Imprisoned in her own body by a paralyzing stroke at age twenty, Nika Maples depended upon spiritual strength in order to surmount the greatest challenge of her young standing on her own two feet again. Not only did she stand, obliterating doctors initial prognoses, she walked ... directly into the passionate profession of a public high school teacher. Thirteen years after the medical trauma she was not expected to survive, Nika stood inside the glimmering granite capitol building in Austin, honored to receive state House and Senate resolutions as 2007 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Let your heart rise along with the inspirational account of a single mother s faith, her dying daughter s hope, and God s triumphant love.
Nika Maples, a native Texan, never thought she would become a teacher. By her sophomore year in college everything changed …
In 1994, a lupus-induced stroke left Nika quadriplegic. She could not speak, swallow, or blink. In intensive care, she listened as physicians warned her family that she had as little as 48 hours to live. If she lived at all, they said, she could be expected to remain unresponsive. She had lost all functionality and had no hope of recovery, so doctors suggested an assisted living facility as the only option for Nika’s future. When she could do nothing else, she prayed. Her faith sustained her, and she walked back onto her college campus on her own two feet. The lessons she learned from quadriplegia will always be a part of her heart.
A stark reality became clearer to her by the day: Life is brief and brilliant. Whatever we choose to do with our handful of moments on earth, it is critical that we make those moments significant by serving others. She could think of no better way to serve than to educate and encourage young people.
After she had taught in a public high school only four years, the Texas Education Agency honored Nika by naming her 2007 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Currently, she shares her message of hope and endurance with education, business, and church groups, while continuing to teach language arts and social studies to 5th grade students in Keller, Texas. Audiences respond to her humorous and heartfelt stories with warmth and enthusiasm. Almost everyone walks away with a renewed sense of purpose.
Nika holds a BS in mass communications from Texas Wesleyan University and an MA in English education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her teaching philosophy is simple. Teachers, as academic physicians, must not remove “educational life support” from any student, no matter how seemingly hopeless the situation.
It is never too late to learn and it is never too late to teach.
I won this book on Goodreads and I am so happy I did.
Ms Maples tells a personal and detailed account of her struggles: physically, mentally and spiritually after a life changing stroke. I am at a loss of how to say who exactly would love to read this, be changed by this, or even be interested in this book because I cannot think of one person who her story would not apply to. Having children with special needs I connected to her on that level, but the depth of her faith and how her faith in God inspired her to do great things made me evaluate my life and my children's life in a new perspective. I thank her for that. I will definitely be recommending her book and passing on my copy to family and friends.
If I could give this book more stars I would have. I have more than a few favorite parts. One is where her mom says "If you have to move one inch in order to be happy, you never will be....there will always be one more inch to move". That speaks for so many instances in life. And towards the end Ms Maples says, "Yes I am a person with disabilities. But my outstanding teachers taught me to view myself as a person with possibilities. And that has made all the difference." This is what I strive to teach my children as well as those I work with. However what was life changing for me was her spiritual journey. Her conversations with God and the Biblical references that inspired her, inspired me.
Nika Maple's story represents "Victory in Jesus" with vivid clarity and heart-touching emotion that makes her memoir almost impossible to put down. Have the tissues handy, but you'll laugh as often as you cry while you make the journey with her. At age 12 she is diagnosed with lupus, a disease which saddles her with bouts of debilitating aches in her bones, a need to rest (largely ignored), and a regimen of doctor visits and steroid treatments throughout her teen years.
She downplays the aches and pain she experiences and concentrates on enjoying her friends and her teen years, but the disease catches up with her with a vengeance when, at age 20 she suffers a paralyzing stroke that takes away not only her mobility but her capacity for speech. Only her sense of hearing does not fail, which means that as she is lying in a hospital bed, apparently in a coma, perhaps on her death bed, she is hearing and understanding every word said in the hospital room and even out in the hall. The only one who can hear her "speak" is God, and that is a conversation she shares with us, her readers.
