Unfailing Devotion of a Friend and Triumph Over Adversity
343639
A heartwarming as well as heartwrenching story of a veteran's journey to reclaim a life of normalcy, and his quest to fulfill a promise to a fallen comrade. Hermit's Cove is the perfect setting for him to accomplish his goals. Holloway does a formidable job of drawing the reader into the angst of a PTSD sufferer.
1391609
The Accidental Caregiver is a touching story of friendship, love and inspiration.  Maria Altmann is a truly remarkable woman who overcame great odds and never lost her optimism or zest for life.  This book captures her energy, wit and humor so that one feels as if they are a fly on the wall listening to she and Gregor talk about life, family, relationships and art.  It serves as a lovely reminder that everyone has vibrant and fascinating stories to tell and that being able to share them with loved ones is truly a gift.
4964280
First off, I am surprised that I ever bothered to pick up let alone read this book. It seemed like a quick, glib read. I always admired Mr. Rogers. He was a genuine man of compassion and honesty. Tim Madigan was fortunate indeed to have had a friendship with him. Now, I am not one to read sentimental drivel or be moved by syrupy stories. Never could stomach all that Chicken Soup nonsense. The fact that I was deeply moved to tears during several passages proves that this book is neither syrupy nor drivel. I was somewhat surprised and relieved to read that quite a few other reviewers were moved to tears as well. This is a lovely story of a blessed friendship. It's inspiring. Fred Rogers was a rarity. A truly decent human being who had the capacity to make everyone he ever met feel special. Tim Madigan recounts how Fred Rogers helped and inspired him through the author's darkest days. We should all be so lucky to have that person in our lives. This book has inspired me to try and be that person in other's lives. I highly doubt I will fulfill that ideal as well as Fred Rogers but now I have this illuminating story to refer to when I find myself faltering in that aspiration. A special book!
1657056
Jennifer's story will touch any woman's heart whether she has suffered loss or not. As a woman who became pregnant easily and carried healthy babies to term, God gave me the honor of being a friend to a woman who suffered infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth. This well-written story of Jennifer's journey would benefit not only.those who have have endured infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth but those around them who watch and suffer helplessly from the sidelines. I recommend this beautiful tribute to God's unfailing love to all readers who are looking for hope.
4584487
A most unique window in words into the lives of two people whom against many odds have found each other in a new and different way.  The story begins with sadness and fear and ends in triumph over the odds that it couldn't possibly under any circumstance have a positive out come.  I enjoyed the way both writers analyzed the progression of their lives day by day and month by month with a change in font and boldness of type.  Quickly, it becomes a page turner as one strange event leads to another.  I consider my self a believer of miracles both large and small, so I rejoiced in the events and cheered on this couple as they steered their lifeboat through class three rapids. While I have never experienced a single vision, I became convinced that they were certainly real to Lisbeth.  I kind of feel like I've missed out on a lot in my spiritual adventures.  It took courage and strength to decide to make this deeply personal work available.  Thank you to Lisbeth and Ahyh.
366787
Catherine shares the heartbreaking story of her life in a way that makes this book difficult to put down.  I finished it at 2:00 this morning and felt I was almost a life-time friend of Catherine and her siblings.  She does a wonderful job of portraying the personalities of each family member.  She describes her struggles so well that the reader finds herself pulling for her and cheering her on through seeming insurmountable odds.

Catherine's childhood home was dysfunctional, with a bi-polar father and alcoholic mother.  That would have been enough to cause issues with the children, such as PTSD.  Unfortunately her father also sexually abused her, a fact that Catherine only came to terms with when she was older and began having flashbacks.  Hypnotherapy confirmed her memories and her younger brother's eyewitness account gave additional validation.  As Catherine pieced her past together, the problems she had been having in every area of her life began to make sense.  Her childhood sweetheart/husband also struggled to understand Catherine's troubles and went through therapy with her to help her unlock the chains that kept her from living a happy life.

