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Standing Tall: My Journey
Spencer West is many things. Accomplished speaker. University graduate. Natural prankster. Former cheerleader. And a young man without legs—something that has never held him back. Spencer was born without the use of his legs. When he was five, doctors decided to amputate below his pelvis to better help him get around. It didn’t bother him; he was Superman and nothing would ever get in his way. Or so he thought. Navigating through life on his hands, Spencer has always lived with purpose. But he wanted more out of life than just a paycheque and material possessions. He wanted to make an impact but wasn’t always sure how. That was until he had the He was different for a reason. Infused with humour and humility, Spencer has never lost the hope or courage he needed to tackle personal obstacles—bullying, isolation, failure, or pride. His secret? Always standing tall.
236 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2011
5 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 20, 2018
Update: 6/20/18
Came back to give this a plain 2.5 because a 3 felt too generous. I remembered how painful it was to force myself to read this, however amazing the story was.
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Original review
*Sitting between a 2.5 and 3 on this one
Spencer West's story is a very touching and inspiring one. But throughout reading, I really just wanted to finish reading it not because I was compelled to continue it, but because it was in many of my challenges. I found the writing sometimes as just all over the place. There were a few misspelled words here and there, as well as a misspelled name. I've never really been one for nonfiction, and this only supported that fact. But there is no doubt that Spencer's story and journey is incredible and the influence that it holds on people is very impactful.
Near the end, my mood towards the book lifted up. I found that I could relate to a few things that he wrote about, including his participation in Free The Children and Me to We and We Day, as I'm involved in the We Group in my own school, where we're aiming to raise money for the health and other needs in Sierra Leone. It's a very touching story, and there is no doubt that reading this book will help people find their own journeys as well.
Came back to give this a plain 2.5 because a 3 felt too generous. I remembered how painful it was to force myself to read this, however amazing the story was.
-
Original review
*Sitting between a 2.5 and 3 on this one
Spencer West's story is a very touching and inspiring one. But throughout reading, I really just wanted to finish reading it not because I was compelled to continue it, but because it was in many of my challenges. I found the writing sometimes as just all over the place. There were a few misspelled words here and there, as well as a misspelled name. I've never really been one for nonfiction, and this only supported that fact. But there is no doubt that Spencer's story and journey is incredible and the influence that it holds on people is very impactful.
Near the end, my mood towards the book lifted up. I found that I could relate to a few things that he wrote about, including his participation in Free The Children and Me to We and We Day, as I'm involved in the We Group in my own school, where we're aiming to raise money for the health and other needs in Sierra Leone. It's a very touching story, and there is no doubt that reading this book will help people find their own journeys as well.
February 19, 2023
Spencer West is a motivational speaker and I heard him speak to High School students a few years ago which was inspiring. In his autobiography, his will to overcome his physical challenges, his positivity, his humour and ability to impact others is also inspiring. Though probably suited for younger audiences I think there is some positive takeaway for all. We can all learn life lessons from Spencer West. I particularly thought the title of his book, Standing Tall was brilliant!
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September 17, 2012Spencer is actually a friend of mine...
So, beyond being super inspired by him, I am also incredibly proud of him!
Quite the life story (so far) and it is even more fun when you get the chance to then hear him do his thing live.
So, beyond being super inspired by him, I am also incredibly proud of him!
Quite the life story (so far) and it is even more fun when you get the chance to then hear him do his thing live.
September 24, 2022
I would love to hang out with Spencer.❤️
March 26, 2018
Spencer West's "Standing Tall: My Journey" is an amazing book. He traverses through his past telling of his hardships, his up's and down's throughout his life. He shows us how he was able to turn is disability into drive to continue forward, to inspire others in similar situations and to bridge gaps between people. He helps us to understand that having a disability or not that when you are in a hole of struggle and depression, we can always find something to help guide ourselves through it. He says that the book "The Alchemist" by Paul Coelho especially helped him. Because it showed how the world reveals itself through time and drive.
November 17, 2019
Interesting and parts were certainly inspiring. Some of family history was fun to read, but there were parts that dragged.
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March 15, 2021This book took me a while to get through. It was a great story and I am glad I have read it however it could have used a bit more editing.
