The Return of the Ragpicker

Book excerpt: Simon Potter’s new message of hope and courage for a troubled world Nearly twenty years ago in a Chicago parking lot, Og Mandino met a man who changed his life and who inspired millions of readers in the pages of Mandino’s classic bestseller The Greatest Miracle in the World. The man’s name was Simon Potter and he called himself a ragpicker—because he had devoted his life to rescuing people who had ended up on life’s refuse pile. But just as suddenly and mysteriously as Simon Potter entered Og Mandino’s life, so did he leave it—his work apparently done. Three years ago, however, Simon Potter walked back into Mandino's life. Ninety-five years old and going strong, the ragpicker knew his work was not yet finished; the world was still mired in frustration and despair, plagued by drugs, crime, broken families, and broken dreams. And so, he and Og Mandino vowed to deliver a precious new gift to humankind: a life guide to renewed strength, courage, wisdom, and faith for all.