Nika's attitude toward her disability changes and grows as her faith and reliance on the Lord deepens and matures. Her example of dealing with hardship, both physical and emotional, should forever color your response to health issues and set backs which complicate your own life.
Nika's spiritual journey and the arduous path to healing continues into the Rehab hospital and eventually back home. Her sense of humor never fails her as she recalls the experiences which take her to Thailand for a job as a teacher of the children of some American missionaries. She returns to the States and to college, completing her degree 10 years after she had begun.
Nika is a goal setter and continually meets one unlikely goal after another. She teaches school and in 2007 was named The Secondary Teacher of the Year in Texas. She is a motivational speaker and a published writer. Her life, her faith, her humor and her wisdom continue to inspire her students and her readers. Order her book at www.nikamaples.com and enjoy her blog at www.twelvecleanpages.com.
Nika was diagnosed with lupus at the early age of twelve. She wasn't expected to live very long and came close to death several times. While in college she suffered a stroke and was a quadriplegic for months. Gradually she learned to walk, talk and function again. She went on to become a teacher, inspiring others with her humor, hope, and courage.
I was a little leery of this book. Memoirs can so often be dry and boring, especially when dealing with someone's remembrance of difficult times. But this lady is a talented writer. She was able to write a beautiful story about a terrible tragedy and make it interesting and inspiring. Her outlook on life is honest and positive. Her relationship with her Savior shines through the pages. I'm just hoping this isn't her only book.
I received this book free of charge from Goodreads in exchange for my honest review.
Just received my autographed copy of Ms. Nika's lovely book. I will be back with a review as soon as I finish it. Thank you again Nika and Goodreads.
I just finished this 5 star book and it is magnificent! Everyone will really enjoy Ms. Maples story. Anyone with an autoimmune disease, especially Lupus will find this book both entertaining and informative. Showing all the trails of her life from her diagnosis of Lupus at age twelve to her father's betrayal, and her continued faith and relationship with the Almighty. Following along with her journey is amazing and makes you stop and think.
I'll say no more for fear of telling you too much - just buy or borrow a copy of this wonderful book and enjoy it your self.
Nika, you are an incredible woman. Your book was inspiring! Your writing style, your openness, your bravery when faced with the unthinkable- all of these beautiful, honest, raw things about you made you feel like family. Thank you.
Secondly, I was sad to reach the end of this book even with tears of joy streaming down my face at the end. I wanted to hear that Nika kept going, kept setting goals and continued to teach, to grow and to laugh every single day. I don't have to read that, because I know she did, but I wanted to hear so much more.
This book was truly a gift, in more ways than it just showing up in my mailbox. It's now got a permanent spot next to my other favorite books.
I found this book to be captivating and inspiring. What makes this memoir fun to read is Maples' humor and insight into what could have been a life-ruining event. Although I am not a religious person, I was not put off by Maples' musings on how her beliefs helped her recover (and I often find myself less than interested in people's spiritual discoveries.) I loved that Maples felt sorry for herself and at times suffered from true hopelessness--these aspects helped the book to stray far from Pollyanna territory. I would definitely recommend this book to others who want to read a true story of courage from someone who used her wit and strength to bring herself back from the brink.
I loved this book very much! Although all those mean things and everything my teacher went through, she is very strong. It was the BEST book I have read. It was very heartbreaking on some parts but on others it was funny. I am proud to know the author of this book and to know that she is the most happiest person I know. She is never down or gloomy and always makes me smile. She is the best 6th grade teacher I ever had! I recommend to people reading this book! Because it is AMAZING!!!
TWELVE CLEAN PAGES by Nika Maples is a real page turner. Every chapter is a surprise and and you will cry and laugh, but you won't want it to end. It is a beautiful experience to see the young Nika Maples overcome insurmountable odds. She is a role model for her students who are fortunate to have such a creative and talented teacher who won Texas State Teacher of the Year 2007. She is a a very popular teacher of language-arts in the Keller ISD.
