What do you think?
Rate this book
Stronger Now
On 12 October 2002, the beautiful island of Bali was hit by the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. It claimed the lives of 202 people and left 240 others severely injured. Nicole McLean was one of those 240. It was her first night in Bali, and Nicole and her friends decided to go to Paddy's Bar for a drink and a dance. Nicole was on the dance floor when the suicide bomber detonated. That night she was critically injured and was left fighting for her life. Despite being one of the first Australians to be evacuated back home by the RAAF, Nicole was to lose her right arm and spend weeks hovering between life and death.This is her extraordinary story. Shown through Nicole's eyes and those closest to her as they watched the horror unfold before them, this is a gripping personal account of what happened that fateful night and Nicole's difficult yet incredible journey towards recovery, motherhood and marriage.Ten years on and the scars from Bali have not faded. But while those left behind will never be forgotten, this book is a testament to the resilience and strength of human spirit of those that survived. It is a story about hope, second chances and never giving up.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 16, 2013
Book Review.
Book title: Stronger Now Author: Nicole Mclean
The Novel “Stronger Now” written by Nicole McLean is an Auto Biography in which Nicole wrote to tell the story of how her life changed after she was a victim in 2002 Bali Bombings. Nicole had grown up in Montrose Victoria Australia with her family she was a normal girl who went to school, Graduated and then started working, Nicole became a retail Manger. On October 12th 2002 Nicole and some of her friends, Natalie, Trish and Brook were on a holiday in Bali. It was Nicole’s second time in Bali. The girls had only been in the country for 6 hours, when the horror struck.
The book “Stronger Now” gets quite graphic, so the novel isn’t suitable for people under the age of 15, but anyone from the age of 15 to adulthood can read this jaw dropping book.
The Characters in this Novel include, Nicole who is the main one telling the story and how the Bombings in Bali affected her life, Nicole’s friend Nat who is also a victim in the terrorist attack, Nat was with Nicole when the bomb hit the bar they were in, Nicole’s father who stood by his daughter the whole way through her recovery, Nicole’s Mother who also stood by Nicole’s side the whole way through and both her and Nicole’s Father helped her out after she lost her right arm and Nicole’s boyfriend Luke who was there by Nicole in the Hospital telling her that she would get through and that no matter what happened even though she was left with one arm Luke still loved her as much as he would even if she had two arms.
The theme in this book is Nicole attempting to get her thoughts and life back together after the bombing. Not many will have experienced something more horrific than what Nicole and Nat did, “Stronger Now” really defines courage, no matter whether the reader was there and was a victim of the attack or a person who lost a loved one or friend or just an interested person, People who had lost others or knew someone injured, like Luke still had to be strong so he could help Nicole and Nat get through what was going to be in their minds forever.
The Language in this Novel can be rude at times especially when Nicole is describing what it felt like to be in the bar when the bomb hit. But then there are times when you actually feel like you are there and watching all the people getting pulled out of piles of rubble and there is a victim standing next to you telling what it felt like and they are crying as they speak.
In the book it’s not all Nicole telling it from her perspective. There are chapters dedicated to other people, like Nat who tells how she thought Nicole wasn’t going to make it through and that they got spilt up in the Hospital, there is also a chapter dedicated to Nicole’s father who tells how he had to watch his daughter go through the pain of loosing an arm and that she was so strong to get through it the way she did. But he also mentions how proud of her he was getting through 2 months recovery the way she did.
Book title: Stronger Now Author: Nicole Mclean
The Novel “Stronger Now” written by Nicole McLean is an Auto Biography in which Nicole wrote to tell the story of how her life changed after she was a victim in 2002 Bali Bombings. Nicole had grown up in Montrose Victoria Australia with her family she was a normal girl who went to school, Graduated and then started working, Nicole became a retail Manger. On October 12th 2002 Nicole and some of her friends, Natalie, Trish and Brook were on a holiday in Bali. It was Nicole’s second time in Bali. The girls had only been in the country for 6 hours, when the horror struck.
The book “Stronger Now” gets quite graphic, so the novel isn’t suitable for people under the age of 15, but anyone from the age of 15 to adulthood can read this jaw dropping book.
The Characters in this Novel include, Nicole who is the main one telling the story and how the Bombings in Bali affected her life, Nicole’s friend Nat who is also a victim in the terrorist attack, Nat was with Nicole when the bomb hit the bar they were in, Nicole’s father who stood by his daughter the whole way through her recovery, Nicole’s Mother who also stood by Nicole’s side the whole way through and both her and Nicole’s Father helped her out after she lost her right arm and Nicole’s boyfriend Luke who was there by Nicole in the Hospital telling her that she would get through and that no matter what happened even though she was left with one arm Luke still loved her as much as he would even if she had two arms.