Throughout Catherine's life her faith, courage and strength are awe-inspiring to read about.  The fact that she entered the healing profession is proof of her grace and compassion for others.  Amazingly when her parents became aged and infirmed she took part in the process of making sure they were cared for.

Catherine's story touched a personal note because of an aunt/uncle in my own family who seem identical to her parents.  Having seen the havoc they created in so many lives enabled me to feel much empathy for Catherine and her siblings.

I recommend Catherine's book to all who suffer from any childhood trauma.  Those who have suffered sexual abuse may find the book triggering, but I feel that Catherine wrote the accounts of her abuse with finesse and sensitivity.  I think any person struggling with childhood abuse would find this book encouraging and touching, a true tribute to the perseverance of the human spirit's will to survive and flourish.

Thank you, Catherine, for sharing your story.

Patti Pott
762562
Fearless is a study in our own fallibility, our strength of will to overcome, the power of heart. Here is the story of a man that came from a humble upbringing and seen by many that knew him as a young man that was special if for any other reason than he had a good heart, a big heart, one that was the first to stand up for the little guy. Like many finding his direction as a young adult proved illusive and he made the all too common choice of getting mixed up with the wrong people. He became trapped in a life of drugs. He was lost, destroying his relationships, any hope for a future, his life. To state Adam Brown's path to becoming a Navy Sea, and ultimate rise and heroism as a member of Seal Team Six, is unlikely and inspiring, is an understatement. When you learn what he was to his family, friends, brothers in arms you will be moved and challenged to BE more, to DO more. As a writer Eric Blehm doesn't insert his political or religious beliefs into the stories he tells. He has demonstrated time and again that along with exhaustive research of his subject matter an ability to dig into the most intimate and quiet details of his subjects. This detail creates a strong connection between the reader and the subject. Blehm tells Adam Brown's story in a way that connects you to him, his struggle, the strength of the human heart, and the tragedy of his loss. This is a powerful story told by a gifted writer. It is a must read!!
1021506
Mayberry's story is engaging and inspiring.  The autobiographical writing in this motivational book truly captivates the reader.  I found his success in overcoming not only drug addiction but a delinquent lifestyle amazing and hopeful.  Mayberry reveals several factors that contribute to his transformation from uncaring, apathetic drug addicted teen to a motivated, focused, sober athlete.  He continues to benefit from these to the present.

His parents and grandparents continued to love him, encourage him and to be honest with him.  I think in God's divine providence he kept Matt safe and connected with family and school.  Matt describes the defining moment being after a heartfelt expression of love and exasperation from his dad and receiving an outpouring of mercy and grace from God to see himself as wasting away so much potential.  The religious element of the book is subtle and seems to be downplayed by Mayberry who describes his family as active Roman Catholics who held a real faith in God.  I would like that to have been elaborated on so that others could also avail themselves of God's grace and mercy.

Mayberry was gifted with exceptional athletic ability that I think allowed him to rebound from drugs and delinquency to achieve football success in a year turn around.  He enhanced his abilities with tremendous commitment and work.  The discussions about training for football from high-school to the NFL was amazing.  I knew these players were exceptional but this is an eye-opening account of how much work and dedication it takes to go that route.  Mayberry shows that talent and intention alone cannot achieve great success.  Work and sweat and sacrifice are required.

Mayberry also incorporates motivational thinking and studying into his life prior to his return to football in high school.  These practices included affirmation, goal setting, positive thinking and studying positive materials.  He also changed his circle of influence to include peers on the same track. Throughout the book, Mayberry references mentors and partners in this success.  These types of relationships are sought out and nurtured by Mayberry.

Mayberry's path from drug addicted teed to signed NFL player and then motivational speaker shows what is required to achieve success at a high level.  Through the book, Mayberry intersperses insights and axioms related to success and overcoming failure.  These are similar to what would be found in most classic motivation books; however, they are personalized by Mayberry's story and contributions.

