An Inspirational Journey is a memoir told as short stories that capture the heart, spirit, and strength of a boy struggling to find meaning and wholeness in his journey to manhood. Anders' mother called him "Buster." His Cherokee grandmother named him "Open Eagle" because of the way he ran with his arms spread wide, squealing when he greeted people, much like an eagle in flight. In Anders' stories, "Open Eagle" explains how he was molded by different cultures, people who were significant to him, and events that impacted his life. His stories demonstrate the flexibility of human beings and our capacity for transformation based on trust as well as fear. The American bald eagle, from which Anders' Cherokee name is derived, is a figure that has played an important role in the history and culture of the first Americans. It is a symbol of power, freedom, and grace as it soars in flight. The wide-spread wings portray stability and strength, transcending human limitations, while flight portrays growth, change, and transformation.