by
Raul A. Deju
Written with honesty and warmth, this book takes us through Deju’s life—from his humble beginnings as a Cuban refugee to becoming a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leader in his field.
At its heart, this book is about resilience. Deju’s story begins in Cuba, where he was forced to flee as a teenager during Fidel Castro’s dictatorship. Arriving in the United States with nothing but a dime in his pocket, Deju’s determination to succeed is nothing short of inspiring. He embraced the challenges of starting over, proving that a “can-do” attitude can truly shape one’s future. His mantra, “Yes, I can,” became his backbone, and throughout the book, he keeps reminding us that we can achieve our dreams too, as long as we believe.
Deju’s professional accomplishments are impressive. He built a career that spanned academia, environmental sciences, business, and charity work. Whether he was leading massive environmental cleanup efforts, managing nuclear facilities, or innovating in the field of hydrology, Deju approached each task with integrity and a commitment to excellence. He was able to adapt to different industries and solve complex problems using intelligence and work ethic. Along the way, he showed how important it is to be a good leader, work well with others, and stay open to learning.
I think the highlight is Deju’s dedication to giving back. After achieving financial success, he didn’t rest on his laurels. Instead, he focused on making a positive impact through charitable endeavors. From funding scholarships for underserved students to supporting cancer research and creating resources for entrepreneurs, Deju shows how success can be used as a tool for helping others. His online entrepreneurship course has helped thousands of people kick off successful businesses and his work with the Hantush-Deju Hydrologic Innovation Center and the UCSF–John Muir Cancer Center show how much he cares about making a lasting, positive impact.
This novel paints a picture of a man who values family above all else. Whether it’s his role as a husband, father, or grandfather, Deju’s love for his family shines through. He candidly discusses the struggles he faced, such as balancing work and home life, and the sacrifices he made to ensure his children and grandchildren had opportunities to thrive. The story of adopting his son Michael is especially touching, showing how he and his wife Shari were dedicated to creating a warm and loving home.
The book also has a humble tone. Despite the author’s many achievements, he never comes across as boastful. Instead, he shares with the intention of inspiring readers to chase their own dreams. His anecdotes—whether about meeting Robin Williams in a restaurant or watching his donated fly ash help build a thousand-year temple— are not just fun to read but also make you think. He reminds us that life isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about making a positive difference in the world. The message is clear: success isn’t reserved for a select few. With determination, hard work, and a little guidance, anyone can achieve great things.
Raul A. Deju’s YES, I CAN: AND SO CAN YOU! is perfect for anyone looking for motivation to overcome obstacles, build a meaningful career, or give back to their community. No matter where you start, you can achieve greatness with the right mindset and a willingness to work hard.
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 6, 2025
