general population in Canada with a true-life reference of an individual who made the conscious decision to overcome overwhelming odds and find success. Excerpt from Both Sides of the Fence: Searching for SuccessMore importantly, I often had a larger question burning in mind-a recurring thought that was like a splinter in the back of my brain, causing my head to throb. A simple question that superseded all others. But no matter how many times I tried to ignore the question, it kept fighting its way into my dailythoughts, bubbling its way to the surface of my psyche. 'Am I a success?' At the age of thirty-one I was still confused; still searching for success, wondering if I would ever find it, whatever it was.