Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose in Life - One Step Closer

 Title: One Step Closer; How a Life-Altering Accident Led Me To Everything I Almost Missed

Author: Ryan S. Atkins

Publisher: Binturong Books

Publication Date: November 19, 2020

Length: 214 Pages

Black and White Photographs

About the Author
After flipping multiple times across the highway left him paralyzed below the neck, Ryan Atkins began sharing hope and inspiration with the growing community on his blog "Flat on My Back". He has made it his mission to learn what it means to live with purpose no matter the circumstances.

Successful College Student Faces Life-Altering Car Accident
Ryan Atkins was on the path to graduate from the University of Cincinnati when a 2009 car accident left him paralyzed below the neck. This memoir gives the reader a glimpse into Ryan's life over the years since the accident. Mr. Atkins hoped and prayed for physical healing and regaining his ability to walk, but this was not to be. However, he gained insight and purpose for his life through his faith in Jesus Christ and the support of his friends and family. 

My Thoughts
I liked this book very much. I read it over a period of two days and found it difficult to put down. Ryan is a real overcomer. He had many difficult experiences in his treatment and recovery, but he never gave up. 

I love the way this accident brought a young lady who was Ryan's second-grade classmate back into his life. Their relationship grew over time and she played a vital role in Ryan's life. 

Mr. Atkins is an avid reader and believes the following words of Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl helped him move forward in his life; "If you find a why, then you can bear any how."
If you find your purpose, then you can overcome any challenge that life throws at you.

This book made me smile. I am so happy for the many successes in this young man's life. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF FIVE

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review: Rime of the Ancient Underwriter by Jim Salmon

Rime of the Ancient Underwriter: How I Stowed the Day Job and Went To Sea

Author:  Jim Salmon

Publisher: Hobblebush Books

Date: June 1, 2012





About the Author 
Jim Salmon was born in 1943 in Lima, Peru where his father worked as a civil engineer for the United States government. He worked in the insurance and financial planning field for 31 years. In 2000, Jim left his insurance job to follow his dream.

Around the World on a Square-Rigged Ship
Have you ever thought, "I wish I could just get away from it all?"

Jim Salmon did much more than think these words when he left his job as an insurance underwriter and embarked on a nineteen-month trip around the world.

"Rime of the Ancient Underwriter" is the personal account of Mr. Salmon's journey on board the Picton Castle, a three-masted barque sailing ship out of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

This book is a detailed journal of all the ups and downs of this monumental world journey.

My Thoughts
A three-masted barque???

I know absolutely nothing about sailing. I have never been a passenger on a sailboat and I don't even care for seafood very much.

This book was a real challenge for me because of the huge learning curve that was required for me to understand the content of the text.

That said, I did read the entire book (277 pages) and I feel like I have learned a great deal from the experience. The book is very well written and organized by date and location. Even though I did not understand the technical details of the sailing ship operations, I found the following elements of the book quite fascinating;

• The challenges overcome and sacrifices made by the crew members to travel on this ship and to be an active part of the staff/crew. The author gave up his job and paid a $35,000 "cost sharing" fee for the privilege of pursuing his lifelong dream.
• The hard work that was required of each crew member to keep the ship in good shape and take care of the nutritional and health needs of each traveler.
• The conflicts between the group of strangers who were confined in a small space for long periods of time.
• The detailed descriptions of faraway places with strange sounding names. This book was an excellent lesson in world geography and culture.
•  The love of nature that the author frequently spoke about during his trip.

I highly recommend this book for all sailing enthusiasts and all who are interested in learning more about the world around us. This book will inspire you to "dream the impossible dream and to run where the brave dare not go".

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ The author's publicist sent me a complimentary text copy of this book to read and review.

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Book Review: My Summer Bucket List Ideas

My Summer Bucket List Ideas - Living Life To The Fullest

Author: Roger Thatt

Publisher: Roger Thatt ~ Amazon Digital Services

Date: July 31, 2012

Length: 48 Pages

About The Author
Roger Thatt is an author and adventure seeker. He has written three ebooks that are available on Amazon.

Bucket List Ideas
The term "bucket list" gained widespread popularity from the 2007 movie "The Bucket List" staring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. A bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket (die).

Roger Thatt shares his personal bucket list in an inspiring and entertaining manner. The author states his purpose for writing this ebook in the following way;

"I try not to think of this as a list of things to do before I die, but rather an ongoing process to broaden my horizons and cram as much interesting stuff into my life as humanly possible".
 

Mr. Thatt tries to keep this list as specific and tangible as possible. He has divided his list into the subjects of travel, sports, personal, sensual, arts & entertainment and winter activities.

My Thoughts 
This is a short but inspiring read about living life to the fullest. The author shares his personal bucket list and then explains why each of these activities are important to him. He writes in an informal and casual manner that encourages the reader to relate to the author and to his dreams.

I think the real value of this ebook is to inspire readers to dream big and start making a list today. Many of the activities on Mr. Thatt's list do not appeal to me, but that is OK. The important thing is that he has a plan and he is in the process of broadening his horizons each day.

If you have been thinking about making a bucket list, this is a great little book to get you started. Yes, I am going to do it. I am going to start a little list today and see where it takes me.

My Rating: 4 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received this ebook from Amazon.Com when it was offered as a free download. Please check the current price before purchasing.




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