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Still LoLo: A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family's Journey of Hope
In December 2011, Lauren ("LoLo") Scruggs, a 23-year-old fashion journalist, suffered a sudden injury that made headlines around the world. She had been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights and, upon exiting the small plane, was hit by the still-moving propeller blade. A frantic 911 call, several major surgeries, and thousands of prayers later: Lauren lived. But she lost her left hand and left eye. And she had to face some incredibly difficult questions: "What kind of future will I have? Where is God in all this pain? Will anyone ever be able to love me now?" In "Still LoLo," Lauren speaks out for the first time since her accident. She and her family reveal what really happened that night, what Lauren's life is like today, what got them through their journey toward healing, and how they conquered all odds to persevere as a family. It's a compelling and fiercely beautiful story of faith, determination, and staying true to who you are--no matter what.
290 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2012
55 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
January 12, 2013
When I first started reading Still Lolo: a Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family’s Journey of Hope, I didn’t want to like Lauren Scruggs. I don’t know why but I didn’t want to cheer for her.
Of course, that changed as soon as I started reading her story. December 3, 2011, (that’s one year ago this coming Monday) Lauren and a licensed pilot friend went for a night joy flight to view the Christmas lights around McKinney, Texas.
Lauren didn’t enjoy the lights at all. She was overwhelmed with an unusual fear that something horrible was going to happen—the plane was going to crash and they would both die. It didn’t. They were both delivered safely to the ground.
That’s when Lauren almost died.
She slipped out of the plane and stepped right into the propeller.
The remainder of the book tells her story from her own prospective as well as those of her parents and twin sister (family pictured above with her brother-in-law). From her birth, through a childhood near-death illness, her parents’ divorce and remarriage, her college experience, and second mystery illness, together the four Scruggs examine who Lauren was before the accident.
Though there are four people sharing, each focuses on different stories within Lauren’s life. While some sections are tighter and better written than others, there are few pointless tangents (like often found in non-fiction books of this style). The biggest overlap is the accident from each prospective but for the most part, one picks up where the other left off rather than retelling the same thing.
To be true to the title of the book, they also focus on Lauren’s recovery and how she is still the same as she was before despite a brain injury to the area of the brain that controls personality (left frontal lobe), the loss of her left hand and left eye, and scarring to her face and shoulder.
Her sister shares worries about Lauren being different from the sister she’d always had. Her parents are honest about their struggles in watching their daughter fight for her life and relearn how to complete basic tasks such as opening a shampoo bottle and putting in a pony tail with only one hand. Lauren expresses the difficulty in getting used to her prosthetic arms—she has four of them—and her trouble with self-confidence in a body that looks considerably different from what she was comfortable with.
The book’s an easy read—I read most of it on my flight home for Thanksgiving—but it will also challenge you to seek God and live for His glory no matter the life circumstance, industry of employment, or injury sustained He writes into your story. I commend Lauren Scruggs for the way she represents our Lord in the fashion industry, one that isn’t known for being kind to Christ-followers, and through this accident, where the media trashed her pretty badly as well.
I did receive a copy of this book complements of Tyndale for the purpose of a blog-review. However, all opinions are entirely my own and the above link is not an affiliate.
Of course, that changed as soon as I started reading her story. December 3, 2011, (that’s one year ago this coming Monday) Lauren and a licensed pilot friend went for a night joy flight to view the Christmas lights around McKinney, Texas.
Lauren didn’t enjoy the lights at all. She was overwhelmed with an unusual fear that something horrible was going to happen—the plane was going to crash and they would both die. It didn’t. They were both delivered safely to the ground.
That’s when Lauren almost died.
She slipped out of the plane and stepped right into the propeller.
The remainder of the book tells her story from her own prospective as well as those of her parents and twin sister (family pictured above with her brother-in-law). From her birth, through a childhood near-death illness, her parents’ divorce and remarriage, her college experience, and second mystery illness, together the four Scruggs examine who Lauren was before the accident.
Though there are four people sharing, each focuses on different stories within Lauren’s life. While some sections are tighter and better written than others, there are few pointless tangents (like often found in non-fiction books of this style). The biggest overlap is the accident from each prospective but for the most part, one picks up where the other left off rather than retelling the same thing.
To be true to the title of the book, they also focus on Lauren’s recovery and how she is still the same as she was before despite a brain injury to the area of the brain that controls personality (left frontal lobe), the loss of her left hand and left eye, and scarring to her face and shoulder.
Her sister shares worries about Lauren being different from the sister she’d always had. Her parents are honest about their struggles in watching their daughter fight for her life and relearn how to complete basic tasks such as opening a shampoo bottle and putting in a pony tail with only one hand. Lauren expresses the difficulty in getting used to her prosthetic arms—she has four of them—and her trouble with self-confidence in a body that looks considerably different from what she was comfortable with.
The book’s an easy read—I read most of it on my flight home for Thanksgiving—but it will also challenge you to seek God and live for His glory no matter the life circumstance, industry of employment, or injury sustained He writes into your story. I commend Lauren Scruggs for the way she represents our Lord in the fashion industry, one that isn’t known for being kind to Christ-followers, and through this accident, where the media trashed her pretty badly as well.
I did receive a copy of this book complements of Tyndale for the purpose of a blog-review. However, all opinions are entirely my own and the above link is not an affiliate.
March 14, 2013
The propeller still swinging, Lauren on the tarmac, lying crumpled on her face, her left arm underneath her body. I couldn't see any of her arm or hand. Mike was already crouched next to her. Lauren wasn't moving. A pool of blood spread out beneath her like a red mud puddle. She looked lifeless...
Lauren, called Lolo by friends and family alike, lives a life that many girls only dreamed about. With internships at Michael Kors and Gossip Girl, fabulous trips to wonderful places, and a successful fashionista blog, Lolo is on top of the world. Nothing could bring her down.
Until, that is, the day that she and a friend take a ride in a private plane. Fearful for her life in the air, Lolo wishes for nothing more than to have the plan land safely on steady land. She breathes a sigh of relief as she departs the plan, only to walk immediately into a ferocious, moving propeller.
Unsure whether she will live or die, Lolo's family waits nervously at her bedside, praying for God's mercy and wisdom through the horrible ordeal. When Lolo finally awakes and her condition stabilizes, she learns a horrifying truth that would change her life forever -- one of her eyes and one of her hands have been completely destroyed in the accident and neither can be saved at all.
Lolo and her family detail their story, along with various points from her life before and after the accident, in alternating chapters that are both heartbreaking and inspirational. Lolo intimately describes the steep phase of adjustment in which she learned to adapt to her new, artificial eye and limb, honestly portraying the insecurities she faced around every corner. In the end, Lolo ultimately seeks to convey an essential message that anyone can overcome even life's most staggering challenges -- as long as God is in the center of the map.
While I did enjoy reading Lolo's story and I definitely admire her strength and candidness in sharing this novel with the rest of the world, I can't deny that I was a bit disappointed at the lack of relatability that I felt through the story. I definitely commend her for writing this book and for showing us all that tragedy doesn't necessarily need to define a person -- but at the same time, I just felt that her situation before the event was so unique (and dare I say it -- privileged) that it was unable to completely resonate with me as an average reader.
For example, Lolo's story focused at length on the glorious life she led before the accident, which was clearly full of money and connections not available to most people. How many people are not only given an internship with a world famous designed but also the opportunity to work on the set of a wildly successful television show? How many of us get invited to fly to Paris or attend international fashion events in our every day life? I don't at all begrudge this young woman of her opportunities -- I just felt that the focus on these things tended to keep me at a bit of a distance as a reader.
Additionally, it didn't seem that the author really recognized that even after the accident she still had access and opportunities that most in her situation can only dream about. I know two separate individuals who have themselves lost at least one limb each, and both have told me at various points that the process of having even one artificial limb was so costly that it was completely out of reach for either of them. Yet, Lolo details on many occasions that she was able to have *four* separate, specialized arms created for her, each serving a different purpose in her life. Now, I'm definitely happy for her that she had the opportunity to access all of these things along her journey to recovery. I guess I just expected to see this part of the story reflect, in some way, that it was highly extraordinary and was not in any way indicative of what so many others in this situation face in their own lives.
The only one other thing that detracted slightly for the story for me was the incessant focus on all things materialistic during the recovery process. Did we really need to be told so many times about the beautiful hair extensions that were specially clipped in her hair to ensure that she still blended in at her fashionista events, for example? I'm not in any way saying that these litte quirks necessarily need to take away from the inspirational aspect of the story, but I personally found myself skipping over small chunks at a time when the focus shifted in this direction.
I feel bad giving this book anything less than a glowing review, but I don't necessarily feel that it accomplished everything it initially set out to do. It was a nice autobiographical story told with tender love and care from start to finish, for sure. But was it vastly moving and inspirational as it seemed to intend?
I really can't say that it was. That said, the majority of reviews I've read on this book have been highly positive and praising of nearly aspect of the work, so you will definitely need to be the judge on this one, I think.
Lauren, called Lolo by friends and family alike, lives a life that many girls only dreamed about. With internships at Michael Kors and Gossip Girl, fabulous trips to wonderful places, and a successful fashionista blog, Lolo is on top of the world. Nothing could bring her down.
Until, that is, the day that she and a friend take a ride in a private plane. Fearful for her life in the air, Lolo wishes for nothing more than to have the plan land safely on steady land. She breathes a sigh of relief as she departs the plan, only to walk immediately into a ferocious, moving propeller.
