What do you think?
Rate this book
Raising a Soul Surfer: One Family's Epic Tale
Cheri Hamilton, Bethany’s mom, tells the inspiring story of the Hamilton Family. Bethany Hamilton’s incredible story of surviving and thriving in the wake of a shark attack, told in her best-selling autobiography Soul Surfer, has sold more than 1.5 million copies. Yet her family’s adventures started long before Bethany lost her arm and became a pro surfer. Now Cheri Hamilton, Bethany’s mom, tells the inspiring story of the Hamilton Family. Raising a Soul Surfer invites readers to journey with the Hamiltons to the lush islands of Hawaii, to experience a worldwide news event, Bethany’s shark attack, from her parents’ point of view. Witness the many small steps of faith and how God stepped in and gave them a higher purpose.
202 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2011
21 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 2, 2017
Review of Raising a Soul Surfer by Cheri Hamilton
This book is about Bethany, who was a normal teenager, who loved to surf, and who depended on God all throughout her life. One day as she headed out to go surfing with her best friend, little did she know her life would change completely that day, and take a turn actually for the better.
As she was just laying on her surfboard waiting for a wave, her arm was tore off by a shark. She was rushed to the hospital as she almost died, but she stayed dependent and put her full trust in God. Her faith carried her through this incident.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, and all ages. This book taught me a lot, and I believe it would teach everyone important things also. This book never got boring, there was always something happening and something to learn. Lastly, her mom,Cheri, explained Bethany's childhood years so you could understand her morals, and what she was all about.
This book is about Bethany, who was a normal teenager, who loved to surf, and who depended on God all throughout her life. One day as she headed out to go surfing with her best friend, little did she know her life would change completely that day, and take a turn actually for the better.
As she was just laying on her surfboard waiting for a wave, her arm was tore off by a shark. She was rushed to the hospital as she almost died, but she stayed dependent and put her full trust in God. Her faith carried her through this incident.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, and all ages. This book taught me a lot, and I believe it would teach everyone important things also. This book never got boring, there was always something happening and something to learn. Lastly, her mom,Cheri, explained Bethany's childhood years so you could understand her morals, and what she was all about.
September 15, 2011
Bethany Hamilton is amazing! The movie was great also!
January 11, 2019
I have been keeping up on Bethany Hamilton's life for quite a while, I have always thought her story was very inspiring. It is however, very different to see her story told through the point of view of her family. There is her mother and father, Cheri and Thomas Hamilton It can really open your eyes to see how not only her story can affect her life, but everyone's around her! At the young age of thirteen on Halloween morning Bethany's life was changed forever. Her left arm was completely bitten off by a tiger shark. This book tells the story through the point of Bethany's mother, Cheri. Though the writing style was a little choppy and didn't flow very well in my opinion, you have to consider the fact that this story is being told by a loving mother, not an author.
I would really recommend this book to anyone who has heard of or is a fan of Bethany Hamilton. This book has a lot of flashbacks and insight to her past which makes it very unique and different from any other book I have read about her. Although there were quite a few parts in the book where things got sidetracked. For example, she went from talking about their faith and how God played a significant role in saving their daughter to talking about how her husband and his friend like to play golf, Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. It ended up giving a lot of information about her life as a child, and how she was raised. In this book you not only get Cheri Hamilton's take on everything that happened, but you get the whole family's. For example Bethany's dad, Thomas, was in the same hospital getting Bethany was rushed to. He said the moment he heard there was a shark attack and a thirteen year old girl being rushed to the hospital, he began to panic. I can't begin to imagine how scared Bethany's parents might have been. That's why more books should be written by not only, victims of attacks but their loved ones. It really was able to pull me in and put me in the shoes of this mother.
This book really inspired me and taught me that perseverance is key. Even after her arm was completely gone and she was disabled for life she fulfilled her dream and continued to surf. It made me feel as if I was actually talking to Cheri Hamilton. That aspect of this book really made it unique. It was unlike anything I have ever read before. If you are looking for a good non-fiction book, are looking for a good comeback and inspiring story, or just want to learn more about Bethany Hamilton's inspiring story, this book is definitely one you should choose.
