Overview

My Ailing Champion is a book for those on the right and those on the left. It notes the harsh environment of the Nazi occupation in Greece and the many obstacles the author faced to get an education in the post-WW II years. Family and community leaders opposed education. The author's mother prevented him from reading books. He overcame all obstacles with heroic persistence and some luck and completed his secondary education. To secure free labor, the author's father promised his support for higher education but twice deceived the son. The sisters' dowries were a significant impediment. Ultimately, the family beat up the author and tossed him into the streets hungry, penniless, and jobless, robbing him of his education dream forever. It was for America to throw a lifeline and enable the author to get a college education, even a Ph.D. The author expresses his deep gratitude for a chance at the American Dream and bemoans the current state of America, his ailing champion. He casts a hopeful note stemming from America's noble character and long-term aspirations, concluding that, far from being perfect, America is nevertheless the best country the world has ever known. Koubourlis defines education as the ability to apply critical thinking. He strives to do so with an honest examination of his life and our world and seeks objectivity in promising dialog of opposing viewpoints; he doesn't shy away from delving into some of the fundamental differences between Communism and Capitalism while suggesting a way to settle diverging viewpoints. Maturing in America, the author developed his critical thinking abilities and prefers evolution to revolution, and conversation to confrontation when attempting to find common ground.

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Reviews

"""Loved it! From penniless to Ph.D., Demetrius battles family, homelessness, and starvation to seek education and the American Dream...The author expresses his deep gratitude for a chance at the American Dream and bemoans the current state of America, his ailing champion. He casts a hopeful note stemming from America's noble character and long-term aspirations, concluding that, far from being perfect, America is nevertheless the best country the world has ever known. -Discovery Reviews (Reedsy) Pointed, pained, touching account of coming to America for learning and freedom."" -Booklife An often absorbing, if occasionally polemic, immigration remembrance and defense of the American dream."" -Kirkus Reviews ""This exciting book is a rare and welcome amalgam of books on autobiography and history. While the book centers around Mr. Koubourlis' life experiences, he doesn't live in a vacuum. The book is deft in critical thinking on why things played out as they did, frequently referencing cultural factors as predominant causes."" -Peter Bo Hansen, Chile/Denmark This book is more than a memoir; it is a beacon of hope and inspiration. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and encourages us to pursue our dreams with the same vigor and passion. Through his life story, the author has not only chronicled his personal achievements but has also provided a roadmap for others to follow, showcasing the boundless possibilities that lie within each of us."" -Hans Kessel, Switzerland The very personal introspective insights endeared me to this author, who expressed such open honesty in a delightful writing style. I am grateful for the opportunity to have an in-depth look into this very special person's unique life and adventures. One of the most enjoyable books I have read."" - ""Kendall,"" Panama This autobiography celebrates the American dream with sincere gratitude from the perspective of an immigrant at a time where his champion struggles to uphold its place in the current global order. A powerful and deeply courageous baring of the soul makes this a fascinating read from beginning to end. -Megan Bachmann, South Africa It is an excellent memoir, surprisingly revealing in some ways and maddeningly mysterious in others. A very interesting, inspiring, motivational read."" - BajaLeslie, USA"

Author Information

The author, a Greek native, is an American citizen. He is the embodiment of a self-made man. He achieved the highest academic degree after overcoming hunger, homelessness, and hopelessness. He has known failure and success, rags and riches. Dr. Koubourlis completed his graduate and post-graduate education in the United States; he was a professor at several major US universities and rapidly rose to tenured full professor. He has spent considerable time in several countries and is fluent in several languages. His exposure to different languages and cultures is reflected in his writing.

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