Unsure whether she will live or die, Lolo's family waits nervously at her bedside, praying for God's mercy and wisdom through the horrible ordeal. When Lolo finally awakes and her condition stabilizes, she learns a horrifying truth that would change her life forever -- one of her eyes and one of her hands have been completely destroyed in the accident and neither can be saved at all.
Lolo and her family detail their story, along with various points from her life before and after the accident, in alternating chapters that are both heartbreaking and inspirational. Lolo intimately describes the steep phase of adjustment in which she learned to adapt to her new, artificial eye and limb, honestly portraying the insecurities she faced around every corner. In the end, Lolo ultimately seeks to convey an essential message that anyone can overcome even life's most staggering challenges -- as long as God is in the center of the map.
While I did enjoy reading Lolo's story and I definitely admire her strength and candidness in sharing this novel with the rest of the world, I can't deny that I was a bit disappointed at the lack of relatability that I felt through the story. I definitely commend her for writing this book and for showing us all that tragedy doesn't necessarily need to define a person -- but at the same time, I just felt that her situation before the event was so unique (and dare I say it -- privileged) that it was unable to completely resonate with me as an average reader.
For example, Lolo's story focused at length on the glorious life she led before the accident, which was clearly full of money and connections not available to most people. How many people are not only given an internship with a world famous designed but also the opportunity to work on the set of a wildly successful television show? How many of us get invited to fly to Paris or attend international fashion events in our every day life? I don't at all begrudge this young woman of her opportunities -- I just felt that the focus on these things tended to keep me at a bit of a distance as a reader.
Additionally, it didn't seem that the author really recognized that even after the accident she still had access and opportunities that most in her situation can only dream about. I know two separate individuals who have themselves lost at least one limb each, and both have told me at various points that the process of having even one artificial limb was so costly that it was completely out of reach for either of them. Yet, Lolo details on many occasions that she was able to have *four* separate, specialized arms created for her, each serving a different purpose in her life. Now, I'm definitely happy for her that she had the opportunity to access all of these things along her journey to recovery. I guess I just expected to see this part of the story reflect, in some way, that it was highly extraordinary and was not in any way indicative of what so many others in this situation face in their own lives.
The only one other thing that detracted slightly for the story for me was the incessant focus on all things materialistic during the recovery process. Did we really need to be told so many times about the beautiful hair extensions that were specially clipped in her hair to ensure that she still blended in at her fashionista events, for example? I'm not in any way saying that these litte quirks necessarily need to take away from the inspirational aspect of the story, but I personally found myself skipping over small chunks at a time when the focus shifted in this direction.
I feel bad giving this book anything less than a glowing review, but I don't necessarily feel that it accomplished everything it initially set out to do. It was a nice autobiographical story told with tender love and care from start to finish, for sure. But was it vastly moving and inspirational as it seemed to intend?
I really can't say that it was. That said, the majority of reviews I've read on this book have been highly positive and praising of nearly aspect of the work, so you will definitely need to be the judge on this one, I think.
February 6, 2013
This is a beautiful book; it’s heartfelt and honest, encouraging and inspiring.
I will sadly admit that in Dec 2011 when the news first broke of this story I did make my own assumptions about Lauren and the accident, of course as time went on different stories broke and more information was released, but reading HER story really opened my eyes to the truth and I am so grateful for that. I admire Lauren, her strength is just amazing.
I liked how this book was about more than the accident, you really get a sense of their family reading about the struggles and successes they endured as a family and individually long before the accident. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the story being told from four perspectives, but I really think it’s what tied it all together so well. It was great to be able to hear from her parents and twin sister and know that they were fighting their own battles.
This book is strongly faith based and although I am Catholic I do not practice as much as one should and reading Lauren’s words gave me a renewed sense of faith and hope.
I read so many quotes in this book that struck a cord with me and made me take a moment to reflect and let the words sink in, here is one of my favorite, near the end when Lauren is reflecting on her journey.
“Most of all, I want to be a living testimony to the truth that suffering may strip a lot from you and me, but it doesn’t need to steal our hope”.
We all suffer and struggle at times in our lives, life is a journey and it’s not always a good one. I want for myself and my loved ones to keep hope in our hearts and know that the darkness shall pass and we will be stronger because of the things we have faced and overcame in our own lives.
I will sadly admit that in Dec 2011 when the news first broke of this story I did make my own assumptions about Lauren and the accident, of course as time went on different stories broke and more information was released, but reading HER story really opened my eyes to the truth and I am so grateful for that. I admire Lauren, her strength is just amazing.
I liked how this book was about more than the accident, you really get a sense of their family reading about the struggles and successes they endured as a family and individually long before the accident. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the story being told from four perspectives, but I really think it’s what tied it all together so well. It was great to be able to hear from her parents and twin sister and know that they were fighting their own battles.
This book is strongly faith based and although I am Catholic I do not practice as much as one should and reading Lauren’s words gave me a renewed sense of faith and hope.
I read so many quotes in this book that struck a cord with me and made me take a moment to reflect and let the words sink in, here is one of my favorite, near the end when Lauren is reflecting on her journey.
“Most of all, I want to be a living testimony to the truth that suffering may strip a lot from you and me, but it doesn’t need to steal our hope”.
We all suffer and struggle at times in our lives, life is a journey and it’s not always a good one. I want for myself and my loved ones to keep hope in our hearts and know that the darkness shall pass and we will be stronger because of the things we have faced and overcame in our own lives.
August 3, 2013
I picked this up at my library, remembering hearing the news story about a year ago..
The book is interesting through the first few chapters going through the accident and then her parents strange marriage, but then it falls apart to drivel. I do not understand how it is an inspirational book, maybe supposed to be by the bible versus the family peppers throughout?
She writes from a kind heart, but it misses the mark by a wide berth on inspiration.
After I read through the details of the marriage from her mom and dad's point of view, I kept going, thinking that I would get to something interesting, but the book runs out of steam and I quickly lost interest.
If you really want to read it, check it out from the library, but don't spend your dollars on it, you will be angry that you waisted your Starbucks money on it.
I am really surprised by the positive reviews here on Goodreads. I am not sure if it is just sympathy for what happened, and the four stars are for her recovery, because it cannot be for the book.
On another note, I am glad that Lauren recovered and is doing well, and best of luck in her career.
The book is interesting through the first few chapters going through the accident and then her parents strange marriage, but then it falls apart to drivel. I do not understand how it is an inspirational book, maybe supposed to be by the bible versus the family peppers throughout?
She writes from a kind heart, but it misses the mark by a wide berth on inspiration.
After I read through the details of the marriage from her mom and dad's point of view, I kept going, thinking that I would get to something interesting, but the book runs out of steam and I quickly lost interest.
If you really want to read it, check it out from the library, but don't spend your dollars on it, you will be angry that you waisted your Starbucks money on it.
I am really surprised by the positive reviews here on Goodreads. I am not sure if it is just sympathy for what happened, and the four stars are for her recovery, because it cannot be for the book.
On another note, I am glad that Lauren recovered and is doing well, and best of luck in her career.
July 27, 2017
I had several reasons I didn't like this book. One, the narrator had an ever-present lilt in her voice, which was inappropriate for much of the subject matter. Two, much of the book focused on the family's religious beliefs, deep religious beliefs. Three, I thought there would be more about the actual accident, and less about the family's overall life history.
March 4, 2013
I remember hearing Lauren Scruggs' story on the radio and wondering what exactly happened on that fateful night when she walked into an airplane propeller. I was interested in reading what exactly caused the accident, how she recovered from her injuries and where she is now in her recovery. What I got was 155 pages of her parent's courtship, marriage, divorce, remarriage, their decision to go to church, how Lauren's sister met the love of her life, a review of Lauren's time in college and working internships at Michael Kors and Gossip Girl in New York City before *finally* the story came back around to the accident.
This all would have been fascinating if the Scruggs family was in some way remarkable or different from the average, upper-middle class white, religious Texas family. As it was, there was nothing fascinating about all of the back story that readers have to wade through to get to the point of the book. Once Lauren started discussing her injuries and the uphill battle to recover and adapt, the book was much more interesting. However, the ending was still a bit thin.
This book focuses a lot on the family's Christianity and how their faith helped them through this trying time.
My thought throughout the book was it would have been better served as a lengthy article.
This all would have been fascinating if the Scruggs family was in some way remarkable or different from the average, upper-middle class white, religious Texas family. As it was, there was nothing fascinating about all of the back story that readers have to wade through to get to the point of the book. Once Lauren started discussing her injuries and the uphill battle to recover and adapt, the book was much more interesting. However, the ending was still a bit thin.
This book focuses a lot on the family's Christianity and how their faith helped them through this trying time.
My thought throughout the book was it would have been better served as a lengthy article.
October 1, 2013
This book could have been so much more than it is. Rather than being focused on telling a story of recovery and adaptation, half the book focuses on Lauren's affluent and well-connected, but perfectly ordinary and unremarkable upbringing. We hear about her parents' courtship, the birth of her and her sister, her parents' divorce and reconciliation and Lauren's difficulty deciding what to do with herself after high school. The family's religion also takes up substantial space. Every page includes several references to God or Jesus, making the book feel more like a spiritual much of the time. After all of this, the chapters that focus on events after the accident seem like an afterthought thrown in at the end rather than the core of the story. Considering the immense and truly unique story this woman has to tell, it's a shame to have it so watered down by stories about her mother's extra-marital affair or childhood trips to a lakehouse. An opportunity wasted.