I would really recommend this book to anyone who has heard of or is a fan of Bethany Hamilton. This book has a lot of flashbacks and insight to her past which makes it very unique and different from any other book I have read about her. Although there were quite a few parts in the book where things got sidetracked. For example, she went from talking about their faith and how God played a significant role in saving their daughter to talking about how her husband and his friend like to play golf, Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. It ended up giving a lot of information about her life as a child, and how she was raised. In this book you not only get Cheri Hamilton's take on everything that happened, but you get the whole family's. For example Bethany's dad, Thomas, was in the same hospital getting Bethany was rushed to. He said the moment he heard there was a shark attack and a thirteen year old girl being rushed to the hospital, he began to panic. I can't begin to imagine how scared Bethany's parents might have been. That's why more books should be written by not only, victims of attacks but their loved ones. It really was able to pull me in and put me in the shoes of this mother.
This book really inspired me and taught me that perseverance is key. Even after her arm was completely gone and she was disabled for life she fulfilled her dream and continued to surf. It made me feel as if I was actually talking to Cheri Hamilton. That aspect of this book really made it unique. It was unlike anything I have ever read before. If you are looking for a good non-fiction book, are looking for a good comeback and inspiring story, or just want to learn more about Bethany Hamilton's inspiring story, this book is definitely one you should choose.
March 17, 2016
I learned a lot from this book! I loved the movie Soul Surfer and I had read the book Bethany wrote, but I enjoyed reading more from another point of view. Obviously the outcomes from the attack were very difficult for Bethany, but after reading this book I saw that it was just has hard just in different ways. I always wondered what Bethany's real parents were like and this book showed me more of them. They were both die heart surfers. They both surfed all their life and surfing was a part of them.
It was really hard to transition from two arms to only one. It was a transition for the whole family. They family had to learn to help Bethany live as normal of a life as possible. The mother of Bethany wrote the book and I thought she put a lot of emotion and motherly protectiveness into her writing. You could feel the love for Bethany as you read the book.
It was really hard to transition from two arms to only one. It was a transition for the whole family. They family had to learn to help Bethany live as normal of a life as possible. The mother of Bethany wrote the book and I thought she put a lot of emotion and motherly protectiveness into her writing. You could feel the love for Bethany as you read the book.
August 11, 2011
At first I wasn't sure what to think, like Bethany, Cheri has a sometimes unique way of telling a story. But when you just sit and relax and take it in, you realize that reading her words is like listening to her tell it in person. Sometimes she will go off on connectable tangents before returning to the original story! My favorite chapters were 10 and the epilogue (does that count?).
I very much enjoyed getting a different perspective of Bethany's story, for me while hearing/reading about her firsthand experience is great I was left wondering what the people around her thought/felt/experienced during the trauma. This book gave me a look at the families side of things, which was a gift I would have never expected from them.
I very much enjoyed getting a different perspective of Bethany's story, for me while hearing/reading about her firsthand experience is great I was left wondering what the people around her thought/felt/experienced during the trauma. This book gave me a look at the families side of things, which was a gift I would have never expected from them.
April 7, 2015
Background story
This is the background story behind the film, "Soul Surfer" - the story of Bethany Hamilton. Bethany was a 13 year old training to become a professional surfer, living in Hawaii with her parents and brothers, when she lost her arm ok n a shark attack. It's the story of Cheri & Tom -meeting as surfers in Hawaii, living in a van or with friends, and surfing as their number one goal. Their children learned at early ages to enjoy the waves and the beach.
It's the story of how they became Christians and how this affected everything and how God's hand became evident after the shark attack. I have not seen the movie, "Soul Surfer" but can't wait to see it now, with the knowledge of this background.
This is the background story behind the film, "Soul Surfer" - the story of Bethany Hamilton. Bethany was a 13 year old training to become a professional surfer, living in Hawaii with her parents and brothers, when she lost her arm ok n a shark attack. It's the story of Cheri & Tom -meeting as surfers in Hawaii, living in a van or with friends, and surfing as their number one goal. Their children learned at early ages to enjoy the waves and the beach.
