Part inspirational rallying call, part first-person, autobiographical narrative, part eulogy for a treasured friend and mentor, “Life’s Too Short for Leftovers” takes the reader on a highly personal journey of self-discovery. Best-selling author Michael Ditchfield’s “9 Lessons from a Third World Kitchen” – cleverly presented as courses on a menu – conveys a singular perspective on what it means to be human, and what is required of us as individuals to be active, engaged participants in humanity. With delightfully dry wit and profound understanding, Best selling author, Michael Ditchfield introduces us to Chef Noel Cunningham – his guide and teacher – along with a kitchen-full of congenial and extraordinarily noble real-life protagonists that have served as both lightning rods and light posts in the author’s relentless (albeit sometimes reluctant) pathway toward personal transformation. Ditchfield is a master storyteller, and his conversational style skillfully relates timeless philosophies to contemporary challenges and opportunities that face Third World countries today. Based on his extensive experience in Africa, Ditchfield brings a generous portion of lucid insights and aha moments to the table, leading the charge toward improved, positive outcomes – in our own lives, and in the lives of others. “Life’s Too Short for Leftovers” is a stimulating and memorable must-read for students of Life. "From devastated countryside to comfortable kitchens, the author relates his encounters in clear, confident prose and carefully balances hard facts and statistics about emerging nations with playful observations and hopeful good humor... A series of moving, important stories from a passionate humanitarian..." --Kirkus Reviews "Ditchfield shines...this book will inspire readers to want to do their part to become better citizens of the world" -- Blue Ink Reivew "Ditchfield offers unique and inspirational ideas to act on as we connect with others around this world." -- Suzanne Brown, Denver Post "This novel is equal parts inspiring and clever. The writing style of Michael Ditchfield really had me tuned in from the very beginning. Each story had its own lesson, thought provoking situations, and recipe/food spin that makes it unique. The best part about this novel is that it won't be until the end that you realize just how much it affected you. It will stick with you." - A Life Through Books Humanitarian Michael Ditchfield--bestselling author, sought-after speaker, entrepreneur, and former professional athlete--originally hails from Lancashire, England. Committed to addressing the humanitarian plight of developing countries, Ditchfield speaks widely on how to inspire change and promote empowerment among cultures and individuals. Having established a branch of the Sports for Peace Foundation, Ditchfield works with orphans of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and promotes the efforts of the SonRise School. He also works with the international Nobel Laureate group PeaceJam, and is a consultant to the Born To Be Free Foundation and the Mandela Soccer Academy in Ghana. Additionally, Ditchfield serves as advisor to The Aspire Group, a global sports and entertainment firm that provides strategic expertise and resources to individuals, business, and sports teams.Ditchfield was instrumental to incorporating sports into Project Mercy's work in Ethiopia, and served as President of the Sixteenth of May Foundation, which helped rebuild villages in South Sudan. Additionally, he participated in the Save Darfur campaign, speaking at the Olympic torch ceremony as the Team Darfur representative for athletes worldwide. Ditchfield graduated from the University of Bradford before he relocated to the United States, completing graduate coursework while coaching at Pennsylvania State University.  He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, where he served as Board President of the Colorado Coalition for Genocide Awareness and Action. Ditchfield remains dedicated to transforming lives by advocating for human dignity and decency across the globe.