... or have experienced adversity in the pursuit of something great.
938800
This book serves as an inspiration for all those who are or have experienced adversity in the pursuit of something great.
4972920
Excellent shows how strong a person can be in spite of many hardships and how we can be proud of what we accomplish.....hard work and perseverance can pay off
3343640
It is sometimes necessary to remind ourselves of the necessity for vigor for life and the pursuit of an impossible dream. They push us to find more in life than we previously thought existed.
1786980
Facing life with a positive attitude has managed to get Lindsey to the point that she is content with where her goals took her.  Will has lived a life that allows him see things the way they really are.  Having had to fight for his dreams he appreciates where he ended up.  Yet each has regrets about love and the one that got away.  Jamie Farrell's story of overcoming adversity, regrets and second chances is a story that surprised me.  The way it's presented is that Lindsey has this great life, which she does but to me she came across as going through the motions.  Will is happy with the achievements he has made in his life but wants a second chance at love.  The characters existed without each other but when together they realized what had been missing all along.  I received an ARC of Matched in exchange for an honest review.  Somewhat cheesy but a whole lot of fun.
482155
What a great story of dedication and perseverance!  It is unfathomable to think about the devastating loss this young man and his family had to endure.  The fight within him to continue to move forward through such pain and adversity and to re-learn every skill that was taken for granted just moments before.  His will to live and perseverance through such adversity is something many could learn from.  This story is all too familiar these days, unfortunately, but what a positive take this young man has on life and he and his family move forward with their new "normal."
3256111
Interesting characters that grow into their potential overcoming adversity on a journey looking for understanding and a realization of what we all can be.
3050976
We need to value goodness and achievement, even in the face of adversity. And Mr. London has written
a wonderful story of a truly good person, Maggie Malone, who exemplifies these attributes.
It is inspiring to follow the adventures of his protagonist as she faces all of the hopes and challenges
that confront people, and despite many difficulties, she prevails. Mr. London knows how to tell a story
that is realistic and involving. The reader follows along as Maggie goes through one challenge after
another and emerges triumphant.
This novel contains excitement as well as wisdom.
And this reader recommends it wholeheartedly.
Robert H. Roth
3047143
Great example of how direct exposure to the realities of a hard life are to anyone currently enjoying success; and whose under the impression that they did it themselves.
4758361
It's often been said that adversity reveals one's true strength. This book is the story of Ms. Ingalls's battle with stage 2 ovarian cancer. Amid the shock of the initial diagnosis, she is swept up in a world of increasing uncertainty, of doctors, of pills. Yet, despite everything, she pushes on. Her story is an inspirational one of courage and strength in the face of daunting challenges.

It was thoughtful -- and practical -- of the author to include ovarian cancer warning signs, risk factors, and resources in the book's appendices to help those battling the disease.
3800458
I recommend this book for anyone who has had a history of depression, physical or mental challenges, or knows someone like that.
It is really encouraging to know that there are people who have had great success in their life while battling with themselves every day.
It was worth my time.
2969706
"Life presents great challenges. Conquering addictions of all sorts is a challenge well worth the fight.  While life is sinking into oblivion, the one in the chokehold most often is not aware or in total denial.  I read this candid, graphic look at the life of a very talented and intelligent man who was in denial about the bitter consequences of cocaine use.  Today, he stands as an inspiring example of what is possible when desire, determination and skillful direction overcome-- against all odds."
1217070
So often stories take the sad paths, running into tragedy and despair.  Here, though, is hope and triumph, and I must say it makes for good reading.
1812452
The Promise of a Pencil is about so much more than the founding of a great organization. It's about the journey to pursue a dream, a purpose, against all logic. It's about taking risks when you're young, about networking, about learning, and about creating value in the world. Weaved into this story of the birth of a great for-purpose organization are also incredible, vivid moments - like when Joel Puac shows such determination in asking Adam to help him work on his English so he can one day teach his children. Moments like these throughout the book made me cry, thinking about the will of some to learn. This book is just beautiful, and will leave you fired up to get working on whatever it is you dream of.

My favorite quote: "In any confrontation, most people focus on the perpetrator and the victim. There is an inherent expectation that had one of these two acted differently, the outcomes of a conflict may have been averted. But the greatest opportunity actually exists within the role of the bystander, the person who neither benefits nor gains from the event itself. When a bystander steps up on behalf of a potential victim...he or she becomes the very definition of a hero." (p. 108).
4903938
Reach your Mountaintop takes you on a journey where you meet people, all of whom have lessons that we can use to reach our own pinnacle of success. Along the road the author juxtaposes his own life into the scenarios, telling us what he has learned on his own path to the Mountaintop. Along the way we are given the opportunity to learn many lessons, but the author is careful to point out that we must all find our own way and there is no one way or the right way. The book flows well, giving us opportunities to learn in a manner that is not overwhelming and lets us know that it is okay to make mistakes and fail. The important thing is to keep going, learn from our failures, and we will eventually find our own true path.  A wonderful read that hits upon every facet of living a successful life in a manner that challenges us and at the same time allows us to be gentle with ourselves.
4031303
This is a spare but authentic account of triumph and success against difficult odds. It demonstrates how much a person hailing from a family of modest means but strong values can achieve with hard work, dedication, and, of course, talent.
3166950
Told in first person, this story of Joe's survival on an inhospitable mountain after breaking his leg, his determination to get off that beastly mountain, and his future decision to continue climbing - all are a source of great inspiration.

Joe and Simon choose to climb in the wilderness of the Andes where there is no emergency help system (such as available in the Alps). They want to pitch themselves against this formidable mountain without any backups - just the two humans and the mountain. The mountain almost defeats them, but not quite - a little bit of luck even amidst the disastrous situations, and Joe's overwhelming determination to live, makes this survivor's tale extraordinary. The mountain, the crevasse, the snow storm, the dark nights of terror - all take on a life of their own, as if they are evil monsters playing with two puny humans, could crush them with a casual stroke of their paw.

The adventure spans 7 days - the first 3 are about normal climbing and conquering the Siula Grande peak and starting the descent. The remaining 4 days are fraught with mishap, drama, emotional and physical endurance. The rescue effort by Simon happens as a matter of course, without deliberate discussions, exploration of all possibilities and consequences. At the point where Simon has to cut the rope the reader is completely in sync with him, knowing he has no choice.

I liked the parts narrated in the first person of Simon (written by Joe - he acknowledges Simon's trust in allowing him to write those parts in his own words) - describing Simon's dilemma, guilt, and giving him a fair assessment for his role in the rescue. The emotional drama when Joe discovers his leg is broken, and the non-verbal exchange of thoughts between the two - is so totally honest and poignant. Joe comes across as someone with a deep understanding of human nature.

Great book, I've read it twice over.
1747086
As the cover states, this is not a book about the bombing. This is a journey of dealing with challenges. Some of those are self imposed craziness, others random acts of life. It is one persons story of priorities, family, team and in the end the satisfaction of living each day to its fullest.  Gregs humor, generosity and love of the pursuit shine through. A comfortable and joyful read for anyone interested in pursuing their best.