It's the story of how they became Christians and how this affected everything and how God's hand became evident after the shark attack. I have not seen the movie, "Soul Surfer" but can't wait to see it now, with the knowledge of this background.
July 28, 2011
This is really a sweet book. Its like comfort food, its totally easy to understand and wrap yourself in to the world of a surfing mom and follower of Jesus. This book is special and nostalgic to me. It kinda has the voice my own mom would have, if she were writing a story about her life. Its simple and faithful and definitely kind and compassionate. I have always loved hearing about the Hamilton family, and Bethany's story. God is using them all in the best of ways.
I also I really love the book jacket. Makes me crave surfing.
I also I really love the book jacket. Makes me crave surfing.
August 22, 2011
I enjoyed reading this mother's account of her family's path of loving and living for the Lord. The writing is extremely simple and straightforward and maybe included a few too many rough details about the Hamiltons' lives before they were Christians. But I loved hearing about her heart for God and her children and also hearing about so many facts of life in Kaua'i before we ever got here! We already are familiar with so many of the names she mentions - not just of places, but of surfers and Kauaian Christians. It is truly a small island!
November 12, 2011
After seeing the movie Soul Surfer, I was interested to see how accurate it was to the real events surrounding Bethany Hamilton's shark attack. This book gave great insights to the Hamilton family and where Bethany came from. It was a little light on what they went through in the aftermath of the attack, but as a parent I can understand how you would want to keep that private. Although some things in the movie were not entirely accurate, this book showed the movie was true to who this family was. I enjoyed getting to know the Hamilton's a little better - they are an amazing group.
June 20, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book. This book is a behind the story from her mother's perspective. Her mother isn't an award winner writer, but I enjoyed reading about her family and her faith.
One of my favorite parts of the book is found on pg. 145, this was just after Bethany's attack. "Then there were the comforting words the paramedic, with whom we had attended church, whispered into Bethany's ear as she was loaded into the ambulance: 'God will never leave your nor forsake you,' he said. These words set the stage for what was to come."
One of my favorite parts of the book is found on pg. 145, this was just after Bethany's attack. "Then there were the comforting words the paramedic, with whom we had attended church, whispered into Bethany's ear as she was loaded into the ambulance: 'God will never leave your nor forsake you,' he said. These words set the stage for what was to come."
November 28, 2011
Parts of the story are inspiring, and it is interesting to see how she used her Christian faith to raise a daughter who is so amazing, but it is a bit hard to follow, and has a choppy writing style.
Bethany Hamilton, the author's daughter, had one of her arms bitten off by a shark, and is a world renowned surfing champion. The mother and daughter's faith and resilience are interesting to read about.
Bethany Hamilton, the author's daughter, had one of her arms bitten off by a shark, and is a world renowned surfing champion. The mother and daughter's faith and resilience are interesting to read about.
November 9, 2011
This book was so inspirational.....To hear Bethany's story from the other side was great!! I love Bethany Hamilton and it was great to see the family that she comes from and how they helped her in her time of need. The family had it just as hard as Bethany after the attack and it reminds the reader of the importance of family. Loved it so much!
January 6, 2015
As somebody who wishes to be a parent someday, I loved reading about Bethany from her mother's point of view and finding out a little bit more about her background. If you can't tell I'm slightly obsessed with Bethany Hamilton... But hey, she's incredible! I loved this book just as I loved Soul Surfer!
April 2, 2015
I loved the book. It reminded me again of how everyone of us has bumps in our life and that these bumps can not be ranked on a lesser or greater scale. What these bumps do is make us more compassionate of others when we understand that it is not about the scale of the bump but about the person that is hurting because of the bump.
September 11, 2012
This family has very strong Christian beliefs, and did a great job raising their children. I wasn't really sure what the purpose of the book was. It kind of jumped around and I could have skipped the first chapter and felt fine about it. I hope Soul Surfer is more engaging.
June 23, 2014
I could see how some parts of the book could be confusing to the average reader. I liked being able to find out some things about Bethany's life that weren't in Bethany's book and the movie. I also liked being to see how spiritual of a person Cheri is through reading the book.
