Title: A Room at the Top
Author: Heath Ducker with Samantha Trenoweth
Publisher: William Heinemann, 2009 (365 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-74166-674-8
Topic: Autobiography/Memoir

Summary:

Heath Ducker grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. He couldn’t even see the tracks from where he lived, in dilapidated government housing, with shattered windows and holes in the floor that let the weeds climb through. He lived with his emotionally fragile, single mother and nine siblings, conceived with half a dozen different fathers, none of whom ever moved in. Most days, there was nothing to eat but breakfast cereal.

Just when it seemed things couldn’t get any worse, soon after Heath’s twelfth birthday, he was sexually abused by the father of his only real friend.

However, Heath was determined, from the outset, that he would not let his circumstances beat him. As a teenager, he was so committed to passing his final exams that he lugged his books up a mulberry tree and onto the roof of his house to study in the only quiet spot he could find.

Now, at 25 years old and as a result of extraordinary courage and resilience, Heath Ducker is a lawyer with a passionate commitment to improving the lot of underprivileged kids. He lobbies politicians on their behalf, gives his weekends over to voluntary work at camps for teenagers in trouble and he leads treks for young people along the notorious Kokoda Track in the highlands of New Guinea.

When Heath appeared on ABC television’s AUSTRALIAN STORY in 2006, he provided inspiration for thousands of viewers. His life story has continued to inspire as one of the most frequently viewed episodes on the ABC TV website.

Now, in A Room at the Top, Heath Ducker, for the first time, tells his story in his own words.

Comments:
While A Room at the Top is written in a very easy, approachable style, I found it particularly difficult to read about Heath Ducker’s struggles as a child with no proper food or clean, warm clothing. The barriers he had to overcome seemed so great and I felt for the small, scared child he must have been.

For those willing to read through Heath’s more challenging experiences, his story offers a very positive message, as his life demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit and the significant impact simple acts of kindness and acceptance can have on individuals.

I find it incredible that someone who has experienced what Heath has could have such a positive and balanced outlook on life. His strong desire to make a difference in the life of others comes through very clearly in his book and is very inspiring.

I spoke with Heath after the launch of his book. He commented “As people, we need to know that we belong to something, that we are valued. The way to do that best is to live in a community that values each other.” It seems such a simple thought but his words have challenged me to really think about how I interact with the people around me each day.

Two particular organisations played significant roles in offering support and encouragement to Heath during the difficult years of his childhood. The Aunties & Uncles program offered Heath the opportunity to experience a structured and caring home environment and Youth Insearch offered a mentoring program that helped him to realise that he had value and could achieve his dreams. A percentage of sales from A Room at the Top will be donated to Youth Insearch.

Heath’s story is one that will stay with me for some time. I plan to give a copy of his book to a friend who works with local youth. I think his story is incredibly encouraging to anyone who strives to be a positive influence in the lives of those around them, particularly those who work with teens and children.

This is review is part of my contribution to the Literary Road Trip hosted by GalleySmith. I am highlighting authors from New South Wales, Australia.

Related Links:
Suite101.com review of A Room at the Top