Amazing Young Man....very inspirational story
595505
I read this book last night. It was very good and I didn't want to put it down. It is written by a teen, for teens. Even though I am not a teen, I still found this book interesting and inspirational. Reading Austin's story will make you look around your own life and try to find ways that you can make a difference. If one boy can make such a huge difference then we all have no excuses, we all need to do more for others. Austin started the Hoops for Hope program which raises money for AIDS orphans in Africa. He even was able to help build a school in Africa. How great is that?! Awesome Job Austin! Keep up the great work!!
1786531
FABULOUS story!!!!  Leyson's tale of human struggles is inspirational.  Reading off the various difficulties and challenges he and his family confronted during the Nazi occupation, one cannot help but be amazed.  This story of Leyson's will to survive and the connection and importance of Schindler cannot help but show the reader the depth and ability to humans to possess hope.  I was truly moved by this book, and would strongly suggest it for adults and for use in high school history or literature classes.
2578659
What a great true story.  How wonderful that there are people out there working hard to avoid debt while still accomplishing great things.  I found the whole story inspirational and I plan on giving the book to my son who will soon graduate from college and is not so keen on following the well worn path of birth/school/job/retire/die but is instead interested in living life in a more exciting and real sense.
3937256
This story is one that shows a great attitude and a strong mindset and lots of perseverance can pull one through even the most devastating and painful trials of life.  I give this young man a great deal of credit not only for that, but also for reliving it again to tell his story to encourage others who face difficult times.  It is so well done.
1786479
Just finished reading this book.  WOW!  What an amazing true story of a young boy growing into a young man and how he dealt with the challenges of doing what should have been several men's work in the desert of Nevada trying to make a ranch out of nothing. The most amazing thing is how he did all of this mostly alone.  The physical challenges were tremendous, but the mental challenges he faced were incredible.  Very well written.  I didn't want to put the book down.  I developed a huge respect for his determination, strength, and heart to survive his challenges.  Wonderful life lessons for anyone to listen to.  I would highly recommend this book.
1694541
I loved the touching story of this young mans journey though very painful times.  He is an inspiration to us all.<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/From-Stumbling-Blocks-to-Stepping-Stones-Help-and-Hope-for-Special-Needs-Kids-Focus-on-the-Family-Books/dp/1589974352/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">From Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones: Help and Hope for Special Needs Kids (Focus on the Family Books)</a>
207258
Through tears & laughter I thoroughly enjoyed this incredible journey shared by this amazing man. Scooter's story is real, heartwarming & gut wrenching.  His faith & life lessons are so inspiring. An easy read that everyone will identify themselves in so many of the details of his life. I hope this book gets into the hands of many teenagers. Perhaps they can see how every choice has a consequence. Loved it!
806142
Wow what a sad story about how life can unexpectedly ruin a future or a person. A tragedy leaves Ron an orphan and crippled. Doctors have no hope he will ever walk again but this young man is determined and even after relatives turn themselves against him eyeing only a piece of land that was left to him, Ron continues to believe and stay determined.

An absolutely inspiring story that got me turning the pages late at night. It speaks for itself that miracles do happen and sometimes all we need is hope and faith.
2185631
So well written.  I loved the story of this young man.  Very inspirational with life lessons throughout.
3147266
Could not put this book down. It is an inspirational read on the human spirit. Finished reading and started  reading again. What one young person accomplished when so much was against any success to a better life than the one that was handed to him. Using what natural talents he had to finally take the right road in life. It is written with humour, not one ounce of self pity or excuses for bad choices.  I plan on giving this book as gifts.
1656629
I bought this book about a  month ago on Amazon and just received it by mail yesterday in the afternoon. I started reading it right after I received it and frankly I couldn't put it down till I finished it today. What a great inspiring story. Very well written and very well edited. An inspiration for any foreign medical graduate/immigrant to read and learn many lessons from. The story of a great man who demonstrated dedication, perseverance, moral, ethics and a high degree of intelligence More and above a good family man, a loving husband, a caring and supporting father. Honestly this book is a wow and Egypt should be proud of calling Dr. Shehata once of its own.
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.
3076405
What an amazing story!!! I had the privilege of being taught by the Alves when they were youth pastors.  Amazing people. I highly recommend this book for any reader, not just ones interested in adoption.  Really shows us how we are blessed and how great our holy father is
4738409
The Storm: How Young Men Become Good Men.is a deeply enriching inspirational story. One of hope, resilience and triumph. Great story telling combined with wonderful life lessons. Once you start reading you will not want to put it down. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it for everyone!
1247649
This is an amazing story of a very motivated young man who is focused and determined in his efforts to climb mountains.  It reinforces all the positive things we keep saying to our kids about the payoff when they set their minds to doing something. It is an engaging story that my son loved, and from which he, hopefully, absorbed some of the lessons about focus, persistence, and self motivation that I'd like him to know.
4623044
Awesome story.....so relative to everyone!!!  Very inspirational  and thought provoking!!
For those who need extra motivation to keep striving for their dreams &/or passion in life!
3914779
I had the pleasure of reading his book after meeting him in person. I must say, what an inspirational look into his life! He is such a wonderful man and it was a privilage to learn more about him through this book! I highly recommend reading this to anyone!