First of all, my dear Mom I'm sorry. You told me not to smoke but I started smoking at the age of 17 but mom..

It's not because I liked smoking.

I smoked because of something almost every teenager wants in life.

Do you know what that is, Mom?

Anyway, I've explained that in Chapter 1 of Teach Them to Fly — my new book. You know what, Mom?

You had few other rules but to be frank, I broke those rules as well, for reasons many kids have at that age.

I've explained those reasons in the upcoming chapters because Mom, I wish you had known these things before I left home.

Please, when you read this book, remember to teach these lessons to my brother and sister too because one day they're going to face situations like the ones I faced. Believe me Mom, some of those situations were really tough.

I wouldn't wish my brother or sister to go through what I went through.

That's why I wrote Teach Them to Fly.

19 lessons I wish I had learned before leaving home.