Nine Miracles: When Bullets Can't Kill and Hope Prevails

by Brody Young, Austin Murphy

For fans of survival memoirs comes a compelling memoir of surviving the unthinkable and emerging with a powerful story in resilience.

Lessons about embracing the miracles of life, based on a story of how Brody Young survived being shot nine times and severely wounded by a man while on patrol as a park ranger in a remote canyon in Utah one night. After many months, he recovered from his wounds and returned to work, forever changed by his near-death experience. How Young reacted in the face of life-threatening danger takes on heightened meaning when we learn how he decided to respond to the miracles that followed. This book is Brody’s answer to the unavoidable question, How will you handle it when your life is on the line? It is a story of courage, healing, and hope, but it’s really about giving others the courage and hope they need to live a full, rewarding, meaningful life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

272 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2025

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly detailed true-crime story with a positive message. Reading 9 miracles is excellent processing therapy for healthcare workers who rarely get the opportunity to understand all the details surrounding the events that result in patients’ sudden and unwelcome encounters with them. Brody shares ALL the details of his ordeal—from the backgrounds of the people involved, to the ballistics, to the injuries/wounds/surgery, to the manhunt, the investigation, his family’s processing of the trauma, and to the eventual discovery of the gunman’s weapon and body that finally solves and closes the case. Readers will also be uplifted and encouraged by the real-life grit and tenacity displayed in everyone involved in this case, which resulted in one of happiest of endings you will ever read in a tragic event like Brody’s. I read 9 Miracles in a single weekend. Couldn’t put it down.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent primer on how ordinary people can survive and thrive through extraordinary events. Genuine, thoughtful, lighthearted-sometimes dark humor-Brody recounts surviving being shot multiple times, the impact it had on him and his family and how they chose to respond-with forgiveness. Easy and honest reading, like talking with a good friend about crazy events in your life. Also a testament to the incredible good in the world so easy to overlook.

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m in disbelief that there are currently no one or two star reviews for this book. It reads more like a blog post to friends than an inspiring memoir. I’ve read many survival stories and none of them have had lines like “once again, let’s give it up for [my wife].” This is not about the lived experience, it’s just bad writing and editing.

[Wynette Hawks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I remember when it happened and talking about it with my in-laws who were living in Moab and knew Brody. I appreciate Brody's attitude towards his shooter and the situation. It's such a great reminder that we don't know what's going on in people's lives that make them act/react the way they do.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a page-turner. I lived just three hours away from where this experience took place, but I somehow don’t recall hearing about it. A story of struggle and triumph that helps put what important into perspective: family and faith.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brody's story and outlook on life are so incredible.

[Erin Morris-Stringham · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s interesting and fast read. Despite this horrific incident (getting shot at many times, and left to die): Brody and his family rebuild again. I found myself a bit tearful at times. Also, so glad at the kindness others showed the family. Someone even let them live in their house (or retirement home). I listened to audible and enjoyed it, however, the narrator doesn’t pronounce Weber right. lol. So glad for closure at the end. I still can’t believe the write up of injuries.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the incredible story of Brody Young, a forest ranger, who was ambushed by a desperate individual and his survival of the nine gunshots that entered his body throughout. Brody also recounts the strength and character of his wife, Wendy, who kept friends, family and community updated from his shooting throughout his recovery period and return to work, kept their 3 children in a healthy emotional and physical space as they traveled and lived a state away to be near Brody during his hospitalization and their subsequent return home. He states that he shares his story for those who may be going through a hard time to perhaps help them to find strength and determination in their battle, whatever it may be. All involved in his story were amazed at his survival, recovery and thriving thereafter. He says you can make it through your battle(s) as well. Good read.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister sent me this book for Christmas, since she was a river guide for thirteen seasons and knows Brody. I remember following the story at the time and appreciated hearing the whole thing all the way through from the man himself. I particularly enjoyed the thoughts on forgiveness. The writing is not fantastic, but I thought it was good enough for what it was and, I assume, very much kept Brody's voice.

[Jessie Pond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring! Such a crazy story but I love the way his family dealt with hardship & forgiveness.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting! I loved hearing the after story of an event that we were appalled about when it happened. The book is a positive and uplifting look at a devastating time.