Go Far, Give Back, Live Greek: A Memoir

by George E. Danis

Overview

Go Far, Give Back, Live Greek is the odyssey of one man's journey from his childhood village on a Greek island, struggling to survive wartime occupation, to becoming a highly successful businessman, political advisor, fundraiser, and recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. It is a journey of perilous ocean crossings and illegal immigration, of arrest and deportation, interspersed with years of hard work and high risks that are essential components of the American Dream.

Written with passion and insight, Go Far, Give Back, Live Greek is beautifully optimistic and refreshingly free-thinking, yet is at all times connected to an ancient source of wisdom and love for humanity. From the first page to the last, George E. Danis reminds us that success is best measured not by balance sheets or bank accounts, but in community, care for the planet, and love of family.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781637559697
Publisher:	Amplify Publishing
Publication date:	08/06/2024
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.88(d)

About the Author

George E. Danis is a successful businessman, organizer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Born into poverty in rural Greece, George entered the U.S. as an illegal immigrant, yet decades later was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in recognition of his philanthropic endeavors and promotion of democracy. Highly active in politics for four decades, George was a fundraiser, advocate, and advisor to governors, senators, and presidential candidates. Today he divides his time between Boston, Massachusetts, and his childhood town of Karystos, Greece. He is married to his wife, Karen, has four children, and nine grandchildren.

Editorial Reviews

2024-11-20
Danis, an immigrant and entrepreneur, shares his story and vision for America’s future in this debut memoir.

Born into an impoverished family in rural Greece, the author recalls that the objective of his childhood education was to “read, write, and understand why Greece was the cradle of Western civilization.” And while the idyllic natural beauty of Greece, with its olive trees and clear ocean waters, is noted in the book, of greater import is the author’s recollections of the impacts of the country’s early-20th-century military conflicts on his family—from his father’s service in the 1912 uprising against the Ottoman Empire through the two world wars. The author, a recipient the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, initially immigrated to the United States illegally (“There was only one place I wanted to go,” Danis reflects on his early years; “America”), and would go on to become the CEO of Plastic Molding Manufacturing. Blended into the book’s inspirational rags-to-riches personal story is the author’s political commentary on contemporary America. Danis’ political takes are not only informed by his experiences as an immigrant and entrepreneur but also by decades spent as a political fundraiser and advisor to politicians. His relationship with fellow Greek-American Michael Dukakis plays a prominent role in the book, with an entire chapter devoted to his position on the finance committee of the Democratic presidential candidate’s campaign. A key facet of Danis’ political vision is the concept of “Living Greek,” which emphasizes community, effecting local change, and “offering your support to people who need it.” Allowing that some readers may label his proposals “socialism” considering his emphasis on issues including climate change and closing tax loopholes for the wealthy, Danis carefully avoids the incendiary, partisan rhetoric commonplace in today’s political commentary. Instead, the book’s optimistic approach emphasizes the author’s belief that “America’s strength has always come from her willingness to take in those in need of refuge.” Written in a conversational style that offers candid assessments of his early struggles, this is a gripping story that highlights the best aspects of the American Dream.

Both a motivational memoir and probing commentary on American politics.

Kirkus Reviews