IS THE AMERICAN DREAM STILL ALIVE? Bob Russell wrote this book to celebrate our free market economy and to honor those who have achieved The American Dream. This book includes the inspirational life stories of 17 of his friends who achieved their dreams and financial independence through owning a small business. These life stories are the pride and hope of America. The hardships and difficulties that some people had to overcome in order to become successful is amazing. These entrepreneurs had the vision, determination and intelligence to succeed and provide products or services which created jobs. This free market competition results in improved products or services and reduced prices, thus improving all our lives. Everyone seems to have their own idea of exactly what The American Dream is, but most believe it is the ability to achieve their goals and do as well or better financially than their parents. There has been a lot of discussion recently about whether The American Dream is dead or achievable. In this book, the author shows that The Dream is not dead even though government regulations and taxes have made it more difficult to achieve. Russell feels that by turning the free market loose our national economy will expand resulting in more people realizing The American Dream. ..".a consummate account of entrepreneurial financial success obtained through free market capitalism. ...a remarkable gallery of seventeen life stories-heroic, tragic, moving... The American Dream is a tribute to the spirit of entrepreneurial success and is highly recommended to interested readers." -Robert J. Smat, M.S., Ph.D., Organic Research Chemist and Patent Agent, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. (retired) "Bob Russell reminds us that the great American success story has been achieved by many families. ...it is worthwhile to read, as it is a reflection of American culture." -Gary W. Rodgers Ph.D, Professor, Florida Southwestern State College Colorado State University-Global Campus "Bob Russell"s book is a resounding endorsement of free market capitalism as told through 17 life stories of entrepreneurs who have achieved significant financial success. This book will no doubt give readers confirmation that free market capitalism. ...is the supreme economic system..." -Tim Allen, Ph.D., CCIM, Professor, Eminent Scholar and Alico Chair in Finance Lutgert College of Business, Florida Gulf Coast University