Let me first say thank you for your military service...and to your brother as well. My son, Cody, is a Marine stationed at Camp LeJeune and has been to Afghanistan and was wounded in Iraq. No one as young as you were, or as young as my son, he was 17 when he enlisted, should be in the military. But I guess if they didn't get you when you're young, you'd have the sense not to go later on! Or at least I hope my son would've been smarter had he not joined at such a young age.
Now to your book. When I first opened the file and discovered it was an autobiography, I wasn't thrilled. In fact, I closed it and went on to something else. Having run out of other things to do today, I opened the pdf once again and decided I'd bite the bullet and read it anyway.
I am so glad I did! You have written a a very touching, funny and loving account of your life. It takes a very brave soul to put their real life out there on display and open up such personal memories for public viewing. You must be feeling the fear of the what if's by now....what if no one likes it, what if someone laughs, what if someone ridicule's me...the list can go on and on. It's the reason I write fiction...the truth of my life is too much for me to bear, much less put it on display!
You are a very fortunate man and a very candid and brave man, in more ways than one. Thank you so much for sharing your life and your family with me. I am going to spend a couple of days chewing on all that I've read before I write my review. I just wanted you to know that I think you rock!
Rie McGaha
May 2009
I read Home After Dark with interest in all aspects of the story and rate it Five Stars *****! Mr. Robidoux's story touches the essence of what many people struggle with in their own lives and one can learn a great deal from his career achievements and misfortunes in his personal life. Darryl Robidoux truly is a significant inspiration to me, and I know that although life's path isn't always easy, one can achieve amazing things, as he has.
Home After Dark is truly authentic in all respects which is refreshing knowing the author's writings were not sugarcoated. Just the Real Life Deal!
This story will inspire others as well as myself to new achievements and to eventually write my own life story. I am so very happy for Mr. Robidoux and the success of his writings. I also have enjoyed occasional visits to the book site at HomeAfterDark.com and reading about Mr. Robidoux's reviews and tour appearances.
I have come to know Mr. Robidoux over recent years, and he is truly a wonderful person to know.
Nina Marvcesim
Consultant, Southeast Arizona
Nevada Veteran Reporter reviews "Home After Dark" and rates it four Stars **** and a very interesting read…..
HOME AFTER DARK - One Man's Memories. (By Darryl E. Robidoux, hardcover, 372 pages, Five Star Publications.) This book relates the emotionally raw story of an imperfect man who describes what he says was a tough life and a troubled childhood. He left home as a young teenager yet he writes that he was able to achieve the American Dream.
In 1953 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Ft. Deven, MA for processing. Later, he ended up in the 11th Airborne Tank Battalion at Ft. Campbell, KY. He was injured during training and in and out of several hospitals, but was still in pain. So he left the military by going AWOL, went home, took a civilian job, and after a period, decided to return to Ft. Campbell.
He met with the adjutant general, explained his situation, and was allowed to return to boot camp. After training, he was assigned to a desk job, which he declined and then requested jump school training. The Korean War was winding down, but he and his unit went through severe combat training none the less, and he completed jump school. However, that's only one chapter in his life. There's his education at UCLA, positions with the Atomic Energy Commission, with NASA and Xerox, and three marriages. He reports he is currently undergoing treatment for bone cancer. But bad experiences aside, he feels that he won the "dream lottery" and is pleased with the successes that he has had.
Home after Dark is a very interesting story to read, and to learn from, as he suggests in his life that individuals should not allow their drive for success to overwhelm them.
By Chuck Baker Radio
Las Vegas KLAV host
5 Out of 5 Stars...Life in the Fast Lane From a Guy Who Has Been There.
"Darryl Robidoux has written the story of the first 40 years of his life - a heartwarming account of one human being who isn't afraid to share his highs, his lows and his innermost thoughts. I found this book to be fascinating, because I, too, lived through the times of unlimited expense accounts, private planes, and living on the edge. While some readers may wonder about Darryl's encounters with the opposite sex, believe me - that's the way it was during the 60s and 70s. His account of corporations, relationships, and the changing world brought back many memories of my own life. This book is easy to read and very well written. From his youth on a farm, to the heights of corporate America, Darryl accepted no boundaries to realize his dreams. As host of "Authors WebTV.COM", I've had the pleasure of speaking with Darryl about his book, and he is truly a gentleman with a story to tell."
Linda S. Thompson
"Host of AuthorsWebTV.com"
July 29, 2009
"Born into a family of farmers and a dropout from school at age sixteen with absolutely no recollection of parental hugs, or the words we desperately need to hear repeatedly from childhood to adult, 'I Love You!'
"The eyes of Darryl E. Robidoux witnessed poverty during childhood, hard labor, and the lack of one of the most important human needs in life which normally stems from birth through adult, love.
"Knowing farm life wasn't for him and determined to change the lifestyle he once lived, while carrying the insensitivity of not knowing what love is on his shoulders, he moved on. He walked on the road to success, without looking back. He lived what he learned.