November 30, 2017
Spencer West is an influential, amazing human being. Standing Tall is about a man named Spencer who had to have his legs removed at a young age. However he never stopped exploring and going on adventures
Even though Spencer West is an amazing person, his book was not written very well. The ideas were very scattered and did not connect. He did not mention hardships just success. It needed more description of his feelings during his journey and that is what made me give the book only two stars.
November 10, 2016
The novel, Standing Tall, by Spencer West, is an autobiography about how he turned his disability into motivation to help impact others lives. This book was very inspiring and I can see how it could impact many peoples' lives. Spencer brought up topics on bullying, failure, and personal topics. I feel like this novel was more directed towards a younger audience, because there is not many sophisticated vocabulary words that I did not understand. In my opinion I did not really like the genre of this book. I have never read an autobiography before and I thought I would try it out. Personally I believe autobiographies are less interesting and easier for me to lose focus on. The content of this novel could really change someones life around, but I don't think that it is for me. I think that was Spencer has done with his life is amazing and how he can live with his disability and have fun with it. Its very inspiring that Spencer sees his life as he was born this way for a reason, and to help other people achieve goals, and fight through obstacles. I was really blown away by the fact that he isn't mourning or grieving that he isn't like the rest of the world with legs, and instead he tries to do everything that everyone else can do, because in his mind he isn't different. My favorite part of this book is the irony of the title, and how throughout the book he tells people to always work as hard as you can and to never lose hope, by standing tall and Spencer can't stand tall because of his disability, but he stands tall emotionally and mentally.
March 25, 2012
Spencer West was born with a congenital defect that caused the muscles in his legs to not work properly. Doctors recommended amputation just above the knew, in hopes he would learn to walk with prosthetics, but when it became clear that Spencer could get around on his hands far better than on artificial legs, the decision was made to amputate just below the hips. These same doctors told Spencer's parents that their son would never sit-up, never be a contributing member of society.
Spencer would go one to prove them all wrong, learning to sit up, walk on his hands, become a cheerleader, went to University and is now a motivational speaker for Me to We. He will be even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro this year.
Standing tall tells Spencer's story, and while the writing is sometimes a little choppy, the facts of the story ring so true that you can't put it down. Spencer is honest about his struggles, both physical and mental. He is also honest that he himself did not always make the best decisions.
This is a great book for everyone to read, especially when you need a kick in the but to change your life. Teachers and children's librarians, this would be a great title to add to your collection.
Spencer would go one to prove them all wrong, learning to sit up, walk on his hands, become a cheerleader, went to University and is now a motivational speaker for Me to We. He will be even climbing Mount Kilimanjaro this year.
Standing tall tells Spencer's story, and while the writing is sometimes a little choppy, the facts of the story ring so true that you can't put it down. Spencer is honest about his struggles, both physical and mental. He is also honest that he himself did not always make the best decisions.
This is a great book for everyone to read, especially when you need a kick in the but to change your life. Teachers and children's librarians, this would be a great title to add to your collection.
February 27, 2014
This is a very inspiring story, and I enjoyed reading this book.
The only critique that I have is that it's written for a younger audience - like high school students - which is fine, except that I wasn't expecting it to be that way, and at some points I felt that I was being talked down to a little bit.
The only critique that I have is that it's written for a younger audience - like high school students - which is fine, except that I wasn't expecting it to be that way, and at some points I felt that I was being talked down to a little bit.
July 10, 2012
It was interesting to read Spencer's perspective about experiences in our hometown. I recognized many people and places. How amazing that Spencer and his friends and family turned what some would see as a disability into a great strength!
August 16, 2013
Spencer West is absolutely incredible. I've heard him speak 3 times and would jump at the chance to hear him again. The book wasn't a great testament to the inspiration that he truly is, but it was still worth reading!
February 12, 2016
Spencer West made his life seem like everyone else's: it was completely normal. Because of this, this book wasn't anything special; it was like reading the life story of a regular adult. That being said, it is impressive that he has gotten to where he's at with that mindset - very inspirational.
September 10, 2012
Inspirational story to share with friends and family. My local library now has a copy - request that your library purchase it!
January 15, 2014
It was inspiring!
July 27, 2015
Had to read this for college. Very inspiring!
June 18, 2012
This is an inspiring story about acceptance and learning to appreciate what you have.
December 10, 2014
I loved this book it was so inspiring! Spencer west is one of my favourite speakers as well!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews