“The West Coast Kid” is an eye-opening book on so many levels. It isn’t often someone who has walked a path as Travis Waters’ has, comes forth with the facts without sugar-coating any of them, and you feel like you are walking the path with him experiencing the ugliness of a very dark world that most people never see. The bright side is that he made a choice to take the darkness, creating a light that is affecting people of all ages in a positive way. As a talk show host I recommend Travis for interviews; as an author I recommend you read his story. It is a powerful one.

Donna Seebo - Talk Show Radio Host/The Donna Seebo Show  Tacoma, WA

In working with struggling readers, the obvious objective is to help students improve their reading skills. The best way to do this is by having the students read. Like with everything in life, practice makes perfect. This may sound easy, but to those who have teens or work with struggling students, asking them to read is not always a simple task. As a classroom teacher, I know that real learning occurs when students are engaged - when they are interested in the subject at hand. It can be difficult to find reading material that appeals to the most determined 'non-reading' teen. Travis Waters' story, The Westcoast Kid, hooked my most reluctant students into reading. Being a former basketball star and a graduate of Lely High School was the attention-getter. His story, provided the 'slam-dunk.'

Several of my most at-risk students tell me that it was the first book they ever really read - from cover to cover - and would recommend the book to a friend. As a teacher, this is music to my ears!

Travis Waters shares his story - one that is real and can serve as a cautionary tale for students that face choices everyday, but may be unaware of the real consequences attached.

Jane VanderKley Donovan- English &  Reading teacher, Lely High School

Travis,

The youth that have read your book have all come to me with the same feeling. Once they picked the book up, they couldn’t put it down. They also realize that no matter how big or little their actions, they all have consequences. So many youth today think that drugs are no big deal. Your book shed’s light on it and makes it real what can happen if this is the road you choose to go down. Even the youth that have read your book and that are not going down the wrong path say they know family members or friends that are doing the wrong things and are going to give them your book to read and they hope it will make them change their ways. I personally thank you for also speaking to our youth group. Reading the book, seeing your documentary and then seeing you in person really affected these youth into realizing it is all real.

Thank you and God Bless,
Monty Richards Director of Youth Ministries, Moorings Presbyterian Church

First of all, I have to thank Travis Waters for sharing this book with us. His is a story the likes of which I have never read. It is a comprehensive, heart wrenching, brutally honest account of substance abuse, addiction, and ultimately... redemption. This book should be read by anyone whose life has been touched by any type of addiction. The writing is fantastic, Travis' unconquerable spirit is present in every line. I cannot believe he survived some of the things that are described in this book. Many times as I was reading, I had to put the book aside for a moment because it was all too much to take in at one time. The best thing I can say about this book is even if the reader is the most cynical of people, he or she will still come away having learned something. I for one consider myself a better person for having read it~

Peter Greyson, Author of Dear Lilly:From Father to Daughter

"I hope The Westcoast Kid serves as a warning to those who like to "live on the edge," but also as an inspiration to realize that our mistakes do not have to define who we are and what we can become."

Don Stewart,  Head Basketball Coach, Lely High School

I am a teacher of students with “special needs” at Lely High School in Naples, FL. The students in my class have various emotional and behavioral disorders to go along with assorted learning disabilities. They tend to have problems making good decisions and behaving within normal classroom standards. I used Travis and his story to help my students see what impact their decisions, made every day, can have upon their future. By the time Travis came to talk with them, my kids had seen a short documentary and some had read his book “The West Coast Kid”. The opportunity to see a real example of what can happen to someone they can relate to (a former student at Lely) as a result of choosing the wrong path in life was eye-opening and, I hope, life changing for my students. I only hope that I can get him to come back again this year.

Scott Nobles  Special Needs Teacher/Lely High School

The "Westcoast Kid" is a great read for anyone who really needs to buckle down in life.  The same thing goes for anyone who just likes to know about the other side of the tracks and why you should stay off them.  The book is sure to keep you on your toes while educating you about the dangers of a risky lifestyle.  The writer simply tells the truth and my students along with myself felt it throughout the whole book.  The book shows you the consequences you will face when you make the wrong choices.  It helps you to foresee a future you don't want to live.

Great Book!!!

Darren Watson   Leadership Facilitator/Youth Co-Op, Inc.  Miami, Florida

What an eye opener, such details and explicit reviles to have the students and the staff all engaged in this documentary was a wakeup call for so many of the students in whom I teach.  Most of the students have seen or have some sort of knowledge of how the drug game works, just not from this point of view.  After reading the book the students and staff alike felt like they have known Travis for some time.  It was so surreal to have Mr. Waters come and share in more detail about his life.  Also, to ask the questions, what made him write the documentary of his life story and to be so open and bold about his experience.  As a group we are dedicated to give books for Nicholas' Angels.  Thank you for sharing your story with so many, your documentaries will be used as a yearly teachable read for this classroom.

Sis Dixon, GED Teacher/ Youth Co-Op, Inc.  Homestead, Florida

I recently read The West Coast Kid by Travis Waters and could not say enough nice things about this excellent book. In my opinion this book should be required reading for every teenager in America. His respect for his mother and the sad story that too many people experience " what if " makes this book very compelling reading. If you read this book and don't end up with a frightning view of our prison system I would be surprised.
The book was worth much more than the price. I wish Mr. Waters smooth sailing for the rest of his life.

Jim Scarrett N. Fort Myers, Florida

I am a 15 year old student, going into 10th grade. I just finished The Westcoast Kid. It definitely makes you think about all the decisions that we have to make. I think this book is a must read for every high school student. It will make you think twice any time you are faced with the decision to get involved with drugs. Sports and academics are the best choice. Thanks Travis.