“This sounds like a ‘feel-good’ Hollywood movie, but the story is very real.”
-BookTrib
The world separates doers from dreamers. This book is for the people who are both.
What if your wipe-out inspires you to go after what really matters to you?
Two friends discovered this truth when their career dreams imploded in their late twenties.
David Putnam and Yair Lichtenstein might have played it safe and stayed on the default path. Instead, they regrouped and founded their fledgling surf shop on three radically simple ideas: stay best friends, have fun, do good. Their audacious experiment evolved into Aruba’s most beloved gathering spot and a path to freedom most of us only dream about.
Through vivid storytelling and in-depth interviews, author Marcia Heath weaves together:
• Uplifting reflections on the wipeouts, unexpected waves, and rewards of doing what you truly want to do
• Counterintuitive life lessons, like why wanting to be happy can make us unhappy
• Insights from experts on the mess, pain, and courage of starting over
• Color photographs showing the diverse beauty of Aruba’s landscapes and close-knit communities
See what two friends built when they chose friendship, community, and fun over conventional success—and why it worked.
Are you mired? Ready for something different?
What Reviewers Are Saying
“This beautiful book is a fountain of inspiration about living adventurously and on your own terms.”
William Parkhurst, New York Times bestselling author of True Detectives
“The characters and their stories moved and delighted me, and the book itself is gorgeous.”
Shelley Sperry, author of What’s the Big Idea?
“…a beautiful story of two men chasing their dreams, but not in the default ‘more is better’ way. The flow of the book reminded me of Tuesdays with Morrie. I wish there were more books like this.”
Paul Millerd, author of The Pathless Path and Good Work
“This compelling exploration…enlivens our understanding of our own dreams, lives, and work.”
Elizabeth Garber, author of Sailing at the Edge of Disaster
“This is a very human book about choices and what can happen when people truly love each other. It depicts a different way of life and doing business, where you can have your cake and eat it, too.”
Mickey Green, award-winning filmmaker
“Little Giant offers wisdom on business and friendship from an improbable venture in the Caribbean.”
Murray Carpenter, author of Caffeinated
Part Caribbean escapism, part inspiration for bold life changes
With more than 50 photos of remote beaches, towering cacti, and exotic wildlife, Little Giant transports you to a world tourists rarely see. They’re the kind of images that make you smile and relax at the same time.
You’ll live vicariously through David and Yair’s quest for freedom while gaining practical wisdom for your own next chapter.
Get inspired by two mavericks who refused to settle for what society expected of them.
A story so captivating, it’s being made into a documentary film
In 2003, David and Yair set up shop on the Caribbean island of Aruba, Yair’s native country. As self-made entrepreneurs, they faced the usual dark moments of personal doubt, financial worries, and competitive pressures.
Against long odds, they transformed Bula from a nondescript storefront into a highly profitable business that’s an incubator for local talent and the cultural heart of the island.
The forthcoming documentary will let you experience this amazing story and the Caribbean setting that made it possible.
Subscribe for updates on the Little Giant documentary due for release in 2025.
Underdog heroes
Ask Yair and David for their secret to success, and they’ll laugh: “We went from stupid to less stupid.” Their refreshing honesty sets Little Giant apart from self-serving business books.
Little Giant tells the real story, not a whitewashed version.
Ready to ride the wave of new possibilities?
Little Giant is for anyone who’s ever dreamed of taking a bold leap, but never quite made it happen. You don’t need to open a surf shop—or even visit the Caribbean—to find inspiration for your next adventure.
Order your copy today:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Bookshop.org
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