The story of the book comes to something of an anti-climactic ending as Mayberry receives a career ending injury in his first pre-season game with the Bears.  Although he was asked to work out with teams following his rehab, it sounds like he knew his ankle would not support the grind of the NFL.  At just the right time, Mayberry is invited to give a speech to young athletes and youth and a new fire is ignited in Mayberry's heart for speaking.  The story wraps up with a summarized version of the last few years of Mayberry's life in which he takes a professional job and works on his speaking career.  It sounds like the latter is beginning to take off and that more and more doors are opening to him.  Mayberry once again shows how Providence guides him into a new chapter of his life.

The book concludes with motivational writing on how to turn failure into success.  The motivational instructions are all good as is the story.  The measure of the book for me is that throughout it I was eager for my son to read it immediately after I do.
1149069
"These hands belong to Rachel Joy Scott and will someday touch millions of people's hearts"
(in one of Rachel's drawings)

Interestingly, I got to know about the Columbine Massacre when I was in the polytechnic (in Singapore). In a particular lecture, a friend of mine beside me was reading FHM and I noticed to my surprise, there was a feature about it.

Fast forward to end-2005. I don't remember exactly how, but I bumped into an article on Wikipedia about that fatal event. It piqued my interest and soon I was visiting every outgoing link from that encyclopedia entry. It was then that I found out who Rachel Joy Scott was.

She was the first victim of the shooting.

A beautiful, 17-year-old with a bright future ahead of her was slain as a result of two boys' murderous rage. A pity it seems; on the contrary, her kin and close friends, who should be the most shaken from the disaster, claimed otherwise.

It tickled my curiosity and fired up my research into her intriguing life story--one of faith, hope and love--one of inspiration and vision--even one exemplary to the awesome greatness of God. These things were evident in her intimate writings--she recorded volumes in her diary, and if you don't know what that is, it's a private and retrogressive version of what we call a "blog" today.

The sequence of events leading up to her death and her amazing testimony was compiled by her parents into this book. And I highly recommend it because it will change your perception of Christianity. Hers is a modern day example of what a true saint is.

What inspired me the most was how mature her thoughts and faith was for her age. Her genuine heart of wanting to help others and be a blessing unto them radiates in her actions.

The book also mentions the uncertainties and difficulties she faced--the things we all meet and can relate to--and how she submitted them to God. I remember an account of a lesson she learned while working in Subway, where she passed an opportunity to help a poor person. She eventually realized every failure to exercise the divine appointment God has given her will simply be given to another who is willing, and the heavenly reward will be theirs. This instantly changed my approach towards serving others.

She even convinced me to start writing a journal.

I lent my copy of the book to a friend, and I never saw it again. The book was passed on and around. I guess that shows how good the book was.

Rachel's legacy lives on, not through her life, but her death. She had a vision to touch millions of lives and I am one of them. God bless her soul, and glory be to God!
3120444
I am an avid reader, and so I don't use these words lightly.

This is a Very Good book.

This is not just a feel good (although it does), triumph over hardship (although he does) reflection causing (although I did) story.  I'm not a professional book reviewer or writer and so there is a great disconnect between how I fell and what I think about the book and how I can pen that here.

Kyle took his journey and gave me snapshot moments of world events that really put his timeline for his multi year battle, with both his cancer and heart transplant, into perspective. I was surprised at how many times I really laughed, (who knew nose hairs were so important?) and even more so by how many times I cried (upon seeing the faces of his parents after his transplant).  Not because the story is sad, because it is anything but sad, but because Kyle details his hope and courage and desire to win in such a way that for just a few pages, I was in that journey too.

I'll be buying more copies for friends who are Ironman atheletes, cancer surviors or patients and friends who just really appreciate a well written and told story.

