[(My Last Step Backward )] [Author: Tasha Schuh] [Nov-2012]

by Tasha Schuh

After showcasing her talent as the lead in her high school's production of Grease, Tasha Schuh began to dream of a career in theater. No one knew that the stage itself would steal her dream-and almost her life-during a rehearsal for the next big show. Just days before her opening night performance in The Wizard of Oz, sixteen-year- old Tasha took one step backward and fell sixteen feet through a trap door. On that day, Nov. 11, 1997, she landed on the concrete floor of the historic Sheldon Theater, breaking her neck, crushing her spinal cord, and fracturing her skull. She would never walk again. For the next three days, Tasha prepared for a surgery that would at best leave her a C-5 quadriplegic. Post-op complications turned Tasha's struggle and ultimate triumph into an unbelievable journey. From loss and grief to self-discovery and achievement, Tasha's faith, resilience, and honesty have allowed her to leave the old Tasha behind while she confronts the new Tasha's life from a state of the art wheelchair. Discover Tasha's remarkable spirit in My Last Step Backward, a poignant memoir that seeks to inspire you to welcome adversity and face your own trap door of opportunity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Book Club, Memoir, Christian

Unknown Binding

First published November 16, 2012

Reviews

[Beth Brekke · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing story of hope by an amazing woman of faith. That would be the one sentence that summarizes this book. Over 20 years have passed but I can still remember when this happened and how devastated everyone in the entire area felt. I'm sure we have all thanked God more than once that this wasn't our personal fate. It took this strong and special woman and her family to make something positive come from such a tragedy. 75% of this book was 5-star but I felt it faltered a bit at the end. Mainly there were less and less details (How did writing the book come about? for example) and it seemed to end rather abruptly. The epilogue contributed some but I think it might have been a bit better had she waited another year or two before finishing this memoir--but then, it's easy to say now that we know what happened in the next years of her life. Overall, a fascinating read if you like memoirs that can amaze you, make you laugh, cry and be grateful and inspire you all at the same time.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had the good fortune of meeting Tasha and hearing her story, through a public presentation, twice. She is a very powerful, talented, and engaging public speaker. This book is just as engaging and full of detail that does not often get shared in her speeches. It is a well written testament to the power of a positive attitude and a strong faith and the role each can play in our lives when we are faced with adversity.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest and engaging memoir. Tasha writes of the days and years following an accident that left her, at 16, paralyzed from the chest down. This is Tasha's story, yet I never felt that she put herself at the book's center. Over and again she credits the work, kindness, and attention of caregivers, her community, and family. She writes of challenges, victories, and times when she could be impatient and fearful. Her gratitude and awareness of blessings is a gift to her readers.

[James A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing account. Tasha inspires me to see good in every day. I think every human being on this earth should read this book. Many years ago, while testing for my Black Belt test in Tae Kwon Do, I was required to submit an essay on the indomitable human spirit. If I had to write it again, it would be about Tasha.

[Korinn Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This girl's life is incredible. Her tragedy coupled with her faith and courage brings it home as a truly inspirational book. Tasha's story is a testament that a positive attitude can heal life's greatest heartbreaks.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasha was a speaker at a recent conference I attended. Although I did not get to see her speech, everyone was raving about her. So I bought both her books. This was the first one. What an inspiration. I read some of it to Adam when he was in the hospital. We both loved it.

[Kerry Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Tasha Strong.

This book was a very informative and truthful account of her life with a SCI. I sure love Tasha's attitude and her way of just rolling with the punches. She's made a good life for herself and she should be so very proud of all her accomplishments.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well written and full of inspiration. Tasha's positive attitude and beautiful pictures fill this must read autobiography.

[katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book is absolutely amazing. Currently recovering from my own SCI, and everything I was nervous for, I now believe I will get through it! Highly recommended read!

[Angela Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief Summary: Tasha Schuh tells the first person account of the spinal cord injury she had a teenager and her journey to regain independence and go off to college. As a rehabilitation psychologist with a spinal cord injury, I have read many books written by those with SCI and Tasha’s is definitely a standout!