"We make choices in life, unintentionally; those choices are sometimes not always the right ones.
"When we start at the bottom, there's only one place to go, climb the ladder to the top.
"With motivation and determination, Darryl reached for the stars. He sought perfection, not fame, but fortune. He studied engineering in college, then computer science, and became a great asset to Xerox while the company was booming.
"Although, he had a wife and children, his work became top priority. Years later, his work became his life. He was obsessed with becoming wealthy, and perfection at the work place was his primary goal. He achieved his goal and retired at age forty as a very successful man. But after he retired, he realized something was missing.
"Something, that gives people a reason to live gracefully, and happy as they age. Something that he felt was missing during childhood, something that everyone desperately needs to grow up with.
"He realized that life, regardless of wealth, needs to be nourished with love. He realized that the most important necessity in life is one thing we can't buy, while learning that money wasn't everything. The author clearly informs the reader that dedication and motivation are important, and success is wonderful.
"He encourages people to educate, and to be who you want to be. Most important, without a doubt, he describes that the golden key is the one to your heart. Without that key, an emptiness will exist, which will forever need to be fulfilled.
"I applaud the author for pure honesty, and inspiration to all. I recommend this novel to everyone that seeks to learn from others, for all those who wish to learn how to become successful, and to everyone who wishes to benefit from a story told through experience about the most important roads in life.
"The autobiography of Darryl E. Robidoux is as sentimental as RICH MAN, POOR MAN. HOME AFTER DARK captures the heart the same way it does in PRETTY WOMAN and is as passionate as NOTTING HILL with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant!"
Monday, June 15, 2009
Geraldine Ahearn AIOM HonDG
author of 6 books
Founding Member ABI Women's Review Board
"Welcome to the life of Darryl E. Robidoux. Born in New York on April 21, 1935 one of six children, with a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins, Darryl tells the tale of his life in a comfortably rambling style that gave me the feeling, I was sitting across the table from him listening to him talk over a cup of coffee.
"From his early days on the farm to his days in the Airborne division of the United States Army to his marriage to a woman who was pregnant by another man, to the death of his sister Rachel, and brother Jay, this is a funny, touching story of a true American life.
"When I first opened this novel and saw it was an autobiography, I shut it and put it away for later, when I was really bored. I am not much on autobiographies. The next day I opened it again with the intent of "just getting it over with," but when I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The antics of a young boy were heartwarming, as were the tales from his teen years, but I laughed out loud as he told stories from his Army days.
"Home After Dark is a treat and a candid look into an America most have never seen. This is a wonderful story that shouldn't be missed by anyone."
Rie McGaha
Oklahoma
May 4th 2009
A part of history,
"I have had four men read different parts of this book, and they really enjoyed it. I personally found some of his transgressions with women to be cold and harsh. However, this is his life story. Therefore, it is only fair to the author that I give his book a FOUR **** STAR RATING. It is well written and honest!
"From a child born into poverty to a man who could grace the halls of any mansion or board rooms, this is the true story of Darryl E. Robidoux. At a young age, Darryl knew farming was not the life for him. Farming was back breaking work from dawn to dusk. He wanted more from life than that.
"At every stage of his life, the author's goal was to learn as much as he could absorb and to better himself. Despite dropping out of high school at the age of 16, he made it into college and first majored in Engineering, then later experienced more premier education.
"He viewed his career assignments as a challenge to him; his goal was to be done faster and better at what he did than anyone else.
"One thing the author hopes people will understand about his book is that they learn from reading about his experiences; to make better decisions and live a balanced life. Anyone with enough passion, self motivation and perseverance can become whatever he or she may want to be.
"Darryl E. Robidoux met the goals he set for himself and retired at the age of forty while his career took him through the early stages of computer development. He states unequivocally that he is a biological product of his parents and that can never be changed, but he likes the person that he is.
"This reviewer can't help but think that when he retired, he learned how to love and how relationships work; to not only receive but also to give.
"While working on this review I had a chance to email Darryl. We sent some emails back and forth. I have a secret for you that I learned. Darryl is a really nice man. It is the kind of man; he is now that will be remembered the most."
Sandra Heptinstall
Whispering Winds Book Reviews
"Darryl and I have been friends for many years. I thought I knew him pretty well.
"But, in reading his book, I learned more about the depth and intensity of this man than I was ever aware of. As it turned out, I am so appreciative of the opportunity to read about my friend and his journey of forty years.
"I have always enjoyed discussing with Darryl complex matters of common interest."
Frank Cvetic
Tigard, Oregon
April 25, 2009 - Saturday
"Darryl;....You amaze me, the fact that you remembered all the little details of your life and what happened long ago...You were
into a lot of things and went to a lot of places...I would recommend this book to all MySpace friends and allow them to see just how talented you are and where you came from...
Thank you for that great book experience!
Sharon Snyder
MySpace Friend
"What an amazing book! Home After Dark was a fascinating read that was hard to put down. It describes Robidoux's life from his beginnings in rural America to his climb to the top of the corporate ladder. Robidoux reveals his professional successes and failures in a very honest and courageous way. Moreover, the book offers many important lessons in life and will definitely be on the top of my recommendation list from this day forward!"
