Joel Sonnenberg was only two years old when an 18-wheeler smashed into his family’s car. In the inferno that followed, he was burned on over 85 percent of his body. This is his story as only he can tell it.Experience the world from Joel’s perspective as he takes you on a personal journey with more twists and turns than a Hollywood movie. It’s been a life of both great struggles and of tremendous achievement and honor. Yet Joel asserts, “I am just an ordinary person whom people find extraordinary.” Be prepared to fall in love with a young man named Joel. We have known Joel since he first moved to Montreat, North Carolina, eighteen years ago. What an incredible boy he was; what an incredible man he has become. His testimony will stir your heart and forever change you.Ruth and Billy GrahamJoel is a dear friend. His story is truly remarkable. I encourage everyone to read it. It is truly inspiring!Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University BasketballJoel is an American hero. True courage is demonstrated in every page.Bob Dole, Former United States Senator, KansasThe dictionary doesn’t have enough adjectives to describe my love and admiration for Joel Sonnenberg. To spend time with Joel—whether in his book, at a soccer game, or over a soda—is to come away a different person simply because you’ve been with him. Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and CEO of Joni and FriendsJoel Sonnenberg’s story is more than just an uplifting tale of persistence and achievement. Rooted in tragedy, it’s the story of a mother’s love, a boy’s courage, and the resilience of the human spirit.Bryant Gumbel, Television News JournalistHis story is one all young people need to hear . . . optimistic, confident, and filled with faith. Dr. Jay Kesler, President Emeritus, Taylor University
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"This is an amazing story of survival. It was so inspiring to read how he has achieved so much in his life in the face of such adversity, medical and otherwise. It really is a must read for parents of children with disabilities. His parents are truly exceptional people. "
— Amy (5 out of 5 stars)
" Joel Sonnenberg graduated from Taylor University and was a senior when I was a freshman. This book is his story about how God used an awful tragedy in his life to bring hope and sincerity to the lives of so many - including him. I would highly recommend it to anyone. "
— Lindsey, 11/15/2013" Could I be so upbeat and accepting and DARING if I were Joel? I seriously doubt it. Great book about not only surviving, but also thriving. "
— Sheri, 9/21/2013" amazing another book that made me cry. So sad, GO READ IT. "
— Collin, 5/26/2013" Inspirational reading - make sure you have some kleenex. What an amazing young man! "
— Loraine, 3/10/2013" Joel is an amazing example of who you can be if you are content w/ God's will...you will be forever changed! "
— Sara, 1/18/2013" An amazing and inspirational story that will move you. "
— Kimberly, 10/7/2012" Wow - this is a life-changing book! "
— Lisa, 10/6/2012" AMAZING story! I hope Joel continues to write because I would love to know what the next part of his life is like! "
— Elizabeth, 8/21/2012" Amazing book... everyone should read this book! "
— Melissa, 8/1/2012" Amazing. This young man is an inspiration of biblical proportions. I loved his thought processes and his outlook on life. A wonderful read.......it will uplift you. "
— Julianne, 6/27/2012" Excellent, inspiring story! "
— Katie, 3/5/2012" What an amazing young man. What a way to take a disability and turn it into an ability. I really enjoyed every moment of this book "
— Jocelyn, 2/20/2012" Excellent book of courage and determination. "
— Karen, 12/28/2011" Inspiring & touching true story. "
— Melissa, 4/6/2011" 2 stars! "
— Andrea, 3/18/2011" This book will change your life. Joel's story is unique and none other is quite like it. The fact that through all he's been through and he can still give glory to God for it, is simply amazing. God is an amazing God and he can work through any situation. "
— Maria, 2/25/2011" Joel, at age 2 was burned in a car accident over 85% of his body. His autobiography tells the amazing challenges and triumphs of his life. Really inspiring to me! "
— Michelle, 9/17/2010" This is an amazing story of survival. It was so inspiring to read how he has achieved so much in his life in the face of such adversity, medical and otherwise. It really is a must read for parents of children with disabilities. His parents are truly exceptional people. "
— Amy, 7/8/2010" Could I be so upbeat and accepting and DARING if I were Joel? I seriously doubt it. Great book about not only surviving, but also thriving. "
— Sheri, 5/27/2010" Wow - this is a life-changing book! "
— Lisa, 4/10/2010" Excellent book of courage and determination. "
— Karen, 8/4/2009" Inspirational reading - make sure you have some kleenex. What an amazing young man! "
— Loraine, 3/14/2009" What an amazing young man. What a way to take a disability and turn it into an ability. I really enjoyed every moment of this book "
— Jocelyn, 7/16/2008" Joel is an amazing example of who you can be if you are content w/ God's will...you will be forever changed! "
— Sara, 4/1/2008" Joel Sonnenberg graduated from Taylor University and was a senior when I was a freshman. This book is his story about how God used an awful tragedy in his life to bring hope and sincerity to the lives of so many - including him. I would highly recommend it to anyone. "
— Lindsey, 3/7/2008" This book will change your life. Joel's story is unique and none other is quite like it. The fact that through all he's been through and he can still give glory to God for it, is simply amazing. God is an amazing God and he can work through any situation. "
— Maria, 2/18/2008" Amazing. This young man is an inspiration of biblical proportions. I loved his thought processes and his outlook on life. A wonderful read.......it will uplift you. "
— Julianne, 9/6/2007" Amazing book... everyone should read this book! "
— Melissa, 8/16/2007" amazing another book that made me cry. So sad, GO READ IT. "
— Collin, 4/22/2007Patrick Lawlor, an award-winning narrator, is also an accomplished stage actor, director, and combat choreographer. He has worked extensively off Broadway and has been an actor and stuntman in both film and television. He has been an Audie Award finalist multiple times and has garnered several AudioFile Earphones Awards, a Publishers Weekly Listen-Up Award, and many starred audio reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.