The Soul Survivor: From Tragedy to Tenacity to Triumph

by Joe Townsend, Shawn Doyle

This book is inspirational and serious because it is about a real life accident and overcoming adversity. Even though those are heavy topics- it is also important for us to capture Joe’s unique personality and sense of humor. It adds to the message we are trying to deliver.

Overview – and how this book is different!

The purpose of Soul Survivor is to tell the real life story of Joe Townsend, who was flying one day with his family and due to mechanical failure – the small plane he was piloting crashed- killing Joe’s wife and two small daughters. Joe was critically injured and survived brain injury, a stroke, hours of surgery and months of physical and emotional pain to survive and then to thrive. Through grit and determination, he then began to rebuild a new life. This inspirational real life tale of overcoming adversity will get people to realize their own true potential. When they read this story, they will understand that if one man can overcome this kind of horrific adversity, then anything in life is possible. There are no limits.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Inspirational

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 16, 2011

Reviews

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, but it pretty much bored me to tears. I read lots of books about people who are grieving, it's been sort of therapeutic for me over the last few years. But this book was more about this guy that I didn't really care about. He went into serious detail about his childhood and teenage years, which were not the least bit interesting. I get that it shows you why he is the way he is, but it could have been done much faster. The story of the loss of his family is a moving one though, I just wish it had been the focal point of the book.

[Mary Burtchett]

Such an inspiring, heart warming story of a regular man who does amazing things with the life God h as s given him. A very transforming journey. Easy read. Very inspiring

Seems you are speaking with Joe yourself. If you read nothing else all year, read this. Truly amazing story of pain and triumph.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible = wish I could rate it 0 stars! This was one of the worst books I've read. It was sappy sweet, poorly written, and boring. I really wanted to be lifted up, but I was let down. I was so put off by the "cutesy" talk and trite catch phrases( like "Hey, Shawnee, this is you buddy, Joseppy" or "Hidey Ho, Mr. Shawn" .. . I could not even read it - I skimmed through the last 100 pages, although I'm not sure why. I wanted to care, to feel emotion, but all I felt was the Joe wanted me to feel sorry for him. I did not like the bashing of Kelley's family. They were grieving, too you know. I did not like the details of your poor investments. I don't feel bad for you, but I do feel bad for the airline that supported your disability pay and paid for you and your new wife to travel all over the world. Maybe that is why I can't afford airline tickets? I am so glad I got this book for free as an Amazon special. If I had paid for it I would have wanted a refund!

[Kimberly A · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author sustained devastating injuries and lost his family in a horrific accident. He does have an incredible story to tell about overcoming grief and lost most cannot imagine. However, this book does not do it justice - at least for me. It felt like a big, rambling discourse. Maybe that is what the author intended, but it was distracting. I would start to engage with the narrative, and suddenly, it would take off in a new direction or a unrelated bit of information would be interjected, and I had to begin again to find my connection. I never had the deep emotional response I was expecting. A little editing and rewriting would go a long way in allowing readers to journey with Joe as he overcomes insurmountable tragedy and really connect with the message he wants to deliver.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could do half stars I would give this book 2 and a half stars. The story itself is compelling but it is so poorly written. I did not like the format at all or the need to write out the beginning of every phone conversation between the author and Joe. I am glad I did not pay for this book and would not recommend.

[Leslie Casstevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Townsend is an inspiring individual. I really like this book it teach us to appreciate every minute we have in this world with our loved ones; and to not waist one minute complaining about life events that do not go our way. He teaches us to persevere through our adversities

[Diane Busch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The astoundingly tragic yet hopeful biography of Joe Townsend - a commercial pilot who borrowed a single engine plane to fly his family to Thanksgiving dinner. There was a mechanical problem and he tried to get the plane back to the airport but when he landed it nose dived and his wife and 2 daughters were killed.
He survived but spent months in hospitals having multiple surgeries and learning to walk again.
He had much grief over the loss of his family and many sad circumstances to overcome dealing with his wife Kelly’s family.
Then his business investment with his wife’s brother failed and caused him to lose the entire settlement from the law suit from the plane failure.
Later when he remarried, his wedding had to be changed from Hawaii to Louisiana due to 9/11 and guests not feeling comfortable flying that week.
Another time he invested money that was lost in a ponsi sceam.
And later he invested $100,000 which he ended up losing due to a real estate depression

But through all of the adversity he woke up each day with hope.
He credits his faith in a God for allowing him to have this optimistic attitude.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is an interesting story but more than 1/2 of the book was not about his life with his wife and 2 daughter, and time after the accident -- more than 1/2 was about his growing up and later how he lost all his 7-figure claim; one thing I got from the book was his antagonism towards his mother; while sister and brother-in-law helped him (lived with him), father visited, there was never any mention of his mother after the accident .. hmmm .. and late in the book he gets a call that she is "taking her last breath" and he drives 120 mph to her but all he says is he didn't get a ticket?!?! he just seems a little too upbeat thruout like he's trying to convince his readers and himself that he's that happy!?! just my take on what I read;

[Nancy Holte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat interesting story about a man who lost his wife and two daughters in a horrible plane crash.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, moving story about living life after a great tragedy. The writing style of the book was slightly annoying.

[Richellelee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Such an amazing story of grit, determination and positivity. Inspirational!!