Glen Gable
District Sales Coordinator, Aflac
"What a life Darryl Robidoux has lived!!! My conclusion is that his book titled "Home After Dark" is outstanding in so many ways.
"That is my reaction while I was reading his book. The story's details are Truly Inspirational from a wise man. It reminds me of a question that Philosophers have been asking for many years; what is life's purpose and what will an individual become?
"It is a very honest book. Darryl shares his private life with me as a reader to become a better person. Life is all about becoming and never about getting. This book made me laugh, but it also brought tears to my eyes, and the most important reaction I got from this book is: I must work on myself as a person harder than I work at my job.
"Who I eventually become as an individual will result in the ultimate pain or pleasure, and it's always up to me to choose. We as people all have stories, but this one is truly awe-inspiring!
"Thank you Darryl, for touching my life; It has been a long time, since I have experienced as many human emotions from reading a book."
Ron Attias
Effortless insurance
Palantine, IL
"I must admit most books I have read lose my interest after the first couple of chapters, but once I started reading "Home after Dark" I barely put it down until I had finished it. My wife was wondering what was wrong with me.
"The lessons Darryl learned throughout his life are not only interesting but will serve as great motivation for me.
"His story showed me how someone can rise to the top of the business world with little or no formal education, but with a strong work ethic, common sense and a fierce desire to succeed. Darryl has shown that anything is possible if one really believes in him or herself.
"Home after Dark is a great story about how a small town farm boy, climbed the Corporate Ladder to success and enjoyed a life that most people could only dream of, and all of this, by the time he was age 40. It really is an inspirational story, and I am looking forward to the sequel."
Gareth Phillips, Operations Manager
Touch Up Guys
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
"I found Home after Dark to be a true lifetime story of a very hardworking man who knew that he would not settle for less than what he wanted.
"I am sure various parts of Robidoux's story have been experienced by others during their lifetime but maybe not all of his experiences by one person. For me, it was a very interesting read, and I found the many details that were explained to be fascinating. I was so drawn to the story that I couldn't wait to get back to the book and read more. I was anxious to see what was going to happen next. Very well described memories and I can't wait for Robidoux's next book."
Maryam McPherson
Packaging Engineer
Applied Materials
Pleasanton, CA
"I've always been fascinated by the life stories of people… particularly
those who have found great success through hard work and determination.
"Darryl's story is no exception. It's amazing how vast his experiences were
in such a relatively short amount of time. Much can be learned from his life
lessons. Certainly worth a read!"
Bettina Miller, Manager
Principle Financial Group
Ankeny, Iowa
"Darryl, congratulations on your achievement as the in-depth details of your "one mans memories" you have documented must have been difficult not only to recall but also to endure once again.
"In reading Home After Dark, the reader gets a real sense of a life torn between the heights of success in business and wealth with the lowest of lows of a broken heart. The lessons learned from dedication to achieving awe-inspiring goals through education and personal drive are honestly offered, but come with the dire warnings of personal depression from not knowing how to live a balanced life. Darryl's life is lived as two sides of a coin. It was a pleasure to share this great journey."
Glen Hawken
CEO, Touch Up Guys International
Gold Coast, Australia
"What a story!!!! I believe this is a "must read" for anyone who believes they have come from a disadvantaged background, and as a result of that, they cannot achieve in our society. Darryl has given the reader a clear path to success---SETTING GOALS and with HARD WORK. Although I take exception to his transgressions, I do agree, and can relate to, his dreams and driven personality. He clearly shows the way to a life of success and luxury if one chooses to apply him or herself. I only wish I had read this book when I was twenty years old."
Russell A. (Rusty) Lush
Robina, Queensland
Australia
"Home after Dark is packed with so many life experiences that it might be the
story of half a dozen people instead of one."
Ted Henry, Owner
Film books by Ted Henry
"I read Home After Dark and It was definitely an interesting read.
I thought the parts about your career gave a good insight into how someone
moves up in the world of large business."
Guy Rabideau
Attorney at Law
"Thank you for the opportunity to read Home after Dark, your story is very honest and compels the reader to travel with you on your amazing journey. I felt your sadness, your pride and your joy in the three days it took to read."
I look forward to the next book.
Mary F Meeks
Green Valley, AZ
"Robidoux makes clear in his conclusion that his purpose in sharing his life's story is to influence others to avoid letting their drive to success overwhelm them and hence perhaps overlook what is really important in life. His story is worth being told and worth being read. By reading this collection of recollections, we can for a few moments live vicariously in the 'fast lane'."
Lee Adams
Retired College English Professor
"Throughout Home After Dark, Robidoux describes his drive to excel, his commitment to hard-nosed and honest business practices based on facts and figures, and his sometimes ruthless willingness to tangle with anyone whose views challenged his own conclusions. A must read!"
Jerry Adams, Ph. D.
Author of Discipline Without Anger
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