February 3, 2019
It was a great book but sad. Lauren Scruggs survived a brutal accident and they thought she wouldn’t make it but she survived. She lost an eye and served who hand. But she lived life and got married and now is a fashion journalist, and the founder of LOLO magazine. It is amazing how she survived after having brain surgery. She has such a interesting story!! I would totally recommend this book. I thought that it was well written!
January 5, 2017
Lacks depth, to image focused for a autobiography. I recommend it to the shallow life seeker.
December 22, 2012
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.
Lauren Scruggs or Lolo as she likes to be called, had her life totally shattered as a young adult when she was accidentally struck by the propellers of a private plane. This story was about how the experience affected not only Lauren and her family but the entire community. The story is told by not only Lauren but different members of her family as well. While different members of the family are telling the story from different aspects; the story flowed smoothly together as though it were being told by one person. It talked about Lauren's courage in her journey to recovery and her family's journey to restoration.
I loved how the author made you feel as though you were part of the family. It was as though you were right there with her, experiencing what she and her family were going through. You could feel their pain, their hope, their joy as they talk about different things throughout the experience. This was one book that I could not put down, although at times I had to force myself to put it down to avoid tears. This is one heart-wrenching story that no one should ever have to endure. But it is wonderful to see that Lauren not only made it through this trial and tribulation but she excelled at it pulling from the strength of her family, her friends but most importantly from God. This book was very well written, easy to read (although parts of the story were hard to read because of what was happening). The author did a wonderful job of captivating the audience and keeping their attention.
I give this book 5 stars out of a total of 5. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good book to read; anyone who loves a good heroic book of courage and faith.
Lauren Scruggs or Lolo as she likes to be called, had her life totally shattered as a young adult when she was accidentally struck by the propellers of a private plane. This story was about how the experience affected not only Lauren and her family but the entire community. The story is told by not only Lauren but different members of her family as well. While different members of the family are telling the story from different aspects; the story flowed smoothly together as though it were being told by one person. It talked about Lauren's courage in her journey to recovery and her family's journey to restoration.
I loved how the author made you feel as though you were part of the family. It was as though you were right there with her, experiencing what she and her family were going through. You could feel their pain, their hope, their joy as they talk about different things throughout the experience. This was one book that I could not put down, although at times I had to force myself to put it down to avoid tears. This is one heart-wrenching story that no one should ever have to endure. But it is wonderful to see that Lauren not only made it through this trial and tribulation but she excelled at it pulling from the strength of her family, her friends but most importantly from God. This book was very well written, easy to read (although parts of the story were hard to read because of what was happening). The author did a wonderful job of captivating the audience and keeping their attention.
I give this book 5 stars out of a total of 5. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good book to read; anyone who loves a good heroic book of courage and faith.
August 2, 2013
What a inspiring memoir! I definitely enjoyed this book because Lolo shows us what it means to keep having faith that things will turn out alright. I appreciated her honesty when she wrote about the good moments as well as rough moments where she just felt like giving up. She shows us that its okay to fall apart sometimes but you also can get back up again to make the most of the life you're living. I am reminded that everyone has their own issues, insecurities and incidents that shape their lives. To see Lolo making the best of her situation inspires me to make most of what I have in my life. Lolo writes about her faith in God in this book but I don't feel this should shy away the non-spiritual people. I feel this book can be inspiring for anyone who wants to improve their positive thinking and looking at the glass half full in their lives.
April 8, 2013
I liked reading about Lauren Scruggs' determination to come back strong after an accident involving an airplane's spinning propeller, which took her left eye and left hand. I also liked that she and her parents and sister each contributed their viewpoints to entire chapters of the book, which gave detail and color to Lauren's life before and after the accident. I also appreciated the family's professed faith in God and their efforts to seek his will. The aspect of the book that I found unrelatable was Lolo's (Lauren's) strong focus on image. The book wasn't easy to put down, but didn't inspire me like I thought it would.
December 12, 2022
Very honest memoir. Very well written. I liked that some chapters were written by different family members or friends. Her family and friends and people in general are very important to her experiences. Very inspirational.
August 13, 2020
I love biographies and this one is so inspiring. I love how it feels real, while not being depressing.
December 2, 2012
“A spinning propeller, a horrific accident, and a family’s journey of hope."
“In December 2011, Lauren (“LoLo”) Scruggs, a 23-year-old fashion journalist, suffered a sudden injury that made headlines around the world. She had been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights and, upon exiting the small plane, was hit by the still-moving propeller blade. A frantic 911 call, several major surgeries, and thousands of prayers later: Lauren lived. But she lost her left hand and left eye. And she had to face some incredibly difficult questions: What kind of future will I have? Where is God in all this pain? Will anyone ever be able to love me now? In Still LoLo, Lauren speaks out for the first time since her accident. She and her family reveal what really happened that night, what Lauren’s life is like today, what got them through their journey toward healing, and how they conquered all odds to persevere as a family. It’s a compelling and fiercely beautiful story of faith, determination, and staying true to who you are—no matter what..” (From the Tyndale House Website).
My Thoughts About the Book: So you’re 23 years old and in the prime season of your life achieving phenomenal success and living “the American Dream” and all of a sudden BAM – life hits you where it hurts and your entire world is turned upside down and your once bright and rosy future becomes uncertain. That’s what happened to Lauren (“LoLo”) Scruggs.
As a result of a small airplane crash and being seriously injured by a moving propeller on the plane the pace and place of Lauren’s life went from being fast-paced, frequently frenetic and yet full of fun, glamour and excitement jet-setting to different parts of the globe as a fashion journalist to a hospital bed, numerous surgeries, traumatic brain injury, and eventually the amputation of her left hand and the loss of her left eye. That’s an awful lot for anyone to endure, but for someone who is young, bright and beautiful such loss is devastating as it was for Lauren. The seeming random and senseless accident plunged her deep into the pit of despair and doubt with her asking all the usual and reasonable questions of God – the major ones being “Why?” and “Where are you God in all of this?” But she also wondered about her future and who would love her the way she looked and so much more. She asked the multitude of questions and experienced the mixture of emotions that any normal person would facing such devastating loss as well as dealing with the physical and emotional pain she suffered. And many people would just quit, go to a corner in life to escape everyone and everything, pull down the shades of the windows and live in the darkness wallowing in self-pity and depression. But not Lauren Scruggs.
Lauren endured it all eventually working through the physical, spiritual and emotional trauma and reached that sweet place of release and peace where faith and determination took root in her soul and blossomed into the LoLo everyone knew and loved before the accident. On the night of Lauren’s accident respected pastor, prolific author and acclaimed conference speaker Paul David Tripp spoke and he referred to the issue of people asking questions and wanting answers in the difficult times. During her ordeal they read his book, Forever, which she states helped them “gain a better perspective” concerning God, suffering and pain. And their purpose in writing the book is to share the message that “people can grow through adversity,” just as the Scruggs all did as a family. They grew all the better for it and not bitter or resentful and angry at God. It is not your experiences in life that define you but rather how you respond to them and Lauren and her family responded to their tragedy just as most other Christian families would with the end of their story being one of triumph rather than tragedy their giving glory to the sustaining comforting Grace of God. Today Lauren is back living her life just as she did before the accident, seizing the opportunities of every day that God gives her with faith and joy. And as they wrote at the very end of the book, “It’s true that the accident changed some things forever. Life for our family isn't the same. But it isn't over, either--not by a long shot.”
Regardless of where you are at in your journey of life and faith, Lauren “LoLo” Scruggs’ story will truly encourage and inspire as well as edify and build you up in the faith – helping you see that no matter what negative circumstances come into our lives, there can always be life after them if we will but only believe.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from the Tyndale House Publishing Company for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“In December 2011, Lauren (“LoLo”) Scruggs, a 23-year-old fashion journalist, suffered a sudden injury that made headlines around the world. She had been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights and, upon exiting the small plane, was hit by the still-moving propeller blade. A frantic 911 call, several major surgeries, and thousands of prayers later: Lauren lived. But she lost her left hand and left eye. And she had to face some incredibly difficult questions: What kind of future will I have? Where is God in all this pain? Will anyone ever be able to love me now? In Still LoLo, Lauren speaks out for the first time since her accident. She and her family reveal what really happened that night, what Lauren’s life is like today, what got them through their journey toward healing, and how they conquered all odds to persevere as a family. It’s a compelling and fiercely beautiful story of faith, determination, and staying true to who you are—no matter what..” (From the Tyndale House Website).
My Thoughts About the Book: So you’re 23 years old and in the prime season of your life achieving phenomenal success and living “the American Dream” and all of a sudden BAM – life hits you where it hurts and your entire world is turned upside down and your once bright and rosy future becomes uncertain. That’s what happened to Lauren (“LoLo”) Scruggs.
As a result of a small airplane crash and being seriously injured by a moving propeller on the plane the pace and place of Lauren’s life went from being fast-paced, frequently frenetic and yet full of fun, glamour and excitement jet-setting to different parts of the globe as a fashion journalist to a hospital bed, numerous surgeries, traumatic brain injury, and eventually the amputation of her left hand and the loss of her left eye. That’s an awful lot for anyone to endure, but for someone who is young, bright and beautiful such loss is devastating as it was for Lauren. The seeming random and senseless accident plunged her deep into the pit of despair and doubt with her asking all the usual and reasonable questions of God – the major ones being “Why?” and “Where are you God in all of this?” But she also wondered about her future and who would love her the way she looked and so much more. She asked the multitude of questions and experienced the mixture of emotions that any normal person would facing such devastating loss as well as dealing with the physical and emotional pain she suffered. And many people would just quit, go to a corner in life to escape everyone and everything, pull down the shades of the windows and live in the darkness wallowing in self-pity and depression. But not Lauren Scruggs.
Lauren endured it all eventually working through the physical, spiritual and emotional trauma and reached that sweet place of release and peace where faith and determination took root in her soul and blossomed into the LoLo everyone knew and loved before the accident. On the night of Lauren’s accident respected pastor, prolific author and acclaimed conference speaker Paul David Tripp spoke and he referred to the issue of people asking questions and wanting answers in the difficult times. During her ordeal they read his book, Forever, which she states helped them “gain a better perspective” concerning God, suffering and pain. And their purpose in writing the book is to share the message that “people can grow through adversity,” just as the Scruggs all did as a family. They grew all the better for it and not bitter or resentful and angry at God. It is not your experiences in life that define you but rather how you respond to them and Lauren and her family responded to their tragedy just as most other Christian families would with the end of their story being one of triumph rather than tragedy their giving glory to the sustaining comforting Grace of God. Today Lauren is back living her life just as she did before the accident, seizing the opportunities of every day that God gives her with faith and joy. And as they wrote at the very end of the book, “It’s true that the accident changed some things forever. Life for our family isn't the same. But it isn't over, either--not by a long shot.”
Regardless of where you are at in your journey of life and faith, Lauren “LoLo” Scruggs’ story will truly encourage and inspire as well as edify and build you up in the faith – helping you see that no matter what negative circumstances come into our lives, there can always be life after them if we will but only believe.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from the Tyndale House Publishing Company for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 5, 2013
Still Lolo, written by the Scruggs family and Marcus Brotherton, is a biography about how Lauren’s tragic accident with her helicopter propeller collision, changed not only her life, but also that of those around her. The blurb reads like this:
In Still Lolo, Lauren reveals what really happened that night, how she survived against all odds, and what her life is like today. She is unflinchingly honest in the face of difficult questions: ‘What kind of future will I have? Will anyone be able to love me now? Where is God in all this pain?’ Through her story, Lauren calls us to live a life without fear and to overcome whatever challenges threaten to limit us. … Still Lolo is a compelling and fiercely beautiful account of faith, determination and staying true to who you are-no matter what.
However, Lauren’s story also dates back to her childhood, so that we not only get to know Lauren in her present situation, but also what kind of person she is. It permits us to also see what events shaped her life and personality, allowing her to establish a strong and firm relationship with Christ, who proved to be the source of power and strength in her journey for recovery. These moments also demonstrate that in reality everyone is human, no matter their struggles or popularity. Lauren Scruggs is the perfect example of this for her questions after the accident are ones everyone faces, no matter their situations. The added dimension brought by this story is that the whole Scruggs family voiced their side of the story, adding a wider scope to the story line.
What I love most about this book is the biblical encouragement brought across. Lauren’s story is a great example of how God works through the bad and trying moments in our lives and although we may not realise it, God is right by our side. I found this message really reassuring because it is so easy to forget that God is amidst our struggles for we feel lost and alone. When in reality all we need to do is cry out for help where we will then be comforted. All that is required is faith.
Another aspect I found really comforting, was that Lauren’s story taught me that our futures are all in God’s hand. All we have to do is submit it and live for God. Whether we get married, get the kind of career we were wishing for or what we will eat, Lauren taught me that if we on God’s path, we will be blessed. It may not be the way we expected, but the fact that God blessed us is what counts.
One of the major messages conveyed was that no matter what life may throw our way, we are to live strong and persevere and the fact that God is on our side should give us that added boost of strength. For some of us, Lauren’s new normal may seem challenging and unfortunate, but it is really the way she tackles it that makes it what it is. Lauren has decided to continue living positively and through this decision has not only impacted her family, but also those touched by her story, encouraging them, as well as giving them a new outlook on life.
I would highly recommend this book to those young adults and older. Whether you personally have experienced similar events to that of Lauren or not, the book is for you due to the encouragement it provides in strengthening your walk with Christ.
You are able to read the first chapter by following this link: Still Lolo
*Please Note: I have received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Tyndale House Publishers, in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
http://booklovers1.wordpress.com
In Still Lolo, Lauren reveals what really happened that night, how she survived against all odds, and what her life is like today. She is unflinchingly honest in the face of difficult questions: ‘What kind of future will I have? Will anyone be able to love me now? Where is God in all this pain?’ Through her story, Lauren calls us to live a life without fear and to overcome whatever challenges threaten to limit us. … Still Lolo is a compelling and fiercely beautiful account of faith, determination and staying true to who you are-no matter what.
However, Lauren’s story also dates back to her childhood, so that we not only get to know Lauren in her present situation, but also what kind of person she is. It permits us to also see what events shaped her life and personality, allowing her to establish a strong and firm relationship with Christ, who proved to be the source of power and strength in her journey for recovery. These moments also demonstrate that in reality everyone is human, no matter their struggles or popularity. Lauren Scruggs is the perfect example of this for her questions after the accident are ones everyone faces, no matter their situations. The added dimension brought by this story is that the whole Scruggs family voiced their side of the story, adding a wider scope to the story line.
What I love most about this book is the biblical encouragement brought across. Lauren’s story is a great example of how God works through the bad and trying moments in our lives and although we may not realise it, God is right by our side. I found this message really reassuring because it is so easy to forget that God is amidst our struggles for we feel lost and alone. When in reality all we need to do is cry out for help where we will then be comforted. All that is required is faith.
Another aspect I found really comforting, was that Lauren’s story taught me that our futures are all in God’s hand. All we have to do is submit it and live for God. Whether we get married, get the kind of career we were wishing for or what we will eat, Lauren taught me that if we on God’s path, we will be blessed. It may not be the way we expected, but the fact that God blessed us is what counts.
One of the major messages conveyed was that no matter what life may throw our way, we are to live strong and persevere and the fact that God is on our side should give us that added boost of strength. For some of us, Lauren’s new normal may seem challenging and unfortunate, but it is really the way she tackles it that makes it what it is. Lauren has decided to continue living positively and through this decision has not only impacted her family, but also those touched by her story, encouraging them, as well as giving them a new outlook on life.
I would highly recommend this book to those young adults and older. Whether you personally have experienced similar events to that of Lauren or not, the book is for you due to the encouragement it provides in strengthening your walk with Christ.
You are able to read the first chapter by following this link: Still Lolo
*Please Note: I have received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Tyndale House Publishers, in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
http://booklovers1.wordpress.com
May 24, 2017
One of the very few books I have read which I would like to give a rating above 5 stars.
This book really connected with me. Lauren and her twin sister, their parents, and friends are down-to-earth people who ... I was going to say "open their hearts"... but that would not be true because it is so obvious that they keep their hearts open. They do not hide their feelings or attempt to make themselves appear better than they are. They admit their pain and tears and concerns about the future, both for Lauren and for her overwhelming medical bills. But they also laugh and love all the way through this difficult chapter of their lives. And they keep their faith, which sustains them.
It is inspiring the way that Lauren talks about the trauma of seeing her body and its scars with loss of an eye and hand, the emotional pain of going out in public with a prosthetic arm and eye, the frustration of learning over again how to do everything with one hand, and the constant pain. It is inspiring because Lauren shows how she overcomes each of these problems and rebuilds her life successfully.
And I am amazed at today's medical technology that can keep a person alive, rebuild a skull and face, create a prosthetic eye that can be trained to move with the muscles of the face, and make prosthetic hands with different functions. In fact, Lauren can probably do more with her prosthetic hands than you can, including moving one by controlling impulses in her arm. Fifty years ago, she would have been dead or hidden inside a home unable to work or socialize instead of being an inspiration to the world.
However, there are 2 comments that I would like to make that might affect readers of the book. I read for recreation and for learning. I read other people's reviews in order to learn from their viewpoints. I never attempt to write a literary review. I do not read to find great literature, although I enjoy it when I find it.
So the rest of this review might not be relevant to most of you.
But if you know someone who suffers from phantom limb pain, it would be nice to know that a solution exists for some of these situations. And if you are afraid that this book will be too "preachy" and you are turned off by people pushing their religion on you, this book is not like this. The Scruggs family is supported by a deep faith in God. Their faith gives them strength. But they do not preach or try to persuade others to think like them. There is no message of salvation at the end of the book, or anything else like that. But you cannot understand how they survived this ordeal without realizing the effect of their loving church community and their close relationship with God.
I was concerned because of the terrible pain that Lauren went through with the loss of her hand. She continued to feel the horrible pain of the fingers of her missing hand and asked people to uncurl her fingers. Loving family and attendants tried to make her realize that she could not be feeling pain in her fingers because they were not there. However, this is incorrect, and I wish that the necessary therapists would have been there to help her through this. Phantom limb pain occurs because at the time of trauma, the pain and even the position of the limb before it is finally severed, are seared into the memory. These can only be removed by subsequent moving of the limb, or in this case, fingers. But they no longer exist, so they cannot be moved. However, in the remarkable way in which the body is created, trigger points on one side of the body activate the other side. It is possible to press trigger points on the right side and remove the pain from the left side.
It may be difficult to understand, but the physical body has an energy field created probably by the DNA and this energy field remains even if a body part has been removed. So the energy field remains around curled damaged fingers in pain. But this energy field can be restored to the original shape with the right kind of trigger point therapy. I have also heard about people with a missing hand having this phantom pain removed by making the body believe that the hand is now back. This is done by using mirrors in which the patient sees the reflection of the right hand in the mirror and the brain receives this image as if it was a restored left hand. Normal patterns are restored and the pain is gone. The brain cannot distinguish between imagination and reality.
It is a simple treatment that works for many (but not all) people with phantom limb pain.
With regard to religion, I do have one concern with the effect of this story on readers. I want to state that this is my opinion only. But I am concerned because this family asks why God allowed this accident to happen and states that there are some things that we might never know. They seem to suggest that God was responsible and that He could have stopped it. I admire someone who believes that God would allow it if He had the power to stop it and still manages to love God. I don't think I could love anyone, God or a human, who would stand by and watch me have an accident like that and not stop it if He had the power. Would you, as a loving parent, stand by and let your child be hit by a plane prop if you could help it? I don't think that God would either.
Jesus said that He came into the world to reveal His Father (God) to the world and to do His works. Nowhere in the Bible is Jesus ever recorded as doing harm to anyone. He left people restored and better than when He first met them. Letting a child be hit by a plane prop does not seem to me to be doing the works of God.
And yet the answer is so simple. You might give your car to someone. After you give up possession of it, you are no longer legally able to stop him from using it however he wants, going wherever he wants, driving how he wants. If he gets in an accident, is it your fault? You couldn't have stopped him even if you wanted to. God gave us free will. After He gave us free will, He could not intervene against our free will because then our will would no longer be free. You might say that you "allowed" the person to whom you gave the car to be in an accident... because you gave him the car. But I don't think that would stand up in court. You are not responsible for the accident.
So, in my opinion, God is not responsible for this accident and He did not allow it. He gave us free will. Lauren knew that God was telling her not to go to New York, but she did, and everything went really bad, even to almost costing her life through serious illness.
And when she was in the plane that night, she had a real feeling of foreboding. God probably warned her not to get on the plane and she missed the message.
I don't want to minimize the amazing faith and love of the Scruggs for each other and for God. But I do not want someone who does not know God to read this part of the book and go away thinking that they would never want to know a God who "plans" this tragedy for someone in order to teach him something. That would be enough for someone to withdraw from God before they even got to know Him. Would you do that to your child to teach him something? Or would you plan your child's life around a horrible tragedy like this? No. I think you would throw yourself between your child and the plane prop before you would allow that to happen.
And you are a person. God is God. He loves us more than we can ever love our children.
However, as I said, this is only my opinion. Some people might relate to what I say and others might disagree. I am writing this not for every reader but only for those few individuals who might be troubled by this part of the book. If you are not troubled by it, then what I have said here is not relevant to you.
This book is not perfect, but it is so exceptionally written that it is inspiring. You cannot look at the modeling photos of Lauren with scars on her face and a prosthetic eye and limb without feeling deeply that this is a person whose message is "I am still me. Only better."
I think everyone can learn something from Lauren.
This book really connected with me. Lauren and her twin sister, their parents, and friends are down-to-earth people who ... I was going to say "open their hearts"... but that would not be true because it is so obvious that they keep their hearts open. They do not hide their feelings or attempt to make themselves appear better than they are. They admit their pain and tears and concerns about the future, both for Lauren and for her overwhelming medical bills. But they also laugh and love all the way through this difficult chapter of their lives. And they keep their faith, which sustains them.
It is inspiring the way that Lauren talks about the trauma of seeing her body and its scars with loss of an eye and hand, the emotional pain of going out in public with a prosthetic arm and eye, the frustration of learning over again how to do everything with one hand, and the constant pain. It is inspiring because Lauren shows how she overcomes each of these problems and rebuilds her life successfully.
And I am amazed at today's medical technology that can keep a person alive, rebuild a skull and face, create a prosthetic eye that can be trained to move with the muscles of the face, and make prosthetic hands with different functions. In fact, Lauren can probably do more with her prosthetic hands than you can, including moving one by controlling impulses in her arm. Fifty years ago, she would have been dead or hidden inside a home unable to work or socialize instead of being an inspiration to the world.
However, there are 2 comments that I would like to make that might affect readers of the book. I read for recreation and for learning. I read other people's reviews in order to learn from their viewpoints. I never attempt to write a literary review. I do not read to find great literature, although I enjoy it when I find it.
So the rest of this review might not be relevant to most of you.
But if you know someone who suffers from phantom limb pain, it would be nice to know that a solution exists for some of these situations. And if you are afraid that this book will be too "preachy" and you are turned off by people pushing their religion on you, this book is not like this. The Scruggs family is supported by a deep faith in God. Their faith gives them strength. But they do not preach or try to persuade others to think like them. There is no message of salvation at the end of the book, or anything else like that. But you cannot understand how they survived this ordeal without realizing the effect of their loving church community and their close relationship with God.
I was concerned because of the terrible pain that Lauren went through with the loss of her hand. She continued to feel the horrible pain of the fingers of her missing hand and asked people to uncurl her fingers. Loving family and attendants tried to make her realize that she could not be feeling pain in her fingers because they were not there. However, this is incorrect, and I wish that the necessary therapists would have been there to help her through this. Phantom limb pain occurs because at the time of trauma, the pain and even the position of the limb before it is finally severed, are seared into the memory. These can only be removed by subsequent moving of the limb, or in this case, fingers. But they no longer exist, so they cannot be moved. However, in the remarkable way in which the body is created, trigger points on one side of the body activate the other side. It is possible to press trigger points on the right side and remove the pain from the left side.
It may be difficult to understand, but the physical body has an energy field created probably by the DNA and this energy field remains even if a body part has been removed. So the energy field remains around curled damaged fingers in pain. But this energy field can be restored to the original shape with the right kind of trigger point therapy. I have also heard about people with a missing hand having this phantom pain removed by making the body believe that the hand is now back. This is done by using mirrors in which the patient sees the reflection of the right hand in the mirror and the brain receives this image as if it was a restored left hand. Normal patterns are restored and the pain is gone. The brain cannot distinguish between imagination and reality.
It is a simple treatment that works for many (but not all) people with phantom limb pain.
With regard to religion, I do have one concern with the effect of this story on readers. I want to state that this is my opinion only. But I am concerned because this family asks why God allowed this accident to happen and states that there are some things that we might never know. They seem to suggest that God was responsible and that He could have stopped it. I admire someone who believes that God would allow it if He had the power to stop it and still manages to love God. I don't think I could love anyone, God or a human, who would stand by and watch me have an accident like that and not stop it if He had the power. Would you, as a loving parent, stand by and let your child be hit by a plane prop if you could help it? I don't think that God would either.
Jesus said that He came into the world to reveal His Father (God) to the world and to do His works. Nowhere in the Bible is Jesus ever recorded as doing harm to anyone. He left people restored and better than when He first met them. Letting a child be hit by a plane prop does not seem to me to be doing the works of God.
And yet the answer is so simple. You might give your car to someone. After you give up possession of it, you are no longer legally able to stop him from using it however he wants, going wherever he wants, driving how he wants. If he gets in an accident, is it your fault? You couldn't have stopped him even if you wanted to. God gave us free will. After He gave us free will, He could not intervene against our free will because then our will would no longer be free. You might say that you "allowed" the person to whom you gave the car to be in an accident... because you gave him the car. But I don't think that would stand up in court. You are not responsible for the accident.
So, in my opinion, God is not responsible for this accident and He did not allow it. He gave us free will. Lauren knew that God was telling her not to go to New York, but she did, and everything went really bad, even to almost costing her life through serious illness.
And when she was in the plane that night, she had a real feeling of foreboding. God probably warned her not to get on the plane and she missed the message.
I don't want to minimize the amazing faith and love of the Scruggs for each other and for God. But I do not want someone who does not know God to read this part of the book and go away thinking that they would never want to know a God who "plans" this tragedy for someone in order to teach him something. That would be enough for someone to withdraw from God before they even got to know Him. Would you do that to your child to teach him something? Or would you plan your child's life around a horrible tragedy like this? No. I think you would throw yourself between your child and the plane prop before you would allow that to happen.
And you are a person. God is God. He loves us more than we can ever love our children.
However, as I said, this is only my opinion. Some people might relate to what I say and others might disagree. I am writing this not for every reader but only for those few individuals who might be troubled by this part of the book. If you are not troubled by it, then what I have said here is not relevant to you.
This book is not perfect, but it is so exceptionally written that it is inspiring. You cannot look at the modeling photos of Lauren with scars on her face and a prosthetic eye and limb without feeling deeply that this is a person whose message is "I am still me. Only better."
I think everyone can learn something from Lauren.
September 1, 2014
When fashion journalist Lauren Scruggs lost her eye and her lower left arm in a prop-strike, her accident and recovery process made national news. This book is her story, told by herself, her twin sister, her parents, and polished by a co-biographer.
Lauren's story is inspirational to say the least. Her strong faith and positive attitude are great encouragement. The behind the scenes look at what is necessary to become a fashion journalist is intriguing. Similar to Bethany Hamilton of Soul Surfer (who wrote the introduction), I think Lolo has great potential to become a positive role model for young women.
The only place I found this book to be lacking was in the actual narration, and it wasn't severely lacking, just enough to annoy me.
Portions of the writing felt emotionally flat; not entirely unexpected coming from someone who has been through something extremely traumatic (Lauren even briefly and indirectly addresses the issue), but slightly dissappointing from the standpoint that Lauren used to be a descriptive writer for fashion week.