The theme in this book is Nicole attempting to get her thoughts and life back together after the bombing. Not many will have experienced something more horrific than what Nicole and Nat did, “Stronger Now” really defines courage, no matter whether the reader was there and was a victim of the attack or a person who lost a loved one or friend or just an interested person, People who had lost others or knew someone injured, like Luke still had to be strong so he could help Nicole and Nat get through what was going to be in their minds forever.
The Language in this Novel can be rude at times especially when Nicole is describing what it felt like to be in the bar when the bomb hit. But then there are times when you actually feel like you are there and watching all the people getting pulled out of piles of rubble and there is a victim standing next to you telling what it felt like and they are crying as they speak.
In the book it’s not all Nicole telling it from her perspective. There are chapters dedicated to other people, like Nat who tells how she thought Nicole wasn’t going to make it through and that they got spilt up in the Hospital, there is also a chapter dedicated to Nicole’s father who tells how he had to watch his daughter go through the pain of loosing an arm and that she was so strong to get through it the way she did. But he also mentions how proud of her he was getting through 2 months recovery the way she did.
December 22, 2012
Back in 2002 Nicole MacLean was just an average twenty three year old. From a close knit family in suburban Melbourne, she had a job she loved, a wide circle of friends and enjoyed a busy social life. Having previously been to Bali, she was happy to go back for a relaxing break with some friends. Touching down on the afternoon of October 12th 2002, she hadn’t even finished unpacking when she made the fateful decision to go out to the Sari Club. Enjoying the music on the dance floor one minute, her life as she knows it is altered forever when the bomb goes off.
Nicole acknowledges that she would not be here today if it weren’t for the actions of her friend Nat, who risked her own life to get Nicole to safety and then managed to squeeze her on the back of an open ute that was going to a nearby clinic. Unaware of just how badly she is injured, Nicole only has fragmented memories of the horrific hours that followed until she is eventually loaded on a Hercules aircraft and flown back to Australia. Having told her parents she has a fractured arm and a sore leg, they are devastated when they arrive in Darwin to find she is on the brink of death. With her right arm hanging on by a thread and badly infected and a massive shrapnel wound on her thigh, doctors make the decision to evacuate her home to Melbourne where she can get the specialist care she desperately needs.
Stronger now chronicles Nicole’s long road to recovery and the aftermath of being involved in the horrific Bali bombings. After a desperate attempt to save her arm, eventually doctors are left with no choice but to amputate up near the shoulder. Nicole must also deal with shrapnel wounds in her back as well as the huge hole on her thigh. As well as that though, she has to come to terms with the mental aftermath of a near death experience and the senselessness of terrorist activity.
Despite all she has been through, Stronger Now is ultimately a story of hope. In the years following Bali Nicole gradually got her life back on track – driving, returning to work, getting married and having a baby. Through the traumas she has lived through, Nicole has come to realise that anything is possible with the right attitude and that there is still a lot of good in the world.
Stronger Now is an easy read in terms of language and readability, but confronting at times when detailing some of the things she experienced in Bali. Nevertheless it is ultimately an inspiring book that celebrates the human spirit and shows that anything is possible – even with one arm.
Nicole acknowledges that she would not be here today if it weren’t for the actions of her friend Nat, who risked her own life to get Nicole to safety and then managed to squeeze her on the back of an open ute that was going to a nearby clinic. Unaware of just how badly she is injured, Nicole only has fragmented memories of the horrific hours that followed until she is eventually loaded on a Hercules aircraft and flown back to Australia. Having told her parents she has a fractured arm and a sore leg, they are devastated when they arrive in Darwin to find she is on the brink of death. With her right arm hanging on by a thread and badly infected and a massive shrapnel wound on her thigh, doctors make the decision to evacuate her home to Melbourne where she can get the specialist care she desperately needs.
Stronger now chronicles Nicole’s long road to recovery and the aftermath of being involved in the horrific Bali bombings. After a desperate attempt to save her arm, eventually doctors are left with no choice but to amputate up near the shoulder. Nicole must also deal with shrapnel wounds in her back as well as the huge hole on her thigh. As well as that though, she has to come to terms with the mental aftermath of a near death experience and the senselessness of terrorist activity.
Despite all she has been through, Stronger Now is ultimately a story of hope. In the years following Bali Nicole gradually got her life back on track – driving, returning to work, getting married and having a baby. Through the traumas she has lived through, Nicole has come to realise that anything is possible with the right attitude and that there is still a lot of good in the world.
Stronger Now is an easy read in terms of language and readability, but confronting at times when detailing some of the things she experienced in Bali. Nevertheless it is ultimately an inspiring book that celebrates the human spirit and shows that anything is possible – even with one arm.
May 5, 2023
‘On 12 October 2002, the beautiful island of Bali was hit by a deadly terrorist attack. It claimed the lives of 202 people and left 240 others severely injured. Nicole McLean had been in Bali for just six hours when she was caught in one of the explosions. That night she lost her arm and was left fighting for her life.
