A fantastic true life story
592078
I am 82 years old, and I have relived a part of my childhood in identifying a number (but bot all) of the characters).
The conclusion of the book made me cry softly.
No doubt about it - war is hell.
FCW, Denmark
3328812
I've known Fred since I was 8 years old.  In fact, some of my most fond childhood memories were with he and his family out on the Divide.  For years I've heard stories told over meals, campfires and social gatherings which have shaped my perception of this incredible human being.  This book is an amazing protrait of his early life embodying true grit, resilience, innovation, creativity, practicality, fortitude, heart and endurance.  It's written as though he were telling these stories in person, true to life, without flowery adjectives.  To really know who Fred is today, is to understand the hardships, and childhood to young adult experiences he's endured.  Instead of a calloused outlook, he has an open perspective, is a student of life, and opens his heart and his home readily.  What an exceptional example this book is for being stronger than you know and doing more than you think you can!
Chantay Jett
3736339
I loved this book and would give it more than 5 stars if I could.  It is a true story, meticulously documented and wonderfully written.  I came to care about  all the characters and could easily visualize the story as a movie.  Mr. Zuckoff made the whole story come alive and I will look for his other books because I enjoyed reading this one so much.  I highly recommend this book!
4768607
An Amazing true story
I personally knew this wonderful lady. As her caregiver, i spent part of every day with her for the last year and a half until she passed away.
She told me the same things that happened as was written in the book. My life changed as the result of knowing her. Her accomplishments were so amazing. I often wondered how a blind person could do the things she did.  Her life story is almost to good to be true. Only those who knew her believed her life story to be true.  She had made friends with so very many people.  ROGER BEARMAN
3962594
This is an amazingly true story about Holocaust survivor Sol Berger's exploits during and after the World War II. No Hollywood script writer, in his wildest imagination, could have ever dreamed this scenario of "Love, Survival and The American Dream." I have been privileged to hear Sol Berger's personal testimony many times and consider him a dear friend. You may find yourself unable to put this book down after reading the first page.
3277986
Edward Conlon brings you the gripping reality of the behind-the-scenes life, emotions, and realism of what it is like to be a police officer in NYC.
I read this with great interest, where the truth Conlon wrote about completely corresponded with the many facts my Grandfather spoke of decades ago when he received a gold medal of honor as a NYC Sergeant. There is so much reality in this book, sometimes tragic reality, that every police officer must endure, while they protect and serve, and put their lives on the line, as they encounter the horrors resulting from inhumane acts that they have to personally witness and attend to.
Overworked, and underpaid, police officers have many stories to tell, many memories they have to block out or grow a thick skin in order to continue on, despite horrific cases and losses of colleagues that have put their lives on the line to protect others. Edward Conlon brings you the stories, and the facts in an incredible page-turner of a book.
BLUE BLOOD is by far one of the best, if not THE best book that brings you the reality of the life of a police officer. It is all too true, a phenomenal read that reads like a 5 star novel, however, it brings you the truth that is larger than fiction.
Highly recommended for its authenticity, and reality. Barbara Rose, author of, `Individual Power' and `If God Was Like Man'
1597653
I could not put down this true life story! It is captivating from the start.  This is the story of an over comer (my favorite kind of story). It is complicated, sad, maddening and joyful. I loved every page!
364252
This is an incredible story of a woman who survived against all odds.  When so many would have given up, she had the courage and fortitude to carry on.  The story is amazing, riveting, compelling, and sad but so very inspiring.  I saw the book in an airport bookstore (and then bought the Kindle version), and have shared it with others who have all found it a wonderfully written true story.
4736330
This is a truly extraordinary book of a true life story.  It is not often that one comes across such an open and honest story that must have taken a lot of courage from the author to share her life experiences with the world.  Highly recommend it.  Truly inspirational.
732813
I read lots of books but being 100% honest I will say this book was a remarkable true story, it caught my attention from the beginning. I knew this was a story of endurance, pain and love for a sport that became her life. The struggles of being a woman in a man's sport back in that day, Shellie fought for herself and Women like her who wanted to be treated fair. However that journey and passion for water-ski nearly cost her life, but it didn't end there as more battles lay ahead for her in every way imaginable. All I can say this book is worth your time and money to read this unbelievable but true story of a woman who fought to just do what was right and telling the truth. You will not be disappointed and yes it will surprise you as you turn each page. I hope this will be made into a movie, I could visualize it as I read the book....oh yes most definitely make a good movie.
1465820
I had the great pleasure of reading the book "Little Women," written by Louisa May Alcott, a story of real experiences and new feelings one experiences through the miracles of family and letting life take it's course; to live it to it's fullest. The March family is a true loving family who is as tightly woven as an old pair of blue jeans. In fact, they have as many stories to tell as old jeans that have been worn by so many. The March family had some hard times, but even burning of each others manuscripts can't put holes in their pockets. I believe this story is worth reading, because Louisa May Alcott defines si wekk in words how a family like the Marches can use their abilities for good and to learn a little more about life's true meaning. When I read this book I can see their life like I was a curious on-looker peering from behind a bookcase. I have become friends with these characters, and feel as if I had been a part of their noveled life. I became so engrossed in "Little Women," when it was time for the light to go off I just realized that in fact I was not touring Europe with the Carroll's,  I was laying on my old lumpy mattress with sleep nipping expectantly at my eyelids. To be truthful, the books I had been reading, such as "Babysitters Club" or "Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots" hadn't been keeping me up so late that my light bulb flickered off with a sputter.