Also, the narrative comes across disjointed. We jump back and forth between Lauren's accident, present, childhood, career, and recovery as the different narrators (Lauren, parents, sister) each have their say. For me, the splitting point where we left one time period and moved to another didn't always make sense. The book has the sense of a family sitting around a kitchen table telling a story together, which I'm sure is what is intended. I can't think of a more pleasant way to learn family history than with everyone chiming in together when I'm there in person and it's my family, but in the book, it sometimes feels like people might be talking over each other, or telling multiple stories at the same time. Lauren survived a propeller strike and Lauren's family survived her propeller strike. Both stories are worth telling, and both could even be put into the same book. I just wish it had been done a little more coherently.
Finally, the book ended rather suddenly. There isn't much of a where-do-we-go-from-here. I'm not sure the authors know. They include an epilogue to update the book, but beyond saying that everyone is still doing fine, we are left with very little. There are lots of loose ends in the "plot" which are left hanging. Real life is messy, far messier than a modestly sized memoir can convey. But again, it doesn't make for the best read.
Small gripes. Not enough to prevent me from recommending the book as an uplifting read, just enough for me to round my 3.5 star rating down to 3 when clicking the review window.
Lauren's story is inspirational to say the least. Her strong faith and positive attitude are great encouragement. The behind the scenes look at what is necessary to become a fashion journalist is intriguing. Similar to Bethany Hamilton of Soul Surfer (who wrote the introduction), I think Lolo has great potential to become a positive role model for young women.
The only place I found this book to be lacking was in the actual narration, and it wasn't severely lacking, just enough to annoy me.
Portions of the writing felt emotionally flat; not entirely unexpected coming from someone who has been through something extremely traumatic (Lauren even briefly and indirectly addresses the issue), but slightly dissappointing from the standpoint that Lauren used to be a descriptive writer for fashion week.
Also, the narrative comes across disjointed. We jump back and forth between Lauren's accident, present, childhood, career, and recovery as the different narrators (Lauren, parents, sister) each have their say. For me, the splitting point where we left one time period and moved to another didn't always make sense. The book has the sense of a family sitting around a kitchen table telling a story together, which I'm sure is what is intended. I can't think of a more pleasant way to learn family history than with everyone chiming in together when I'm there in person and it's my family, but in the book, it sometimes feels like people might be talking over each other, or telling multiple stories at the same time. Lauren survived a propeller strike and Lauren's family survived her propeller strike. Both stories are worth telling, and both could even be put into the same book. I just wish it had been done a little more coherently.
Finally, the book ended rather suddenly. There isn't much of a where-do-we-go-from-here. I'm not sure the authors know. They include an epilogue to update the book, but beyond saying that everyone is still doing fine, we are left with very little. There are lots of loose ends in the "plot" which are left hanging. Real life is messy, far messier than a modestly sized memoir can convey. But again, it doesn't make for the best read.
Small gripes. Not enough to prevent me from recommending the book as an uplifting read, just enough for me to round my 3.5 star rating down to 3 when clicking the review window.
July 1, 2014
I recently read Still Lolo by Lauren Scruggs, the Scruggs family, and Marcus Brotherton. I had heard about Lauren Scruggs in the media and was interested in reading the whole story about what had happened to her, so I chose this book. In December 2011, she took a short plane ride to look at Christmas lights over Texas and walked into the propeller blades while disembarking the plane. Several surgeries followed, and she miraculously survived, mostly intact. Still Lolo skips back and forth between Lauren, her twin, her dad, and her mom. It details her childhood, her parent's marriage troubles, her life as a young adult, and of course, the accident and recovery period.
I have to be honest about this book, but I'll detail the parts I liked about it first. This book was a very quick read (I read it in about 24 hours), definitely a page turner (since it kept flipping perspectives, you wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next), and very interesting. Honestly, the most compelling part to me was about the homeless man her dad picked up who wrote the amazing predictions about their lives. I found that the most touching and interesting part of the entire book. I really enjoyed reading the portions about her parent's marriage struggles, divorce, and remarriage. I really want to read their book now.
However, this book definitely had some issues. A major one for me was that the family seems to be at a high income level (huge houses, expensive neighborhoods, designer clothes, vacations, expensive colleges, etc. etc.). I absolutely cannot relate to this and it kind of put me off. Then towards the end of the book, I was shocked at her dad saying how he barely makes any money and they couldn't afford her medical bills - while Lauren's buying new designer clothes, getting her nails done, getting hair extensions, and going on a vacation. Definitely kind of a turn off.
Then there's the issue that Lauren seems to be absolutely obsessed with her looks - clothes, hair, makeup, nails, you name it. It seems at odds with Christianity to be so obsessed over physical appearance. Now, the book does address this and says that she began counseling with a Christian program and some different things and is learning to let some of this go. However, it seemed a bit odd and I had trouble relating with portions of the book.
Overall, it was definitely interesting and exciting to read. I'm sure some people will be able to relate with it more than others, though. It was worth reading for the meatier portions.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I have to be honest about this book, but I'll detail the parts I liked about it first. This book was a very quick read (I read it in about 24 hours), definitely a page turner (since it kept flipping perspectives, you wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next), and very interesting. Honestly, the most compelling part to me was about the homeless man her dad picked up who wrote the amazing predictions about their lives. I found that the most touching and interesting part of the entire book. I really enjoyed reading the portions about her parent's marriage struggles, divorce, and remarriage. I really want to read their book now.
However, this book definitely had some issues. A major one for me was that the family seems to be at a high income level (huge houses, expensive neighborhoods, designer clothes, vacations, expensive colleges, etc. etc.). I absolutely cannot relate to this and it kind of put me off. Then towards the end of the book, I was shocked at her dad saying how he barely makes any money and they couldn't afford her medical bills - while Lauren's buying new designer clothes, getting her nails done, getting hair extensions, and going on a vacation. Definitely kind of a turn off.
Then there's the issue that Lauren seems to be absolutely obsessed with her looks - clothes, hair, makeup, nails, you name it. It seems at odds with Christianity to be so obsessed over physical appearance. Now, the book does address this and says that she began counseling with a Christian program and some different things and is learning to let some of this go. However, it seemed a bit odd and I had trouble relating with portions of the book.
Overall, it was definitely interesting and exciting to read. I'm sure some people will be able to relate with it more than others, though. It was worth reading for the meatier portions.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 31, 2013
Still Lolo tells the story of the life of a beautiful, vibrant woman who met with horrible tragedy. After taking a plane ride, Lauren Scruggs gets off the plane and walks into the propeller. In one moment, her life is altered. She loses an eye as well as her hand in the accident.
How will she ever rise above this devastating and life-changing event?
This is not my normal reading. I normally read fiction, but I was intrigued by the title and the synopsis of this book. I never felt bored with it. It kept my attention all the way through. Lauren, her sister, and her parents are interesting people whom I wouldn’t mind meeting. The book starts out with the story of how Lauren and Brittney (Lauren’s twin) are born. That in itself was a miracle. This book is filled with miracles. Reading it, I was very thankful that I have both my arms and legs. Learning to live without a limb would be extremely difficult, but Lauren Scruggs managed to learn and survive to tell her story.
One thing that I thought really moved the story along was how it was written. Still Lolo is told not only from Lauren’s point of view but from Brittney, Jeff, and Cheryl’s point of view as well (Jeff and Cheryl are Lauren’s parents). Different perspectives and different writing styles kept me intrigued and entertained.
The language of the novel is vivid and descript, reading almost like fiction, though it is the story of someone’s life. I loved Jeff and Cheryl’s story and their testimony of getting divorced and then remarried. I really liked the pictures in the book as well. They helped me to relate more so to Lauren and her family. Everything in the book was well-written. I also really liked how the book skipped from the accident to the past.
Reading Still Lolo will make you thankful for what you have and make you wonder if you could handle something as tragic as Lauren Scruggs did. After the accident, her life was different. But it was just as full—if not more full—than before.
My only complaint with this book is that they didn’t wait a few more years to write it. I wanted Lauren to find the love of her life in the end and marry him. Unfortunately, she didn’t. But I did enjoy reading about Lauren’s valiant struggle against the darkness that infiltrates her life. She shone forth with the light and love of Jesus in the end. And that is the testimony that every true Christian woman should have.
I give Still Lolo a 4.5 star rating.
*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
How will she ever rise above this devastating and life-changing event?
This is not my normal reading. I normally read fiction, but I was intrigued by the title and the synopsis of this book. I never felt bored with it. It kept my attention all the way through. Lauren, her sister, and her parents are interesting people whom I wouldn’t mind meeting. The book starts out with the story of how Lauren and Brittney (Lauren’s twin) are born. That in itself was a miracle. This book is filled with miracles. Reading it, I was very thankful that I have both my arms and legs. Learning to live without a limb would be extremely difficult, but Lauren Scruggs managed to learn and survive to tell her story.
One thing that I thought really moved the story along was how it was written. Still Lolo is told not only from Lauren’s point of view but from Brittney, Jeff, and Cheryl’s point of view as well (Jeff and Cheryl are Lauren’s parents). Different perspectives and different writing styles kept me intrigued and entertained.
The language of the novel is vivid and descript, reading almost like fiction, though it is the story of someone’s life. I loved Jeff and Cheryl’s story and their testimony of getting divorced and then remarried. I really liked the pictures in the book as well. They helped me to relate more so to Lauren and her family. Everything in the book was well-written. I also really liked how the book skipped from the accident to the past.
Reading Still Lolo will make you thankful for what you have and make you wonder if you could handle something as tragic as Lauren Scruggs did. After the accident, her life was different. But it was just as full—if not more full—than before.