This is Nicole’s extraordinary journey. Shown through her eyes, and through the eyes of friends and family who watched helplessly while the horror unfolded before them, this is a gripping personal account of what happened that fateful night and Nicole’s difficult yet incredible journey toward recovery.
Ten years on, the scars from Bali have not faded. But while those left behind will never be forgotten, this book is a testament to the resilience and strength of spirit in those that survived. It is a story about hope, second chances and never giving up.’
This book is amazing.
As an Australian, the Bali Bombing is an event that I can vividly remember unfolding on the News. Seeing the survivours over the years since the attack has kept it in the minds of most Australians so I was really looking forward to reading this book and learning about Nicole’s journey and recovery.
After the first few chapters of this book, I realized that I had heard parts of Nicole’s story before so this book was like catching up with her and seeing how she is now rather than her entire story being new to me. I went into this book knowing it was going to be an emotional read, but after I discovered that I knew more about this story than I thought I did, it became more emotional to read than I had predicted.
Nicole McLean has done a fantastic job with this book. It was raw and emotional, filled with both heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. The way that she didn’t shy away from the hard conversations and moments of doubt was brave and confronting, but completely human.
I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book.
Stronger Now by Nicole McLean is a deeply moving story that everyone should read at least once in their life.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
This is Nicole’s extraordinary journey. Shown through her eyes, and through the eyes of friends and family who watched helplessly while the horror unfolded before them, this is a gripping personal account of what happened that fateful night and Nicole’s difficult yet incredible journey toward recovery.
Ten years on, the scars from Bali have not faded. But while those left behind will never be forgotten, this book is a testament to the resilience and strength of spirit in those that survived. It is a story about hope, second chances and never giving up.’
This book is amazing.
As an Australian, the Bali Bombing is an event that I can vividly remember unfolding on the News. Seeing the survivours over the years since the attack has kept it in the minds of most Australians so I was really looking forward to reading this book and learning about Nicole’s journey and recovery.
After the first few chapters of this book, I realized that I had heard parts of Nicole’s story before so this book was like catching up with her and seeing how she is now rather than her entire story being new to me. I went into this book knowing it was going to be an emotional read, but after I discovered that I knew more about this story than I thought I did, it became more emotional to read than I had predicted.
Nicole McLean has done a fantastic job with this book. It was raw and emotional, filled with both heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. The way that she didn’t shy away from the hard conversations and moments of doubt was brave and confronting, but completely human.
I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book.
Stronger Now by Nicole McLean is a deeply moving story that everyone should read at least once in their life.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
July 14, 2021
Inspiring
August 19, 2014
Reading this book I was struck with just how ordinary Nicole was, and is. She writes in a frank, unabashed manner that could easily be the voice of so many girls her age. She was simply out having a good time that fateful night in Bali, but it is her story afterwards that is so inspirational. She just got up and pulled herself through life, and had the amazing support of her friends and family behind her. I enjoyed the tone and writing particularly, because it is so simply put that you can't help but be drawn in.
I bought this book for $10 at a discount book shop. I both love and hate those shops; I leave with bags but there are so many stories just waiting to be told left behind. I'm glad this one caught my eye, it was a beautiful read and I highly recommend it. Five stars.
I bought this book for $10 at a discount book shop. I both love and hate those shops; I leave with bags but there are so many stories just waiting to be told left behind. I'm glad this one caught my eye, it was a beautiful read and I highly recommend it. Five stars.
November 10, 2013
Don't normally read theses types of books, however this story was inspirational. Found this book very emotional but it was easy to read, it was like she was telling me her story over coffee. However, the story shows inner strength, determination but also how the Bali bombing affected not only Nicole but her whole family and friends. Life is precious.
February 24, 2015
When Nicole McLean says that if it weren't for her family and friends she seriously doesn't think she would be here today, she's not joking. Her book Stronger Now not only details the trauma and the tragedy of the Bali bombings, but the intense strength of her friendships and bond with her family. Her best friend Nat totally rocks!!!
April 2, 2013
Very easy to read, felt like she was telling me the story over coffee. Liked that her family & friends wrote in novel too. Actually finished the book feeling a bit jealous of Nicole- she is so bubbly!
May 4, 2013
Enjoyed it far more than I expected. I've reviewed it for Writers' Web, Dymocks and the Telegraph, and generally it's positive. Certainly inspirational and I found myself on the brink of tears at a couple of points.
December 5, 2012
Inspiring! I could not put it down.
July 5, 2013
This book is for anyone that needs a reminder of how precious life is. I feel inspired to get the most out of everyday. What an incredible young woman!
October 5, 2015
What a brave woman and a remarkable story couldn't put it down
May 21, 2016
Inspiring and enjoyable. I wish Nicole and her family all the best.
January 1, 2013
Couldn't put it down. Such a brave woman!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews