Nothing Is Impossible.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. Mawi Asgedom. 2004. Read by the author. 4 cds. No time listed. Mawi, Inc. (180 West Washington, Suite 930, Chicago, IL 60602; www.mawispeaks.com). 0-9743901-1-9. $49.95. Plastic; content notes. JS

Minority youth ages 12-15, the intended audience for this series of motivational presentations, will connect with the author. Asgedon, who is 28 and lives in Chicago, begins with a harrowing story of his family's escape over dangerous territory during a time of civil war in Ethiopia. Using as reference points this experience and his subsequent struggles to acclimate to American culture, he takes clear aim at the elements that derail young people and keep them from success both economically and as persons. He gives standard good advice: write down your short and long-term goals; take small steps to better yourself right now; don't be beguiled by hyped shortcuts to fame and fortune; avoid traps such as worship of media images, drugs, and peer pressure; keep trying in the face of failure; dream up alternatives.

Though he doesn't ignore more accessible opportunities, Mawi refers perhaps too often to getting into "the best" universities (he was accepted into Harvard, Yale, and Duke) and to celebrity success stories. He is youthful, projects a sense of energy and caring, and invites personal e-mails. Demo is first 10 minutes of CD 2. CDs are about 30 minutes each, right for impatient young listeners. Edna Boardman, Libn., Bismarck, ND

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.