My only complaint with this book is that they didn’t wait a few more years to write it. I wanted Lauren to find the love of her life in the end and marry him. Unfortunately, she didn’t. But I did enjoy reading about Lauren’s valiant struggle against the darkness that infiltrates her life. She shone forth with the light and love of Jesus in the end. And that is the testimony that every true Christian woman should have.
I give Still Lolo a 4.5 star rating.
*Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
November 22, 2012
I still vividly remember the news story from December 3, 2011: Lauren Scruggs had just landed with a girlfriend after viewing Christmas lights from above in a small prop plane piloted by a family friend. The young communications graduate, who had started a fashion website called Lolo and had worked in the wardrobe department of the TV show "Gossip Girl," is thought to have turned to say a final goodbye to the pilot when the horrible accident occurred. The 23-year-old fashion blogger and model, “Lo”, as her family and friends affectionately call her, was hit by a still-spinning airplane propeller. She was rushed to a hospital where she underwent a series of emergency operations. She lost her left hand and left eye. Far from dwelling on the horror of this face-changing accident, she writes about its life-changing spiritual implications. "I have kind of gained a new perspective of life," she told a recent interviewer, "and I feel like I need to use my message of hope and healing to help others, and inspire others, just like people have inspired me."
As a model and fashion blogger, Lauren Scruggs built a life and career that prioritized beauty and physical appearances. She had interviewed tons of gorgeous celebrities and traveled to Paris, Montreal, and New York to report on Fashion Week. But far from wallowing in self-pity, “Lolo” now sees God’s beautiful plan in her life. The accident has transformed the way Lauren sees herself and her God-given mission in life. She realizes that there are more important things in her life than the way she looks.
Still Lolo: A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family's Journey of Hope is a story that spins out of human control but not beyond the control of God. In this memoir, “Lolo” and the Scruggs family with Marcus Brotherton, embark on a journey of fear, anger, despair, hope and beauty as they shift gear to and fro.
Thirty-two chapters of a well-written 272-page book, with contributions from Lauren’s mother Cheryl, father Jeff and sister Brittany, it begins with fear An Unmistakable Premonition and ends with praise Giving Thanks. Lauren's courage and insight shines through out in her memoir. Each family member shared their own take of the night's events and how hope triumphed. The book and the story of the Scruggs family, most importantly that of Lauren Scruggs, is a clear demonstration that even when we despair and find ourselves helpless God is not helpless even among the ruins of life.
As a model and fashion blogger, Lauren Scruggs built a life and career that prioritized beauty and physical appearances. She had interviewed tons of gorgeous celebrities and traveled to Paris, Montreal, and New York to report on Fashion Week. But far from wallowing in self-pity, “Lolo” now sees God’s beautiful plan in her life. The accident has transformed the way Lauren sees herself and her God-given mission in life. She realizes that there are more important things in her life than the way she looks.
Still Lolo: A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family's Journey of Hope is a story that spins out of human control but not beyond the control of God. In this memoir, “Lolo” and the Scruggs family with Marcus Brotherton, embark on a journey of fear, anger, despair, hope and beauty as they shift gear to and fro.
Thirty-two chapters of a well-written 272-page book, with contributions from Lauren’s mother Cheryl, father Jeff and sister Brittany, it begins with fear An Unmistakable Premonition and ends with praise Giving Thanks. Lauren's courage and insight shines through out in her memoir. Each family member shared their own take of the night's events and how hope triumphed. The book and the story of the Scruggs family, most importantly that of Lauren Scruggs, is a clear demonstration that even when we despair and find ourselves helpless God is not helpless even among the ruins of life.
July 5, 2014
I remember hearing about the accident that sent Lauren Scruggs to the hospital, I remember thinking how bad I felt for her but I didn’t remember her name except that she was some super model who had been badly injured. Enter the book, Still Lolo, which I have had the chance to devour review through Tyndale – and now I feel like I know so much more than what the news had been reporting for days after. I couldn’t imagine having gone through the injuries that Lauren did – losing my arm, my eye and having a traumatic brain injury. When reading her parent’s account in the book, I welled up with tears, their emotion can through so strong and so poignantly that it felt like I could feel their pain, their emotions – I kept thinking what if it were one of my children?
At first I thought this was going to be a book on a woman looking for pity or a family looking for more publicity but it wasn’t that at all – their faith is alive and comes alive. I may not enjoy or understand fashion or understand why others do but Lauren’s passion comes through on the pages of her book. She set the record straight on what happened that night – including the fact that she was not nor has she ever been a supermodel. This book was inspiring and full of hope, if your suffering from a physical deformity or something less visible, Lauren’s story will speak to you, she will show you that you can go on – that there is hope.
There were many hurtful words hurled at Lauren in the days after the accident – some assumed she did it on purpose or was messing around with a phone and not paying attention, I too was guilty of this but after having a detailed description of how something like this can happen and has happened before to others, it’s much more understandable how it happened. I have to admit I had the same thoughts hurled at me when I injured myself on my ship in the Navy – it hurts especially when the insults and accusation aren’t true and I’m so glad that Lauren wrote this so that the record can be set straight and others can know of the hope that sustains Lauren and her family.
**Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for posting my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
At first I thought this was going to be a book on a woman looking for pity or a family looking for more publicity but it wasn’t that at all – their faith is alive and comes alive. I may not enjoy or understand fashion or understand why others do but Lauren’s passion comes through on the pages of her book. She set the record straight on what happened that night – including the fact that she was not nor has she ever been a supermodel. This book was inspiring and full of hope, if your suffering from a physical deformity or something less visible, Lauren’s story will speak to you, she will show you that you can go on – that there is hope.
There were many hurtful words hurled at Lauren in the days after the accident – some assumed she did it on purpose or was messing around with a phone and not paying attention, I too was guilty of this but after having a detailed description of how something like this can happen and has happened before to others, it’s much more understandable how it happened. I have to admit I had the same thoughts hurled at me when I injured myself on my ship in the Navy – it hurts especially when the insults and accusation aren’t true and I’m so glad that Lauren wrote this so that the record can be set straight and others can know of the hope that sustains Lauren and her family.
**Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for posting my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.
December 11, 2012
Still Lolo: A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family's Journey of Hope is the title of my latest read! By the title one could only assume that it will be a woe is me but God is good book. To my pleasant surprise it is very much the opposite! The story is a compilation of a family’s journey through a life changing experience of Lauren Scruggs accident. The book is written where the members of the family are able to give their point of view of the events that bring them to where they are today, stronger and still LOLO. In addition to focusing on the events of the accident that changed the lives of Lauren Scruggs and her family; It also tells a story of a family that was once broken but reunited by the renewing of their faith and a understanding of forgiveness and God’s everlasting grace.
Even though the books main focus is the accident, what I felt the most meaningful message in this book is a story of reconciliation forgiveness and answered prayers. It mirrors a real life fairytale that has a happy ending after a series of climatic events. I would recommend this book to anyone that feels discouraged in the face of tragedy, lost or just life. I have learned in this life that no matter what you are going through in life there is always a great cloud of witnesses that can demonstrate the goodness of the Lord through their journey. The Scruggs family is included in that great cloud. What he does for one he will do for another.
You can get a sneak peak by reading an excerpt of Still LOLO here.
http://prayreadwritelive.blogspot.com...
Even though the books main focus is the accident, what I felt the most meaningful message in this book is a story of reconciliation forgiveness and answered prayers. It mirrors a real life fairytale that has a happy ending after a series of climatic events. I would recommend this book to anyone that feels discouraged in the face of tragedy, lost or just life. I have learned in this life that no matter what you are going through in life there is always a great cloud of witnesses that can demonstrate the goodness of the Lord through their journey. The Scruggs family is included in that great cloud. What he does for one he will do for another.
You can get a sneak peak by reading an excerpt of Still LOLO here.
http://prayreadwritelive.blogspot.com...
December 21, 2012
Title: Still Lolo: A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family’s Journey of Hope
Author: Lauren Scruggs and the Scruggs Family, with Marcus Brotherton
Date I Finished Reading: November 29,2012
My Rating: 5/5
Two steps. It doesn’t sound like much, compared to how many steps we take throughout the day. But on December 3,2012 two steps changed Lauren Scruggs’ life forever. It was that night that Lauren stepped out of a friend’s plane, and into a spinning propeller. It was this accident that caused Lauren to lose her hand, her eye, and nearly her life.
In the book Still Lolo, we see the story of Lauren and her family’s trial and faith throughout her injury and recovery. As you can imagine, the whole ordeal was both physically and emotionally draining. Yet, throughout it all, their faith and confidence in the Lord held them together and gave them hope.
As you can imagine, for Lauren, life after the accident required many adjustments. As a fashion journalist, you can imagine Lauren was very conscious of her appearance. However, the Lord brought Lauren to the realization that she was still beautiful, that she could still be loved, and that he still had a plan for her. This is a lesson that all young ladies need to learn at one point or another.
I was quickly drawn into this book. I found it to be inspiring, encouraging and eye-opening. I highly recommend this book to you!! You can actually read the first chapter by following this link:
http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downlo...
Note: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. However, my opinions are my own.
Author: Lauren Scruggs and the Scruggs Family, with Marcus Brotherton
Date I Finished Reading: November 29,2012
My Rating: 5/5
Two steps. It doesn’t sound like much, compared to how many steps we take throughout the day. But on December 3,2012 two steps changed Lauren Scruggs’ life forever. It was that night that Lauren stepped out of a friend’s plane, and into a spinning propeller. It was this accident that caused Lauren to lose her hand, her eye, and nearly her life.