There are not any faults in this wonderful story that my peering from behind the shelf could notice. It was as if Alcott wrote about her own real life and saw it from all her family's point of view.

This book may be sad in some parts, but the blue jeans threads held it together. This was so inspirational to me I decided I should be a Beth or Jo. Maybe even a Meg or Amy. This book isn't just entertainment for the young (or even old) person's mind, but it is a lesson written to fit 400 pages. It can teach you about life, I recommend it greatly.

I will not give away the ending, but here is the summary: a dear family holds on to each other through thick and thin, and with their friend's help they still are a family. The family gets smaller then bigger, and the book ends with one sentence, "Oh my girls, however long you may live, I never can wish you a greater happiness than this," and this is where I end.
3663570
This is a fantastic first-hand account of a young man growing-up in an environment that most people don't know today. It depicts the struggle of many who still encounter similar struggles, yet many stories of their individual successes aren't known to the masses.

A very inspiring story of what can truely be for those who focus on the right things in life, and work to overcome the many obstacles thrown at their feet that are not of their own doing.

Very inspiring!
3301285
This is a truly wonderful story on life and how one can strive to create a great life out of horrible tragedy.  I read this book in 3 days and found it difficult to put down.  The first paragraph gripped me and there must have been at least several points in the book when I would sit and just contemplate what I just read.  These thought provoking words caused me to cry to myself.  I wept for what people do to each other for no reason and I wept for the author's strength of will to overcome.  The author does a great job of detailing her life's struggle with post traumatic stress and presents us with very helpful ideas and hints that anyone can and should use if found in similar struggles.  I strongly recommend this book to every person who would call themselves a human being, or to anyone who may need a little help with stressful situations.
580248
Miki's is an amazing story and so inspiring!  I could not put the book down.  Miki's life has presented her with one challenge after another, from girlhood to adulthood and beyond.  She has faced them all and taken on life with courage and determination.  She is an example to us all of how to engage in life to the fullest, while maintaining integrity, love, adventure, and a delightful zest for life.  Writing this autobiography in her 8th decade of life is impressive.  I'm sure her story continues to be a great adventure.  A very enjoyable and informative read; I highly recommend it.
3834284
I was #87 is a true story, neither my daughter or I could put this book down until we finished it.  It is about a little girl who was severely abused and also diagnosed as being retarded when she was actually deaf and of above average intelligence.  The determination and survival of this child is so riviting and also inspiring at the same time. It makes you thankful for what we do have in this life. You will realize that the day to day things we might think of as obstacles or problems are so trivial. I would reccomend this book to everyone. There is a limied supply since it is out of print but it is available through the library also.
3562946
The title and the picture on the cover caught my attention and just had to get it.  Even though the story is an autobiography, it is the most inspiring story I have ever read. What a different kind of life this author has had than most pople I have known.  The story was compelling and keeps your interest right to the end, it is a must for everyone that enjoys a good story.  It is hard to believe that anyone could have overcome so many obstacles in her lifetime.  I am so happy that Ms. Perkins was able to relive her life in order to write this book, there must have been some painful experiences while doing this.  She has a writing style that is easy reading, and you can almost see her living throughout her lifetime.  What an amazing person she must be.  I intend to get copies for my friends as I know they will enjoy it as much as I did.  This is one book I don't want to share, as I know I will want to re-read it from time to time.
1363570
David Meador's book was a joy to read - what an amazing life story of overcoming obstacles and achieving success.  The many personal anecdotes within the book give the reader a sense of what it is like to live without sight, and the many achievements by Meador can inspire anyone.  I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great tale of triumph.