Highlights: She does a great job accurately introducing the reader to the world of SCI and especially the experience of a female teenager. She is open, honest, and realistic. My favorite parts were in the later parts of the book as opposed to the medical complications after her SCI. I especially appreciated the dating scenarios she shares, her mention of sexuality, and the college independent living experience. I loved when she highlighted the challenge of training an elderly caregiver to apply her makeup.

Explanation of Rating: 4/5 This is a great read; but there are parts that drag and it took me almost a month to finish it! I could definitely put it down! I also wish she would have written more on the relationship she refers to in the Epilogue; it sounds like she learned a lot from this negative experience.

Psychology Factors: She highlights both patient and family adjustment to disability and acknowledges depression can be part of that. She also mentions the strain her accident had on her parents marriage. I’m sad that she dodged the rehabilitation psychologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester; that would have been a helpful resource.

I’m going to recommend that my friends and family read this book; plus all my co-workers in Spinal Cord Injury Rehab and colleagues in Rehabilitation Psychology. This is a great way to learn about the unique aspects of working with females and teenagers with SCI. I’ve already started her second book and looking forward to it!

[Lynnea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! Not only is this Tasha's autobiography about how she got to where she is now (physically and emotionally) after a spinal cord injury, but it is her Christian testimony, and an inspiration to all who read it.
What made the book even more fun for me to read was that it all takes place right around my town so I could truly picture where she was.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - very inspirational - a must read!

[Susan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job Tasha! I loved her book!

[Madeleine Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such and honest and often raw account of Tasha Schuh's recovery and coming to terms with becoming a quadriplegic after falling through a trap door at a dress rehearsal for the "Wizard of Oz" when she was sixteen.

We journey with her on her many procedures, rehabilitation, awakening to what kind of teenager she was and finding her faith again in God and her purpose in life

It's hard to imagine but she says that "This accident - this life-changing event in a theatre so many years ago - has been the best thing that could have happened to me"

Truly inspirational. Have a look at her website too at how she now motivates and inspires others through her speaking career.

[Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book at a little library kiosk nearby. I worked at Saint Marys Hospital on the rehabilitation unit for 25 + years and recognized staff Ms Schuh worked with. I saw her around the unit but never formally met her. I have worked with many persons with a disability an recognize the crisis that needs to be worked through. I enjoyed my 30+ years at Mayo Clinic as a Clinical Social Worker privileged to be of service to persons like Ms. Schuh. Thanks for sharing your story with us and best for your future.🧔🏼

[Kathleen Metevier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story - very well written

This woman has a powerful voice! I'm looking forward to her next book. Gives a clear example of how to live a positively life, no matter what obstacles need to be overcome.

[Larry Brekke · Rating 3 out of 5]

inspirational

[Sara Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hearing Tasha talk, I knew I had to read her book about how her 16 foot fall through a trap door changed her life in more ways than one. Truly an inspiration!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

very inspirational

Such an awesome look on life for someone who thought she lost so much. Highly recommend to all who enjoy reading.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring read! Being from the same town, I’ve heard Tasha speak and have always wanted to read her book. I’m so glad I picked it up!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tasha lays it all out. The good, bad and in the end inspiring journey of her fall that changed her life. A young woman with dreams is suddenly plunged into the world of wheelchairs, rehab, OT and PT. This book gave me the deepest look at the trials and challenges families face when things like this occur.

I ached as I read it and the last few chapters are so inspiring and encouraging as she gives her life to Christ and realizes nothing is impossible with God and her "new life" is filled with hope and optimism.

[Julie Kearney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire this young women so much. I am inspired by her story of how this tragic event, that left her paralyzed, changed her life forever. This sixteen year old girl coped with so much, and had so much to overcome, yet she maintained purpose in spite of difficulty or discouragement. She is truly remarkable. More importantly, I was inspired by her spirit & faith.

[Kimberly]

Awesome book. Tasha is an inspiration! She spoke to my nursing class at Winona State University!!!

[Scott Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

An inspirational memoir of one woman's triumph over tragedy.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tasha Schuh certainly has a compelling and inspirational life story. The writing, especially in the beginning of the book, did not do her personal story justice.

[Michelle Roniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! So incredibly inspirational- exactly what I needed to read right now in my life!
Sharing is caring that’s for sure! And attitude is everything! This book could literally save lives!

[Maureen Mahowald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has an inspiring story that touches the heart.

[Emma McRaith]

Really good,