OH, and I'll be watching for Kyle to finish in Kona!
680064
An engaging personal account that follows a powerful life event. The author courageously shares her journey of love and heartache and learning to love again. It sheds light on the dramas/traumas of PTSD and the need for better care for our returning veterans. It's ultimately a healing story of people affected by a desperate act for recognition who desire greater understanding of a "criminal mind." I feel uplifted by the tender expressions of love letters she included . It sheds an intimate light on a story of forgiveness within a multi-dimensional spiritual context. It's a beacon of hope.
121374
An account of a life-long journey with trials that sent the author down unusual paths in her quest to understand herself and her relationship with her son's physical suffering and struggles. I was inspired by her story of sorrow, determination, love, yearning, and acceptance. This is one of those books you need an unbroken window of time that allows you just to start reading and not stop until you reach the back cover. I hope the author updates the editions from time to time, so her readers see how her son progresses on his path as, hopefully, medical advances ease their paths.
1300074
First of all, I want to thank Ms. Alana Stewart, the author of this incredible book which I've just finished reading, for sharing her heart and soul from within the pages of her journal. Reading this book has given me so much: a true vision of what friendship, love, understanding, patience and real commitment is all about. I feel as though I now carry Alana's words within me, for her book has been such a completely honest and open sharing of not only the fantastic friendship that she and Farrah were blessed to have been able to share together, but also how incredibly special that friendship remained, changed accordingly, and endured during Farrah's amazingly brave and extemely difficult battle with cancer. As I read the book and browsed many times through the photos which were included, I honestly felt as though I knew these wonderful individuals! I can only wish I could have known both Alana and Farrah in person and been able to be a part of their powerful bonding friendship. But I am glad the two of them were able to have each other for so many years, half their lifetime actually, because it is said that if we ever in our lives find but one true friend, we should consider ourselves very lucky. And Alana showed us that that is exactly what she and Farrah had. My sympathies now extend to Alana for the loss of her dearest friend because I'm certain that is a most difficult pain to endure.

In addition to sharing, with emotional details, this journey from the onset of Farrah's cancer diagnosis, through the unimaginable ups and downs this horrible disease slams into its victims, Alana also lets the readers see everyone else who is fighting for Farrah's life. The doctors at UCLA, those doctors who I felt gave her better care and support in Germany, as well as other friends, family members and events that came around during, and before, Farrah's illness. I liked this because it showed me what Farrah's life was like before her illness, her spunk and vitality, and how those traits still surfaced many times during her darkest moments through the illness. She was an incredible woman!

This book also lets readers get to know Alana, the person. The wonderful friend that she was to Farrah is very self-evident. But I enjoyed getting to know the girlfriend she was to Farrah, before and during this story. Seeing her fears regarding losing her best friend, losing that comfort zone of having someone who's so close that she could always go to and talk about anything with, and wondering how life would be without her - that made Alana all the more real to me. Bits and pieces of her life which she shared, too - her home, her precious dogs (one who was ill), dealing with getting older and facing the problems that come with that - everyone can identify with her on that. And the fact that she shared with readers the relationship she had with the young chef - I feel her honesty about that is to be commended. She's a human being! Life still goes on even when she was busy and overwhelmed with fighting to save her best friend's life. She made the right choices. And I agree with her as she worded within the book - everyone and everything that comes into our life, at whatever time it does, happens for a reason.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. While reading it, I felt so close to Farrah and Alana, and also the wonderful Dr. Jacob, who I think anyone would be very fortunate to find as a doctor! Alana is a wonderful writer, but you know what? I believe she was able to easily express her story because she so obviously was writing from the love within her heart. That love is what led her through her journey with Farrah, and what guided her words to flow within the pages of this book. I will carry this "journey" within my heart for always; this book has become a part of me.

We are fortunate that God blessed Alana Stewart by giving her the ability to love her friend, Farrah, so completely, to comfort her so selflessly, and guided her with the ability and sincerity to share and relay her special journey with the rest of us so beautifully.
3556237
Most fellow human beings never come close to having to deal with the sudden and tragic pain, suffering, trauma and injuries, not to mention the days, months and years of recovery and rehabilitation that a young, vibrant woman named Maria Federici (Doyle) has had to struggle through with such amazing courage, hope and love. But we all can learn from her incredible story that is told with a little help from family and friends in the emotionally moving and life-affirming book, ObstaclesBring Em. Its a book that should be required reading for anyone who ever feels lost, lonely, hurt, or forsaken. It is surely among the most inspirational sagas you will ever read.

