THE IMPOSSIBLE JUST TAKES A LITTLE LONGER: Living with Purpose and Passion

Berg, a popular motivational speaker with an impressive Web site (complete with an online shop where visitors can purchase Art Berg T-shirts and videos), offers a resolutely optimistic perspective on life in his third inspirational memoir and self-help guide. Berg has been a quadriplegic for nearly 20 years as a result of a car accident when he was 21. While doctors gave a discouraging prognosis during his therapy and initial hospital stay, Berg quickly learned to adapt to his new life. Although he was told he would have to use a motorized wheelchair, he left the hospital with a standard one. Berg took an entry-level position as a phone operator for IBM and continued to search for other jobs, finally landing one after scores of rejections. This fierce determination helped Berg become one of the youngest people, at 39, to be inducted into the National Speakers Association Speaker Hall of Fame. One of his most notable achievements was his work with the Baltimore Ravens, who won the Super Bowl in the season following Berg's work with them. His advice is simple: everyone has bad days, but they do end, and the next day may be much better. Laughter is the best medicine. Don't blame others—look to make changes within yourself instead. He offers this counsel by way of 20 chapters, each one giving a different tip (e.g., "Start Sweating the Small Stuff" and "Be Prepared to Go the Distance"). This is an uplifting story that should interest a wide range of readers, especially those coping with disabilities. (On sale Mar. 5)