I guess I need to say I've read this one. It cracked me up to enter the date I started writing it and the date I finished writing it. I remember both clearly. And, yes, I love this book. I'll always love it.
I love this book for so many reasons. For starters, it is a display of gifted and inspired writing. Simply put, I did not want to put the book down. Nika's writing style is clever, wise, witty. All of these characteristics lend to a book of the highest quality of authorship. Her soulful semantics lead to an immediate, personal connection that has the potential to move your heart in the direction of unshakeable joy.
Twelve Clean Pages is an unforgettable story of a life that found its way, not by strength or will, but by weakness and surrender, to greatness. I use the term greatness meaning a life that leaves a lasting impact on many others, a life that endues purpose to those that would be so impacted.
The book is also incredibly inspiring to me because of many personal connections. I kinda sorta know Nika. We went to the same high school and college. We grew up in the same youth group. Even though she is a few years older, I remember a time when our close-knit community was praying for Nika. I had only heard about her illness from afar. All I knew was that she had lupus and was sick a lot, and that it looked like she wore a wig. Then I heard something about a stroke and would see her from time to time using a cane to get around. I also remember thinking she must have had some funny friends because she was always laughing...
But now I know from whence her undying spirit has come. How thankful I am that she has told her story! What she said about the increased capacity of the Initiated to know joy is true. So many times in life when the carving-out process occurs, we have a tendency towards bitterness and a slow death of spirit. Nika will tell you herself in her memoir that surviving the blows of life is not a matter of happen chance, but a matter of choice. And the process of choosing is never perfect, but by the grace of the One who is, is worth every bit of the fight.
**This is a review of the book with bits of my personal life thrown in.**
Wonderful and inspirational read! Got through this in less than 24 hours so I'd say it's pretty quick and easy.
The explanations of Nika's medical ongoings was fantastic. While I know of Lupus, I never had any understanding of what the disease was capable of. **The thing is I have a family member with Lupus, and also a friend who was recently told she may have Lupus or possibly something similar(still running tests).** Nika telling her story has given me just a little more insight.
As far as the inspiration.... just, wow. What an incredible journey that was made through recovery, and not mention how far she has gone since then. Not only for the fact that Nika finds faith through Him, but she also finds her own calling in becoming a teacher. Winning TX State Teacher of the Year certainly confirmed that. **I wish to be a teacher one day. I was going to enroll in classes last year but never got around to it. Granted, I had a lot going on at the time, and still do, but if Nika can do it then so can I. After reading this, I decided to get back on the ball with getting into school. I did my financial aid and the application to the online university (because I have a full time job, two kids to take care of, and a pending divorce), now I just need to speak with the enrollment staff and get things started!**
Thank you to first-reads for offering this giveaway.
I'd also like to say thank you to the author, Nika Maples, for sharing your story. This has reengaged my brain with the plans of enrolling in school to get my teaching degree. I can only hope that someday we may cross paths, so I have the opportunity to meet such an inspiring person.
I received this as a First Read from Good Reads and was mainly interested in the story because Nika was also a high school English teacher. Reading her powerful story of what internal and physical struggles she needed to overcome in order to function "normally" in society was an eye-opener! I cannot imagine facing that many challenges, whether it was the issues her father brought to the family or a time when she was a quadriplegic and had to feel each of her muscles slowly die. Her testament to her faith is encouraging to me personally, and I'm glad I got to read this! My only complaint is that there were only a few pages on Thailand and her years back to college - it seemed to rush at that point, and I found myself a bit confused. Regardless, She earned her Texas State Teacher of the Year award, for sure, and I know her story will bring comfort to many.
This was a great book, and I really enjoyed it. Nika Maples has an amazing story to tell. I loved that I could relate to the second half about teaching high school in the Forth Worth area and the trials and tribulations that go with it. I only gave it 3 stars because I felt like the faith part of the book got a bit preachy at times. I understand faith is very important to the author and that is what helped her along in her amazing journey, but I also feel that faith is very personal and different for everyone. At times I felt like she was telling me how to feel or how to interpert certain messages. But is was a good read. I applaud her for taking on high school students. They can be so mean, but I also feel like you can see/feel the impact you've made perhaps a little easier than if you teach younger students.