In this courageously honest and deeply personal book, Maria recounts and remembers (with a little help from family and friends) how her life was changed forever one February night in 2004 as she was driving home from work.  While behind the wheel of her beloved Jeep Wrangler, a piece of unsecured furniture fell off a trailer that was a good distance in front of her. And a large piece of particle board tore through her windshield and smashed through her face, causing massive brain and facial trauma and complete blindness.  Since her memory is incomplete, a series of individuals (including Uncle Bobby, Aunt Susan and a paramedic named Jim Stevens, who recalls with great specificity what he observed when he arrived at the scene and courageously fought to save Marias life) all help Maria fill in the missing pieces of her recovery.

When Maria arrived at the hospital, doctors had little hope and at one point, had given up on her and her body was prepared for organ donation. But the fighter in Maria and a real-life miracle combined to defy the odds, and at the critical moment she found the strength to push away a nurses hand and hold on to this precious thing we call life.  And  that was only the beginning of the battle, as doctors worked to reconstruct her face (from pictures) as Maria fought tooth and nail to come back from this horrible injury and eventually learn to do the most simple tasks, like talking and walking again.  The author also writes about how she had fully recovered and is living life to the fullest today.

For anyone who is in need of inspiration, Marias story will move, inspire and bring great hope, peace and love into your life.  It is the kind of story that once read can never be forgotten and Marias family and friends help her show that through love and courage, anything is possible against all odds.
4583320
One thing R. Elliot Wills knew; there had to be more to life than the one his parents were living.  They were a family of nine, living in one of the toughest projects in Chicago. For the most part his father, after a brief stint in the military, settled into a drunken existence.  His mother had enough love to sustain the family and every now and then his father would gain employment, which made things tolerable.  But, Willis' despair was insuperable, and his struggle almost insurmountable.

It was the 1960s, a young and gifted Willis began to chart his course of survival, amongst all the negatives in his inner city neighborhood.  His springboard and his sustaining power was his belief that someday he would emerge triumphant from his downtrodden past.

Willis' victory was a personal triumph against the odds.  From his traumatic childhood, and on the wings of his impenetrable dreams, Willis graduated from Washington University School of Medicine at St. Louis.  He began a distinguished medical career, where he was a significant contributor in AIDS research during the onset of the epidemic.  Willis received an award for his work with the National Institute of Health (NIH), and went on to have a successful career doing research and treatment of cancer.  Willis is currently Chief of Medical Oncology at Cancer Treatment Centers of America's hospital in Philadelphia.  He has not outgrown his desire to alleviate human suffering and to understand the true meaning of living and dying.

FINDING GRACE ON A LESS TRAVELED ROAD is an inspiring, courageous, and unforgettable story of one African American's determination.  To say it is a poignant memoir is an understatement.  It showcases Willis' exceptional talent and his triumphant victory over poverty.  It  reveals the sacrifices he made to serve mankind with grace, humility and a remarkable humanness.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
1135494
Sixtyfive Roses: A Sister's Memoir held special interest for me as I began reading. Pam Summerhayes was born a year before one of my younger brothers, who died of died at the age of two weeks, without leaving the hospital. The doctors said that in addition to other problems, he had cystic fibrosis. I was curious to know what life might have held for my family. had he survived to live with us. It took only a few pages to realize that for a long list of reasons, this story could never have played out my family, but I was swept away by the compelling combination of raw courage, eloquence, passion, and the brutal honesty of Heather's account of her own feelings about having a sibling with such overwhelming care needs, and about her family in general.

Ordinarily I skim through prefaces and other preliminary material, eager to begin reading "real story" without prejudice, but Heather's eloquence caught my eye and attention from the first preliminary words, "I live where the river meets the sea ... where push comes to shove, where love and anguish, blame and forgiveness, laughter and sorrow converge on the way to understanding." I immediately understood that however difficult the topic, this book would be deep and richly satisfying to anyone who appreciates finely turned phrase and eloquent metaphor. I was not disappointed. The thick volume bristles like a porcupine with sticky flags marking phrases I found especially succulent.

