Life to the Extreme: How a Chaotic Kid Became America’s Favorite Carpenter

I disagree with the other reviewer who said, basically 1) you can’t (or shouldn’t) write a book in 7 days bc it’ll sound scattered, and 2) he couldn’t “follow” the author. Listen, this book is written with a purpose... to show what living inside a mind with ADHD can feel like, how it can be harnessed, and how thriving with the condition IS possible! If you’re looking for a run-of-the-mill publication cranked out by an out of work English Major than this isn’t the book for you. But if you have a loved one who battles ADHD, have it yourself, or just enjoy the wild ride that IS Ty Pennington... then yes... you will enjoy this read. Yea, ok, in the middle of a story he may have a “SQUIRREL!” Moment (movie UP reference)... but that is kinda the point. Look, editors reviewed this before publishing. If it couldn’t be followed then it wouldn’t have made it to print! The small tangents are a look into this man’s everyday mind. And they’re FUNNY! The book is humorous and heartwarming (a lot like the guy America has fallen in love with). Reading this just proves what you see isn’t an act for the cameras. It has highs and it has lows. It’s funny and emotional. It’s a good, light hearted read. And about the notion that he shouldn’t or couldn’t write this in 7 days... HELLO! He built countless houses in that time span! Do you really think a book would be any more complicated? The Ping Pong of thoughts is the underlying message. ADHD is real and real people live with it every single day.

I've been a big fan of Ty Pennington since his Trading Spaces days, so when I heard he was working on a memoir of this sort I was extremely pumped to get my hands on it, and I must say it's pretty incredible in a variety of ways. Aside from the fact that he finished it in just seven days, owing to the building schedule from Extreme Makeover Home Edition, his deeper reflections on growing up with ADHD, the career paths he took en route to EM:HE, and above all else what he brought to the reality show which made history as well as what he took from it, it truly is inspirational (and at times rolling-on-the-floor-laughing-hysterically hilarious!)As someone who also grew up with and still lives with ADHD, I can truly relate to some of the struggles he experienced, many of which are extremely painful to look back on (my most vivid memories include one teacher literally calling me stupid in front of both my parents, and overhearing a teacher's aide wonder aloud if my mother did drugs while pregnant with me), and believe me when I say this, it is an experience which can literally make or break a person. In learning Ty's experiences in finding a way to take that energy and chaos which the condition is taboo for and turn it into something positive, it's been a tremendous help for a lot of people. And although he's reflected on some of these in the past, he goes into much deeper detail this time around to show what a battle it truly was (and is for a lot of people with the condition).At the same time, as a sociologist I've always had a keen interest in philanthropy and charity, and what really caught my attention about Extreme Makeover Home Edition was that it served not only as a form of entertainment but also as an incredibly powerful tool of advocacy for philanthropy and charity in general. With each episode, the show went into depth the process of interacting with these people, using that to determine what would make the greatest impact on their lives specifically, and then making it all happen in an insanely short amount of time. At the same time, with each episode they would focus on the hardships each family faced and use it as an opportunity to bring attention to the social issues associated with those hardships. This in itself was one of the main reasons why the show focused on one family at a time with each episode.(Note: The fact that most of the show's critics as well as the media in general were for the most part completely oblivious to this form of impact serves as a proper explanation as to why people all over the world think Americans are too self involved: to a certain and unfortunate extent, they're right.)What I liked most about this book is how Pennington reflected on his role in making that impact on those families. When this book was first released, Ty did a live signing podcast alongside TS costars Paige Davis and Genevieve Gorder, in which he reflected on one point where when he was growing up and out of control, his mother at one point had a breakdown and while crying told him "I can't handle you", and in witnessing this he started building up this very strong sense of empathy and people skills which allowed him to relate and connect with the families on EM:HE on a very deep level, both in his personal interaction with them and through the projects and designs he contributed to each build for them. Its through this process that the real impact can be found, as the key element to helping someone in need is treating them with a measure of RESPECT, something he was able to accomplish very well. I always felt that was where the real magic within the show was found.Another aspect of the book that really caught my attention was his fiercely honest and modest demeanor in sharing his story. Just as he'd done with his first two books, he owes his success to luck and those close to him in his life, and whenever asked to describe himself in one word, he sticks with 'grateful'. He repeatedly makes a point of the importance of working as a team, and is not afraid to shed light on some of his wrong turns and failures during the show's run. He manages to make up for his shortcomings in dedication though, revealing how he'd push through exhaustion, illnesses and apparently even broken bones to finish his work. I've always held a great deal of respect for him, but after reading this, that respect has increased tenfold.

I have a grandson with severe ADHD and when I read this book it was like it was written by him somewhat. Helped me to understand more of what is going on in his head.

This is a great biography and look into the life and mind of Ty Pennington who has ADHD. As a person who has ADD I can relate. His creativity helps him to get into and out of situations. The reader can see how he grows from a wild child to an empathetic man. Read it.

Funny. Insightful. Bought for my teen so. With ADHD that loves carpentry. Great life lessons hidden inside text

We enjoyed this look into Ty's personality and his TV show. Good read!

Funny and smart

I bought the book because I have a family member that'"s been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.I am pleased to know there is hope. I will share info with my family

Loved it, so true, bare basics, no holes barred. Just a big kid baring his soul.If you love EM and Ty you will love this insight to his soul

Good

Livre très intéressant, on apprend beaucoup de choses sur Ty