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Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board Audiobook
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(4.00) - 4,119 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
She lost her arm in a shark attack and nearly died, but she never lost her faith. Now a major motion picture, Soul Surfer is the moving story of Bethany Hamilton’s triumphant return to competitive surfing and has continued to be a beacon of inspiration to all who hear it. They say Bethany Hamilton has saltwater in her veins. How else could one explain the passion that drives her to surf? Or that nothing—not even the loss of her arm—could come between her and the waves? That Halloween morning in Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany responded to the shark’s stealth attack with the calm of a teenage girl with God on her side, resolutely pushing aside her pain and panic while being rescued and brought back to shore. “When can I surf again?” was the first thing Bethany asked after her emergency surgery, leaving no doubt that her spirit and determination were part of a greater story—a tale of personal empowerment and spiritual grit that shows the body is no more essential to surfing, perhaps even less so, than the soul.
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"Bethany was the main character. She didn't change a lot, but her faith in God is more than ever. She has a lot of faith in god because she believed that God was on her side when she was in the hospital and helping her. She was realistic because she did what human beings did. I would compare her with the movie because it has the same life and other people that doesn't have an arm. I think I am most like Alana because she cares a lot about her friends and I do too. The qualities that Bethany used to save the problem was the courage and belief. She believed in God and she believes that he is always with her. She also thinks that she will not die after her arm was eaten."
— Hang (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Hamilton’s optimism, determination, and resilience (she climbed back on her surfboard within a month of the attack) are undeniably impressive and uplifting.”
— Publishers Weekly
Awards
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A #1 New York Times bestseller
Soul Surfer Listener Reviews
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" I read this aloud to a class of 7th graders. It is definitely not great writing, but we all came away liking Bethany. Who wouldn't be totally impressed with her? It got a little didactic at times which made me uncomfortable reading it aloud. I probably crossed some major lines that I shouldn't have. "
— Marilyn, 2/18/2014 -
" Thanks to cousin Katie, Hayley actually read this book as on of her first "chapter" books...she loved it and we can't wait to see the movie! "
— Amy, 2/12/2014 -
" I loved it so much. I made me realize that I should be grateful that I have two arms and not one. "
— Horsebackridingchick, 1/31/2014 -
" Wow! I picked up this book for a school project after seeing the movie,and I have to say it blew me away! It is an amazing book and Bethany's voice is really heard in the novel. It is so strong and inspiring- a book everyone should read. Wonderful book!!! 10 out of 5 stars! "
— Mallory, 1/14/2014 -
" This book, and Bethany's story, is inspiring. Her resiliency and faith helped her overcome a great obstacle and speak to millions of people about the power of the human spirit. "
— Lucy, 1/10/2014 -
" Wow you really get the feel of her life before and after the attack she is an ispiration and everyone should be that positive about life. "
— Emily, 1/9/2014 -
" i really enjoyed this book. Bethany is a really strong person. i can't wait to see the movie. "
— Janet, 1/3/2014 -
" Inspirational...my daughter read it and while helping her with homework... I got into it. Quick read and inspirational story. "
— Cristal, 12/19/2013 -
" I finished this book, and it was awesome. "
— AJ, 12/11/2013 -
" This is a great and inspiring book!!Its moved many people. I hope you all read it!! "
— Issra, 11/29/2013 -
" Reads like a biography written by a 14-year old with a good editor, which is exactly what it is. Moderately interesting, very quick read. "
— Cheryl, 10/19/2013 -
" Excellent book! This is by far one of the best stories of faith and determination I have ever come across. I will definitely read this book again! "
— Kara, 8/22/2013 -
" My daughter read this and told me it was great! I wanted to read it before the movie comes out and read it in 2 days! Great read for kiddos VERY inspirational! Can't wait for the movie now! "
— Stefani, 6/27/2013 -
" We have to read it for class. Its good. "
— Erika, 4/4/2013 -
" It was alright. Not spectacular since it sounded like a diary instead of a story being told. I was just expecting something different. But it was pretty good; however, I wouldn't read it again. "
— Sara, 12/15/2012 -
" She had me until she said Mel Gibson was her idol- ACK. "
— Julie, 11/3/2012 -
" BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
— Summer, 10/23/2012 -
" Very easy read. Decided to read it after seeing the movie and then attending a speaking event with Bethany. She's a very strong girl. I will read this to my 7 yr old who is just beyond fascinated with her story. "
— Dana, 9/18/2012 -
" Very Inspirational...but can be a little boring at times. "
— Marley, 3/17/2012 -
" While it is hard to imagine that Bethany Hamilton really is as positive as she portrays herself in this book, it was very uplifting nonetheless. A very good book to have students read who may feel sorry for themselves because of small obstacles. "
— Holly, 1/25/2012 -
" Beautiful and inspiring true story! Amazing what this girl can do! "
— Dawn, 1/13/2012 -
" Reads like a biography written by a 14-year old with a good editor, which is exactly what it is. Moderately interesting, very quick read. "
— Cheryl, 11/4/2011 -
" Loved this book...can't wait to watch the movie. This girl's attitude in the face of her shark attack and everything that came after is just amazing. "
— Jessica, 11/2/2011 -
" Amazing true story. Very inspiring and tells a great story of Bethany's struggles and triumphs. I'm very glad I read this book. Not amazingly written, but Bethany was young when she wrote this. "
— Megan, 10/29/2011 -
" Sorry! I found this a little too sappy for me. "
— Cindy, 10/27/2011 -
" This book was super easy to read, and Bethany Hamilton was actually REALLY relateable. Majorly inspiring book, I'd suggest it to anyone feeling down in there life- great novel. :) "
— Stephanie, 10/26/2011 -
" i thought that this book was truly inspirational. This book was very hard to sent down it just made you want to keep reading! It was an amazing story and great for people in need for a little inspiration.:) "
— Delaney, 10/23/2011 -
" I remember reading this book for the first time when it came out in those school book catalogs made from cheap paper. I was in awe with Bethany's story. Her strength and perseverance taught me a lesson in my own faith as well as my families. A wonderful story! "
— Kendra, 10/21/2011 -
" I think that it was pretty good.I really like the way that it shows that God can do anything.It also shows how no matter what happens in life always keep on pushing on.Even if you lose an arm. "
— Artie, 10/20/2011 -
" Reading Bethathy Hamilton's story is inspiring, she has a tenacious spirit. "
— Susanne, 10/13/2011 -
" I wanted to read the book before watching the movie. This book on CD included an update of Bethany's experience making the movie. This is an inspiring and uplifting story of faith and trust. I would recommend it to anyone, especially to teenage girls. What a role model of faith in action. "
— Suzanne, 10/12/2011 -
" Super fun read. Finished it in a day. It's so nice to read someone who doesn't try to come off as sounding knowledgeable or deep. Like she says in the book, Bethany "tells it like it is". It's so much more real a story than the awful movie version. "
— Dewin, 10/8/2011
About Bethany Hamilton
Bethany Hamilton began surfing at a young age, winning her first surf competition at age eight. She lost her left arm in a shark attack just five years later, but returned to the water and went on to become a champion professional surfer in 2007. She has traveled around the globe to compete in surf competitions, and she currently resides in her home state of Hawaii.
About Eleni Pappageorge
Eleni Pappageorge is a Chicago-based actress with experience in theater, film, television, and voiceover work. She received a BFA in acting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory Program.