60 Minutes News correspondent Bryon Pitts

STEP OUT ON NOTHING
How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life’s Challenges
BY BYRON PITTS
60 Minutes and CBS Evening News correspondent

In STEP OUT ON NOTHING (St. Martin’s Press; September 29, 2009; $24.99; 0-312-57766-4), Byron Pitts chronicles his astonishing story of overcoming a childhood filled with obstacles to achieve enormous success in life. Throughout Byron’s difficult youth – his parents separated when he was twelve and his mother worked two jobs to make ends meet – he suffered from a debilitating stutter. But Byron was keeping an even more embarrassing secret: He was also functionally illiterate. For a kid from inner-city Baltimore, it was a recipe for failure.

Throughout Byron’s life a few key people ‘stepped out on nothing’ to make a difference for him, from his mother who worked tirelessly to raise her kids right - while delivering ample amounts of tough love - to his college roommate who helped Byron practice his vocabulary. In STEP OUT ON NOTHING Byron even learns from those who didn’t believe in him, like the college professor who labeled him a failure and said he would amount to nothing. By following his steadfast passion for journalism Byron persevered and after fifteen years in local television, he landed a job as a national correspondent for CBS News in 1998. Not bad for a kid who couldn’t read.

From his challenged youth in Baltimore to his award-winning work covering 9/11 and Iraq, Byron’s exceptional story will resonate with those who struggle with any sort of learning challenge. STEP OUT ON NOTHING will also serve as a motivating tool for teachers, counselors and social workers.

Click here to view video:
KDKA in Pittsburgh, PA CBS 2-TV

“If you have ever been told, "You can't achieve your dreams," you need to read Step Out on Nothing. Byron Pitts has used his remarkable skills as a reporter to reveal his most fascinating story to date - the story of his own life. It is a triumphant tale of faith and family, and one man's determination to overcome seemingly impossible odds. This book will move you, inspire you, and make you look at your own difficulties in a whole new light.”
- Anderson Cooper, anchor of Anderson Cooper 360

“It seems unimaginable that someone of Byron’s intelligence and elegance could have faced so many struggles as a young man. No wonder he is such an inspired story teller – his own story is inspiring.”
- Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News with Katie Couric and 60 Minutes correspondent

"Byron Pitts had a secret . . . one he thought was shameful and embarrassing. So he kept it—for years and years. That he was able to is only one astonishing detail in his wonderfully candid, you-are-there memoir. Vividly written, Byron can tell a yarn with passion and intimacy. Step Out on Nothing is truly moving."
- Lesley Stahl, 60 Minutes correspondent

THE BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT THE Hue-Man Bookstore