Maybe I should say "currently reading," because I intend to read it again soon in order to talk about it in our book club in our "reader's choice" session next month.
Non-fiction and one of the best books I've ever read – very well written.
Nika Maples was diagnosed with lupus when she was 12 years old. She writes of her stroke and near-death experience in the hospital at the age of 20, her mother's devotion, her distant father and acceptance of their relationship, her struggle to hope for health, her success as a Texas high school teacher. Because of her health challenges, she possesses uncommon wisdom and expresses it beautifully. I would read this again and again just to experience the way she uses language.
I follow her on Facebook -- she's now telling her story through speaking engagements and shares little tidbits of her talks.
I won this book from a Goodreads contest. Ms. Maples walked us through a very trying time in her life dealing with Lupus. She reminds us that just because we ask God for things, it doesn’t mean we will get our prayers answered in the way we expect but in the time we may need it as we see it. This is a truly inspiring story in so many ways and a blessing to have it shared with us. If I could give a book a ten star review, this would definitely be one of them.
Nika's book is a gift to all. Through her story, she gives the reader perspective and insight and healing into their own lives. This book allows us to see "our" not so clean pages and helps us to understand that God's plan may not always be on our agenda but we are never alone. He is always right there.
Awesome story of battles fought (some won, some not) and how life goes on with God's help. It is the story of how our way is not always God's way and that He has something better for us than we can ever imagine!
This book was really really good .It mad me cry at some parts and laugh at some parts to . I feel bad for Nika Maples because she had a hard school years but I was proud of her because she did what she could and she became the Person aged wanted her to be. I hope you go and read this book.
First read win. This book was very inspiring. It was a very interesting read. At points it is relatable to some and other's it isn't. I think many people would love this read if they just gave it try.
I loved this book for many reasons, but mostly because I can relate to the author. I have not had the same struggles as Nika has had to endure, but we do trust in the same Jesus. Read this book and let her inspire you!
An absolute must read! I had chills and tears so many times. I Love my Lord and am thankful for Nikas beautiful writing and encouragement this book brings.
Well done Nika Maples! I enjoyed this book a lot! There were so many truths in it, and I felt very clean reading it. The writing was great, and detailed, and awesome. And the stories and tips I enjoyed as well. I didn’t think I would read it very quickly, because i’ve never really read a memoir before, and I thought it would be slow, and boring. But it wasn’t!!! I kept turning page after page! Nice job adding a hook to the end of the chapters! It really makes you want to continue reading! I loved this book. It really felt like I was sitting by the fire, listening to family stories. :) <3
Nika Maples was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 12. When she was 20 she had a stroke that paralyzed her. Through all the trials & tribulations, hardships & setbacks Nika persevered and regained her life. She's now a teacher that cares deeply for her students. Giving them hope for a better future that they never thought was within their grasp. Though there were sad moments that brought tears and times I wanted to shake her for giving up ultimately this book is full of joy. The joy of life and all it has to offer. My favorite part is when she finally got her wish - meeting President Bush. You could feel the giant smile she was wearing as she described the event. That moment brought me to tears also. Happy tears. I found her book very inspiring.
This is a book that strikes in the heart as the reader journeys with Nika as she struggles with the devastating effects of lupis beginning at age 12 only to have a stroke at age 20 that almost takes her life. She works hard to cope but emotions take her up and down as she struggles to gain mobility and a life for herself. The most telling part of this story is her faith which she leans on again and again to understand why she has been so ill. Nika's story is full of sadness, depression and somehow joy. I found it a great read and am so glad that I took time to read her tale. This is a revealing story about how it is to be so ill, how to think you are getting better only to suffer yet another episode and finally a stroke. It is tragic for one so young, to cope with so much but Nika shares her life and wins at last to have a life of her own.