In the book Still Lolo, we see the story of Lauren and her family’s trial and faith throughout her injury and recovery. As you can imagine, the whole ordeal was both physically and emotionally draining. Yet, throughout it all, their faith and confidence in the Lord held them together and gave them hope.
As you can imagine, for Lauren, life after the accident required many adjustments. As a fashion journalist, you can imagine Lauren was very conscious of her appearance. However, the Lord brought Lauren to the realization that she was still beautiful, that she could still be loved, and that he still had a plan for her. This is a lesson that all young ladies need to learn at one point or another.
I was quickly drawn into this book. I found it to be inspiring, encouraging and eye-opening. I highly recommend this book to you!! You can actually read the first chapter by following this link:
http://mediacenter.tyndale.com/downlo...
Note: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. However, my opinions are my own.
July 8, 2013
Still Lolo is a true story about a woman named Lauren told from the perspectives of not only the author, but also her parents and sister. The story began with how Lauren’s parents met and touched briefly about the trouble that they had trying to have children. After many years, Lauren’s mother became pregnant with the help of IV therapy with Lauren and her twin sister, Brittany. Lauren’s early childhood was sad because her parents divorced and she and Brittany were constantly going from one parent to the other. Though the divorce was hard on the girls, they knew their parents truly loved them and that fact made the situation more bearable for them. Like most children, Lauren and her sister never gave up hope that their parents would remarry. When the girls were older, their dream came true and the split family became whole again. Lauren and her sister grew up and headed off to college. Lauren, who was the creative one in the family, went into the fashion world and started her own magazine that had topics of interest to her: fashion, health, beauty, etc. When all seemed to be going well for Lauren, tragedy struck! One day, as she was exiting off a plane from a trip, she ran into the plane’s propeller and her life was changed forever. Thankfully, she survived the accident, but she lost one eye and hand. This book tells of Lauren’s courage and determination to get her life back and I found it to be very encouraging. Instead of becoming bitter, she relied on God and I think it is amazing how He has used this story to touch people’s lives.
March 25, 2013
Julie Salisbury
Emmett
English 10
5 April 2013
The book "Still Lolo" by Lauren and her family is about Lauren and her life after a tragic accident. Lauren is a normal young adult living out her life. She has finished school and she is looking for work as a fashion writter. Going to events and writting about the latest trends is what she loves doing. Everything comes to a stop when Lauren walks into a spining plane propeller. Lauren looses her left hand and her left eye. Will Lauren ever be able to do fashion again?
Readers can learn a lot from this book. When tragic strikes it does not mean life is over. Even through the toughest times anything is possible. In the book Lauren had a lot of support from her famiy, this is always helpful when going through hard times. Another thing that got Lauren trhough this is her determination to write about fashion again and that is something readers can learn.
I would recommend this book to my peers because it is a well written book. Each chapter is spoken through a different family member, this keeps the story in motion and always interesting. Another good aspect of this book is that it is a thrilling book. As a reader the book keeps you on ur toes wanting to know what comes next. Overall this book is a really good book because it talks about how to get through tough times with ups and downs, but in the end anything is possible.
Emmett
English 10
5 April 2013
The book "Still Lolo" by Lauren and her family is about Lauren and her life after a tragic accident. Lauren is a normal young adult living out her life. She has finished school and she is looking for work as a fashion writter. Going to events and writting about the latest trends is what she loves doing. Everything comes to a stop when Lauren walks into a spining plane propeller. Lauren looses her left hand and her left eye. Will Lauren ever be able to do fashion again?
Readers can learn a lot from this book. When tragic strikes it does not mean life is over. Even through the toughest times anything is possible. In the book Lauren had a lot of support from her famiy, this is always helpful when going through hard times. Another thing that got Lauren trhough this is her determination to write about fashion again and that is something readers can learn.
I would recommend this book to my peers because it is a well written book. Each chapter is spoken through a different family member, this keeps the story in motion and always interesting. Another good aspect of this book is that it is a thrilling book. As a reader the book keeps you on ur toes wanting to know what comes next. Overall this book is a really good book because it talks about how to get through tough times with ups and downs, but in the end anything is possible.
June 5, 2014
An autobiographical first person retelling of the life of Lauren Scruggs and her family, "Still Lolo" was written in an easy to read format, very conversational. I did find it interesting how each chapter was told from a family member's perspective: most often from Lauren's, but quite a few times from her mom or dad and once or twice from the point of view of her twin sister, Brittany.
Although this is mainly their retelling of Lauren's accident of walking into a plane's propeller a few years back, her parents actually go even farther back in telling about their own relationship: marriage, divorce and reconciliation, and how that impacted their daughters' lives and in some ways prepared them for this time of trials.
However, the reason I'm only giving this an average rating is because there is also a lot of unnecessary "fluff" in the book. Maybe that's to be expected when a woman in her early twenties is writing an autobiography, but I just felt like all the name dropping and mentions of every single boy she dated or thought was cute was excessive, self-involved, and distracting.
I would not say this is a very inspirational book, but I'm sure many people would enjoy it. My favorite part was the last few chapters of the book where Lauren and her family describe life after the accident and how Lauren did discover some real meaning in her life and perhaps more clearly found her true Source of strength.
Although this is mainly their retelling of Lauren's accident of walking into a plane's propeller a few years back, her parents actually go even farther back in telling about their own relationship: marriage, divorce and reconciliation, and how that impacted their daughters' lives and in some ways prepared them for this time of trials.
However, the reason I'm only giving this an average rating is because there is also a lot of unnecessary "fluff" in the book. Maybe that's to be expected when a woman in her early twenties is writing an autobiography, but I just felt like all the name dropping and mentions of every single boy she dated or thought was cute was excessive, self-involved, and distracting.
I would not say this is a very inspirational book, but I'm sure many people would enjoy it. My favorite part was the last few chapters of the book where Lauren and her family describe life after the accident and how Lauren did discover some real meaning in her life and perhaps more clearly found her true Source of strength.
March 26, 2016
s the founder of LOLO Magazine little did the very gorgeous, Lauren Scruggs know what was awaiting her in the near future. Not only was she a natural beauty but she would have to summon up all her inward spiritual beauty to survive a horrendous accident where an airplane's propellars cut off her hand and disfigured her face. Ironically her career centered around appearance. The rich Christian stories of faith that her parent's taught her would now become her comfort and hope. A few weeks prior to the accident after breaking up with her boyfriend James, he had a premonition that something awful was going to happen and he begged her to be careful. While on the airplane, Lauren began to feel overwhelmed with panic and anxiety. Not understanding why, the only thing she could do was pray. After surgery, Lauren slips into a coma. The writer fills us in on young Lo Lo's life. It wasn't always easy. She is a twin to Brittany and they are inseparable. The Scrugg's family faces adultery, divorce and after many prayers remarriage. The second time around the entire family choose Christ as their main priority. Christ would also become the reason for Lauren's healing. This true account will inspire many never to give up in the face of adversity. Lauren reminds us what true courage is. She fights to regain her career back and comes back on top. I am thankful to Tyndale Blog Network for the opportunity to read such a sensational book!
January 8, 2013
A little over a year ago Lauren and her family's life was turned upside down and in this book we hear her story from her viewpoint as well as the viewpoints of her parents and twin sister. It's amazing to see how one event experienced by the same family can be seen in so many different lights. The accident with the propeller may have taken Lauren's left hand and eye but it didn't take her desire to impact others in a positive manner or her determination to fight. You can read the first chapter here if you want a sneak peek!
There are a couple of quotes that resonated with me that I wanted to share:
"I'd developed my definition of everyday courage---Even when life hits you hard, you keep on going---then lived by that definition. That's all I'd done."
"Maybe my mistake had been assuming that warriors are fearless, tough, and unbeatable. I've come to realize that warriors aren't invincible; they're just strengthened and energized by hope."
It's impossible for me to begin to understand how painful this time was for Lauren and her family but yet in spite of everything she came up swinging with her family in her corner. I can't say enough good things about this book and how uplifting and inspirational it is from beginning to end.
I received this book free of charge from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.
There are a couple of quotes that resonated with me that I wanted to share:
"I'd developed my definition of everyday courage---Even when life hits you hard, you keep on going---then lived by that definition. That's all I'd done."
"Maybe my mistake had been assuming that warriors are fearless, tough, and unbeatable. I've come to realize that warriors aren't invincible; they're just strengthened and energized by hope."
It's impossible for me to begin to understand how painful this time was for Lauren and her family but yet in spite of everything she came up swinging with her family in her corner. I can't say enough good things about this book and how uplifting and inspirational it is from beginning to end.
I received this book free of charge from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.
December 19, 2012
This true story of Lauren Scruggs (also known as Lolo) was a difficult one for me to read because of personal circumstances. However, because of those same circumstances, I definitely could feel with the parents and friends as they worked through this trauma, and the many miracles that came their way. This is a very uplifting story, a light in a dark world. The courage and stamina of the young Lauren is amazing, and will be a great example to others. As much as this is an inspirational account of an amazing young woman coming back from the brink of horror , it is also a tribute to those involved with her before, during and after the accident. She certainly has been on a roller coaster of a ride, from being involved with the fashion world, being a rising star, to having lost so much of what one would think was her identity to again finding her way.
Reading this we are challenged to reach out an make the world around us a better place, as well as help others to make their lives more meaningful. I think everyone reading this will be changed in some way. I recommend that every adult read this.
I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review. A postive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own.
Reading this we are challenged to reach out an make the world around us a better place, as well as help others to make their lives more meaningful. I think everyone reading this will be changed in some way. I recommend that every adult read this.
I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review. A postive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own.
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