I was immediately caught up in the story of Pam's health problems and the effect they had on the whole family. Whenever an obstacle arose, she made an end run around it. I have never read an account of anyone gutsier than Pam. Just as she was a literal poster child for the fledgling Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation her parents founded, she is a poster child to me for pure grit. Heather's courage is less obvious, and may be occasionally cloaked in confusion and what may appear to be poor judgment, but she never flagged in her efforts to allay Pam's suffering and keep her spirits high.

If I read a fictional account of devotion such as Heather had for her sister, I would discount it as literary exaggeration, but this is memoir, and it rings true. On the first page of the story she tells of the promise Pam extracted that she would "tell our story," and the corollary requirement her mother imposed that she "tell the truth." She goes on to describe in intimate detail the games she and Pam played, and how she looked out for Pam, urging her to rest, and "saving her" when she landed in the "sea" during The Rescue Game they played so often. Heather was barely six when Pam's diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was rendered, and her response took my breath away: "... I promise you won't have to die alone. I will be your Protector, and we will die together." That devoted determination bonded their two lives and continued for the rest of Pam's life. Heather continually put her own plans and life on hold to be with Pam in the hospital and at other times of need, often at considerable personal sacrifice.

Was this heroic? No, I think not, at least not by intent. This was authentic Heather, doing what she had to do to be true to herself, and she definitely does not portray herself or anyone else as saints. There are plenty of pages devoted to her feelings of neglect and anger as her parents put Pam's needs ahead of hers, forcing her to take on responsibilities ahead of her years. She shares her sense of betrayal by the fund-fixated extended Summerhayes family who held her father in less esteem than his brothers, and her struggle to make a shaky marriage work. This honesty provides an in-depth look at the parallel universe inhabited by families dealing with chronic-terminal illness, and gives the rest of us more insight into how we can be helpful to them. The book would be worth reading for that reason alone, but it offers so very much more. Anyone will find something to admire, to inspire, and to learn from, and it should be on the required reading list for all aspiring memoirists.
1112290
When we are at the happiest moments of our lives, the most unthinkable disasters strike. This was what happened to Susannah Cahalan, a writer for the New York Post with a promising career ahead of her. Out of nowhere, she started having problems with her memory and communication. This affected her performance at work, causing her to blow a major interview with John Walsh. From there, it progressed into impulsive behaviors like searching her boyfriends apartment. Soon, she began experiencing extreme mood swings and sensitivity to light and sound. Her family and friends were concerned, but at a loss as to what to do as Cahalan descended further into darkness. Finally, she was having frightening seizures, resulting in her being admitted to the hospital at NYU.
 This was the beginning of a month of hell for Cahalan, now retold in her memoir Brain on Fire. Having retained almost no memory of this horrific time, she has pieced together from friends, family and doctors the tale of her harrowing experience. The story takes the reader from the despair of finding a diagnosis, to the promise of hope, to the pain of difficulty of recovery, to finally finding the way back. With a combination of family support, a compassionate Syrian doctor, and her own sheer determination, Cahalan battles her way through to a triumphant victory, culminating in her return to her job and sharing her experiences with others. It was through telling her story that others found hope, bringing light from a journey through darkness.
 This is not an easy book to read. My heart ached for Cahalan as she recounted the loss of her ordinary life. Nonetheless, she narrates  her story without an ounce of regret. It is a gripping tale that takes the reader from the pits of despair to the heights of hope. I would heartily recommend this book to those who have loved ones struggling with illness, mental or physical, so that they can know what its like to suffer from such things. I would also recommend it to people with illness themselves. This book will encourage them to take heart that even the darkest times can bring forth great light. Susannah Cahalans book is a wonderful source of hope and faith. The world owes her a great debt for her courage in telling her story.