In the late fall of 1998, millions of television viewers turned on ABC's 20/20 to be touched by the story of Bill Porter. Bill was a man afflicted with cerebral palsy who spent his days selling household products door to door. The segment received the greatest response in the television program's long history.

Part of the story was about Bill's delivery person, who began working for him at first in high school and then later, while attending college. This began a lifelong friendship that resulted in her writing this book about his life story. Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter was Shelly Brady's memoirs about the life of her friend and employer.

Not long after the book was first published, William H. Macy, the actor, purchased the rights to Brady's book to write and produce the television movie, Door To Door. The film won six Emmy awards in 2003. What is not entirely clear to Latter-day Saint readers and viewers is that the perky sidekick to Bill Porter, whom William H. Macy says is a "babe," is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and wife of a stake president.

Though the book is a biography of sorts, it does not follow a chronological order in the telling. As the title suggests, it delineates ten lessons the author learned by observing and interacting with her friend. Inspirational topics, such as "Persistence Pays Off," and "If It Isn't Broken, Don't Fix It," are the chapter headings which Brady uses to leverage her telling of Bill's story.

One such chapter is the chapter is, "Live Your Values." In it, she enumerates the Church's Young Women's values of "Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, and Integrity," while describing how Bill Porter exemplifies each one. Other than these references, one would not necessarily identify Sister Brady as a Mormon, unless it is the fact she has six children.

The narrative is prosaic, down to earth, and easy to read. It is also filled with emotion and innumerable tearful moments for the reader. Organizing the book along the lines of lessons learned was a good choice. At then end of the book are many pages of letters Bill received after the 20/20 segment or other speaking engagements. The letters are followed by a short message from Bill himself.

Though Bill Porter himself is not Mormon, he displays many attributes that most Mormons will find appealing. For example, his ethics regarding his work are that he does his job despite anything that might tempt him to do otherwise. While most Mormons would not, in fact, behave with so much determination they would think it highly respectable to do so. Bishops would especially like to see recipients of Fast Offering assistance adopt Bill Porter's devotion to his work.

Shelly Brady speaks extensively to sales organizations and does an occasional fireside. Bill used to accompany her on her trips, but failing health has prevented him from travel.

One thing she often speaks to is the differences between Bill's story and the made-for-TV movie that garnered so much recognition. The movie is of good quality, but it takes many liberties with the story, to be expected from the different medium. Still, the movie is well worth watching and captures a good picture of the man's character, even if it gives a slightly distorted picture of the man's history. The man that will be remembered by both the book and the movie will include an accurate memory of someone who never let serious challenges keep him from fulfilling his dreams.

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Rex Goode
October 25, 2003