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir is about Joe Townsend and his plane crash. His wife and two children died in it. It talks about Joe’s ability to positively overcome this horrific event. A good read.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is truly amazing how some people find the strength to overcome such adversity. The book is a good reminder to be thankful for each and every moment you have with friends and family, good health, and financial security because none is ever guaranteed.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes , it only took me 4 days to read this book ! I learned so much , and am looking forward to re-reading this book aloud to my family . Why? Because if there's just one thing I learned from reading about Joe Townsend , it's that our loved ones and friends are more important than things . Unlike previous reviewers , I appreciated the candid flavor of the relationship between Joe and Shawn . I, too, have faced my own adversity in my own life . I am still working through finding "my joy" ; however , I know my Lord will continue to carry me through . Joe shares his trials , adversities , and triumphs . He didn't have to , but he did . I pray that you will give Joe's story a chance . Oh, and have those tissues handy, and be ready to explain to your family why at times you may suddenly crack up laughing !
Update 5/30/2017. I just finished reading chapter 3. All 4 of my children have been captivated and a focused audience for listening to Joe's real life story . I especially am praying that his experiences will have a positive impact on our oldest's (16 year old son ) life .
UPDATE June 9
I finished reading this to my children . Wow! They literally hung on every word , and couldn't wait till the next day's chapter ! Now , I am hoping my husband will read this, also .

[Jaguar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Joe has been through so much. He lost his wife and two kids in a plane crash-and he was flying the plane! Yet, though he is greatly crushed by his loss and how he was the only one to survive and his recovery. It just makes you thankful for all you have-family, friends-and how everything can be gone just like *that*. I wish it would have talked more about the crash though. It starts out with him meeting someone whom listens to his story, then Joe talks about his life as a kid, and more about his life, how he met his wife Kelley, and then them getting married, flying to visit family with Joe flying the plane, and then on the way back...*BAM* *CRASH* everythings gone. Joe talks about waking up in the hospital, his recover, and more about his life after the crash. Yada, Yada, Yada. Yeah, it a pretty amazing story, especially since he survived a horrible crash. But then he just goes on and keeps talking and I rather just read about the crash then his recovery and then its done, thats his life, but he goes on and talks about how mean Kelleys family was, how they wasted away his money, and then left him. Joe meets a girl, they date, and Joe wanted to marry her, but relized it too late. He moves on and meets another girl on the phone, proposes to her three weeks after meeting her in person, marries her a month later, and they start a life together. The book should have just stopped there. But it didn't. This book is very slow moving and it took me forever to finish it because it just-didn't really capture the readers attention anymore the farther you went in the book. After you've read the crash your like: "Wow that was interesting.", then you go on and are like: "This book is still. not. done." And then you seem to skim some of the paragraphs as you read.

[Lyndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did pull some life lessons on adversity from this book. I had some BIG issues with this book as well. This man considers himself to be a Christian but keeps over and over again speaking of his family that died as being angels now. People do NOT turn into angels! What kind of church does he go to that teaches this? The parts where he is recounting his story are done well, other than them not going in chronological order, which is hard to follow at times. But the conversations between the author and the man telling the story are weird, forced and just plain not the way normal people talk. Who in every sentence uses the name of the person you are talking to? And the story teller comes up with some really corny one liners. The description of that book describes him as funny. I found these added little tidbits not needed.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Soul Survivor was a very inspirational story of a man, Joe Townsend, that lost his wife and 2 daughters in an airplane crash. He lived to tell about his loss of a family, his career, and money yet how he went on to lead a positive, life appreciating what he had. I liked the way the Shawn Doyle's conversations with Joe started with his childhood, young teen years, young adult and then adult life. After each section Shawn would reflect on why Joe continues to be thankful for what he still has, looks forward to his next adventure and uses his charismatic personality to encourage others. He makes the reader believe that everyday is a gift to be lived to it's fullest.

[Carolyn Churchill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished reading this autobiography, not because of its literary prowess to be sure. I endured the grammatical errors, poorly written format, etc., simply because I like to finish books I start. I'm not sure why I do that. I think I owe to the author since he took the time to tell/write his story, especially so in this book. Mr. Townsend's tragedy is hardly bearable to read, much less live, I am certain. But he chose to rise above his circumstances and wants to encourage others to do the same. Read at your own risk.

[Debi Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shares the a man's loss of his own family and his triumph over the tragedy. When I got this book, I read it from front to back in a matter of two fast days. I love the way it was written - the messages and moments of reflection - it made me feel his story as if I had been there with him. While it is a painful loss, the story shared a lot of inspiration. I loved this book!

[Iris Smale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would give this 10 stars if I could. I've read this book twice - something I very rarely do. It was excellent and gave me a better concept about what these brave Seals have to face - both in training and in action. I applaude them all!!!

[Mavelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A true story about severe tragedy and the will to survive. How any person could overcome the horrendous loss of his entire family and then find the will to go on speaks of the way we view our life and our God.

[Susie Davi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Soul Survivor

Excellent book showing one man's comeback from a tragic loss. This is a good read for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one or anyone facing obstacles in their lives.

[Diane McGlothin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

Remarkable story of survival. Was not captured by the style of writing. Too many details that were insignificant and I felt there were other details that could have been included.

[Timber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It read kind of like a blog, and I love blogs. I skipped all the back n forth dialog at the beginning and ending of chapters. It was entirely needless. I really enjoyed most of the book when Joe was talking.

[Karen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic inspirational story. Joe's terrific attitude after suffering horrific crises is an example to all of us to keep on keeping on no matter what hits us in our life.

[Terry M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational!

[Siân · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm glad this book was free because it was a poorly written vaguely interesting driveling piece of self congratulatory work. Avoid.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

good motivational but kind of boring

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

very inspirational story, but I felt like it could have been told in more of a captivating manner. it is just told like an interview for the most part.

[Kevin W. Jerrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Inspirational

This is not the best written I've read, but it is a good story of a man who endured tragedy and pain.