BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: When Life Gets You Down, RISE UP! by Kacey McCallister

WHEN LIFE GETS YOU DOWN, RISE UP!

by Kacey McCallister

Covenant Communications, 2019

ISBN: 978-1-52440-927-2

Inspirational

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It was a crisp winter day when six-year-old Kacey McCallister lost both of his legs, forever altering the course of his life. This unthinkable trial could have broken him, but from that day forward he chose to rise above his circumstances and learn to live without limits.

For those struggling to find hope in the depths of physical, spiritual, or emotional trials, this incredible story of one man's unbreakable courage will inspire and motivate readers to not only survive but thrive amidst life's challenges.

A true testament to the power of the human spirit, When Life Gets You Down, Rise Up! demonstrates the refining power that can be found in the midst of overwhelming odds, a power available to all who will take hold of it and rise.

REVIEW

While I haven't finished the book yet, I've really enjoyed the parts I have read.  Kacey's story is an interesting one and his positive attitude makes it a pleasant read.  I even found myself laughing at his stubbornness and determination to succeed. I also appreciated the fact that his parents refused to let him become dependent.  The creative ways he found to do things that most people do without thinking about it was fascinating to read about.

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BIOGRAPHY REVIEW: The Only Pirate at the Party by Lindsey Stirling and Brooke S. Passey

THE ONLY PIRATE AT THE PARTY

by Lindsey Stirling and Brooke S. Passey

Gallery Books, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-5011-1910-1

Autobiography

Source: purchased

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Electronic and dancing violinist Lindsey Stirling shares her unconventional journey in an inspiring memoir filled with the energy, persistence, and humor that have helped her successfully pursue a passion outside the box.

A classically trained musician gone rogue, Lindsey Stirling is the epitome of independent, millennial-defined success: after being voted off the set of America’s Got Talent, she went on to amass more than ten million social media fans, record two full-length albums, release multiple hits with billions of YouTube views, and tour sold-out venues across the world.

Lindsey is not afraid to be herself. In fact, it’s her confidence and individuality that have propelled her into the spotlight. But the road hasn’t been easy. After being rejected by talent scouts, music reps, and eventually national television, Lindsey forged her own path, step by step. Here, for the first time, she shares every triumph and trial she has faced until now. Beginning in a humble yet charmed childhood, this book follows Lindsey through a humorous adolescence, to her life as a struggling musician, through her personal struggles with anorexia, and finally all the way to her success as a world-class entertainer. Lindsey’s magnetizing story is at once remarkable and universal—a testimony that there is no singular recipe for success. And a witness that, despite what people may say, sometimes it’s okay to be The Only Pirate at the Party.

REVIEW

One thing I like about memoirs like this one, is how human the person becomes once I see beyond the surface.  For someone who has become as famous as Lindsey Stirling, it's easy to just see the success she has achieved without seeing the struggles she wrestles with.  I think though that the thing I enjoyed the most about this book is how many times I ended up laughing while reading it.  Lindsey's shared experiences reminded me of many of my own growing up experiences, both the good and bad.  I appreciated Lindsey's willingness to share so many of her mistakes and struggles with me as a reader.  That can be a scary thing seeing how judgmental the world can be at times, but as the title of the book indicates, Lindsey's learned to be herself, despite the criticism she's received and how alone it makes her feel at times.  I also found it fascinating to here about how she got to where she is now as well as behind the scenes peeks at what it's like to be on tour, both the good and the bad. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Lindsey Stirling better through this thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining read. Now I need to go check out her YouTube channel.

LDS MEMOIR: He Delivered Even Me, He Will Deliver Even You by Misti Stevenson

HE DELIVERED EVEN ME, HE WILL DELIVER EVEN YOU

by Misti Stevenson

Misti Stevenson, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-9894268-0-0

Source: author for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Growing up, Misti thought she had a pretty normal childhood. Right up until the sixth grade. That's when she began to notice things. Like how she was constantly aware of every blink of her eyes. How any normal physical thing could become an enemy that her brain would replay over and over again. She tried talking to her parents about it, but family dysfunction and parental control issues wouldn't let them see her problem for what it was. So she did everything she could to hide it. It would take her many more years to attach a name to her tortuous condition — Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

But after many more years of struggling, praying, and counseling, Misti experienced the miracle she had been seeking — she was healed.

So she's done hiding. This is her story of suffering through — and eventually being healed of — OCD, anxiety, and depression through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This is her story of how the Lord turned her deepest struggles into her greatest blessings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Misti Stevenson now enjoys her busy and joy-filled life in Kaysville with her husband, Jed, and five busy children. When not helping her kids with homework, tackling a mountain of laundry, or serving at church, she loves to do yoga, go jogging with her friends, and especially loves hiking in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains with her family. Facing her OCD was difficult. Telling her family was almost impossible. Writing about it, the supreme act of faith. She has felt supported by the Savior each step of the way. Misti knows you or someone you love may be among those who are silently suffering in a seemingly insurmountable set of circumstances and loves spreading the Savior’s message of hope and deliverance through the message of her book.

REVIEW

Mental illness has long carried a stigma with it that is sadly still alive and well.  Even now people are uncomfortable talking about it and understanding it is difficult under any circumstances.  And that is why stories like Misti's need to be told.  Misti gives an account of her experiences starting from a very young age that lead her down the road to developing OCD as well as how she dealt with it and how she eventually found healing through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I found myself truly touched as I read about Misti's struggles, especially feeling so alone in her struggles.  But like most of us she had her good days too and people who loved her deeply.  I'd recommend this book to those who've struggled with not only OCD but any kind of mental illness and the immense challenges it presents.  Misti offers hope to those who struggle, that healing is possible when faith in the Lord is exercised and a support network found, including appropriate medical care.

Keep in mind that this is uniquely Misti's story, experiences related to mental illness differ greatly person to person.  Appropriate medical care and support from family and friends are vital to anyone suffering from any sort of mental disorder or disease, genetic or not.  But as Misti points out, each person's journey is his or her own.