Read
May 18, 2014I had to read this book because of a book report for my advanced English class. I didn't think it would be as informing as I needed it to be, but it was. I learned a lot about the difficult times for Bethany Hamilton as well as her family.
September 18, 2011
This is a very good book! It is not what I would have expected to think about their family. The book goes back to when Bethany's parents were little.
October 10, 2011
Wow. It brought tears to my eyes at the end. A must read!!
February 5, 2012
Really good book. Gave the full story of Bethany Hamilton and really encouraged me to get closer to God. It's a great read, I would totally recommend it. :)
Read
December 27, 2015This is the first book I have started and not finished. It was so choppy I couldn't stand it. No more autobiographies for me.
August 10, 2012
Inspiring story!
August 29, 2016
A great autobiography about Bethany's parents, how they met and their life together.
October 28, 2013
I really like this. Although, I did like the book Soul Surfer better. It was in the point of view from Bethany. This was mostly Cheri (Bethany's mom). But still a good book.
August 15, 2014
I like the writing as well as the story. It is a humble testimony of a faithful Christian family, warming and inspiring.
January 28, 2015
Good book!
April 5, 2015
You can tell she isn't a professional writer but I loved the look into their lives. very inspirational!
September 3, 2024
I started reading this book before seeing the movie, Soul Surfer, and I was utterly confused.
Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like Cheri, the mom of the young shark attack survivor, had too much help in how to write a book for her first time.
There’s no proper introduction of who the characters are, no linear process for the story, and there are a couple grammatical mistakes. This make’s the reader confused, and less interested in the book. I kept reading anyway, because I was being stubborn.
If you’re not someone of Christian faith, such as me, it might annoy you how often Cheri quotes the Bible or mentions Jesus, but in fairness, she did make it clear that it was her mission to spread the word of God in writing the book and also in making her daughter’s story into a movie.
The movie, Soul Surfer, was great, but this book was poorly written.
Unfortunately it doesn’t seem like Cheri, the mom of the young shark attack survivor, had too much help in how to write a book for her first time.
There’s no proper introduction of who the characters are, no linear process for the story, and there are a couple grammatical mistakes. This make’s the reader confused, and less interested in the book. I kept reading anyway, because I was being stubborn.
If you’re not someone of Christian faith, such as me, it might annoy you how often Cheri quotes the Bible or mentions Jesus, but in fairness, she did make it clear that it was her mission to spread the word of God in writing the book and also in making her daughter’s story into a movie.
The movie, Soul Surfer, was great, but this book was poorly written.
October 22, 2025
Beautiful memoir!
Halloween 2003 a shark bit off Bethany Hamilton’s arm while she was surfing. Her faith in Jesus, passion for surfing, and sheer resilience allowed her to be surfing again by Thanksgiving.
Wow, she’s amazing!
But we wonder — how did she get that way? What was her childhood? What were her parents like, and how did they raise someone as awesome as Bethany?
Wonder no more!
This memoir is her mom’s adventures and misadventures (including eating a marijuana plant in a police interrogation room), her dad’s adventures and misadventures (including fist fighting an officer on his Navy ship in Vietnam), and how they grew individually, together, in their faith, and as a family.
Beautiful!
Halloween 2003 a shark bit off Bethany Hamilton’s arm while she was surfing. Her faith in Jesus, passion for surfing, and sheer resilience allowed her to be surfing again by Thanksgiving.
Wow, she’s amazing!
But we wonder — how did she get that way? What was her childhood? What were her parents like, and how did they raise someone as awesome as Bethany?
Wonder no more!
This memoir is her mom’s adventures and misadventures (including eating a marijuana plant in a police interrogation room), her dad’s adventures and misadventures (including fist fighting an officer on his Navy ship in Vietnam), and how they grew individually, together, in their faith, and as a family.
Beautiful!
December 21, 2017
I had watched the movie first, and then read the book. I don't normally like to do this because books change so much once they reach Hollywood formatting. But since I enjoy Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid, I thought I would give it a try. I really enjoyed the movie, and now even more so, understanding the story behind it. I love the way the author weaved their salvation and Christian lives through the book. Very good read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews