I heard Drew Philp speak about his experience renovating an abandoned house in Detroit before I read his book. His verbal story was fascinating, and now I know that the written version is just as amazing. Drew's writing reads like fiction and held my attention to the very last page.
Raised in a middle class home by parents who instilled a strong work ethic, Drew embarked on his journey in Detroit not knowing exactly what he was getting into. Buying a dilapidated house in an all but deserted neighborhood a few blocks from downtown Detroit was quite an undertaking. Drew did his research and was able to purchase the Queen Ann he had his eyes on for the minimum bid of $500.
His story recounts not only the hard work, but also the dangers of renovating a house in a crime riddled area of a major city. He brilliantly describes the people he met along the way. Some helped him by providing him a place to sleep or tools to use. Others were ready with suggestions and actual hands-on labor. There were some who made things difficult by blocking his progress or sabotaging the projects he worked hard to complete.
I was impressed by the Detroit history Drew included - how a once giant of a city fallen into ruin. The courage Drew and others displayed in taking back a neighborhood was inspiring. Their willingness to sacrifice comforts to do things right and not take advantage of mass marketing and commercialism reminded me of the wastefulness of most of us. I know I'm too comfortable in my safe, warm home to attempt what Drew accomplished, but his story has made me think about how I might make a difference in other ways.
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