TAKING THE LEAD: LESSONS FROM A LIFE IN MOTION (Derek Hough)

I love watching dancers dance.  Gene Kelly is my all-time favorite and Derek Hough is running a close second,  He is a wholesome looking, disciplined, multi-talented young man who has won an Emmy, choreographed a gold medal winning Olympic ice dance (for Meryl Davis and Charlie White), and won a record 5 mirror ball trophies on Dancing with the Stars.  I know that some of my reading comrades will be snickering over my choice of this book to read.  I thought it would be interesting to browse through, to get a little hint of how Derek arrived at the level of success that he has achieved at age 28.  Surprise!  This is a well-written, thoroughly inspirational, non-self-aggrandizing book.  Even the little Reflections on Derek sections at the end of each chapter, which could seem a little egotistical (you're not going to ask someone to write something bad about you, are you?) offer insight into his work ethic and empathy of his partners' fears and limitations.

There are no "scoops" here, no salacious stories of back-stage romances, no tell-all details of relationships gone bad, no criticism of fellow competitors or stars on DWTS.  This is Derek's story from start to finish.  He was hyperactive as a child and was bullied often, a fact that he kept a secret from his parents.  He was a wild teenager in some respects and describes his adventures (and several lucky escapes) with fellow dancer Mark Ballas in the UK during those important formative years.  He uses various negative incidents in his life to illustrate how he used them to become a stronger, more positive person.  Most of all, his love of family and commitment to constantly changing and progressing comes shining through on every page.  Derek did plenty of drinking, smoking, and making out with girls, as many normal boys do.  What makes him unique is that he has been able to analyze his motivations, reactions, and emotions, take that knowledge, and use it to keep improving and evolving, not just as a professional, but as a person.  This would be a great book for a younger person looking for inspiration and motivation, or for anyone who enjoys Dancing with the Stars and is curious about Derek Hough.  You won't be disappointed!