After Bali

by Jason McCartney

After Bali is Jason McCartney's account of how his life - and those of many thousands touched by the Bali bombing of October 2002 - was changed forever. His story is one of humanity overcoming adversity. McCartney is a normal young Australian, who happened to have an exceptional talent to play Australian Football. He was thrust into the hearts and minds of all Australians through his courageous fightback from horrible burns to 50 per cent of his body. His story is told in a matter-of-fact way, but is full of the spirit that saw him not only survive, but make a comeback to the AFL. He has become a true representative of Australian courage.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Australia, Sports

308 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[D. · Rating 1 out of 5]

With all due respect to the trials faced by Jason McCartney and all others affected by the Bali bombings, this book is likely to be painful reading for those not interested in McCartney's career in the Australian Football League.

[Sportyrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A survivor of the 2002 Bali Bombings tells his story. Everything is covered from the layout of the bomb site to the recovery in hospital and beyond.

This survivor was a successful AFL player who played for North Melbourne Football Club. His account of what happened is combined with what others around him said/did/felt in their own words to give you a fuller picture of what occurred.

Many of the victims would have had their own struggles, achievements and stories and this survivor did not detract from that at all. Even though he had extensive burns and was in immense pain, he allowed others worse off to receive attention before he did.

The way that the survivor, Jason McCartney conducted himself throughout the ordeal was an inspiration.

I would recommend this to anyone who is fascinated by survivor stories and the will to persevere.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't help but like this book. Even though it is now 18 years old, the story loses nothing in its telling. The chapter where he ends up playing AFL again is spine tingling! The only thing I didn't really like was the constant grab of quotes of friends family etc. I thought it was a lazy way of telling the story at times. Anyway, it is a remarkable story of a remarkable person.

[Brit McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew going into this, that it was going to be an emotional read. There was no way around it - I didn't have dry eyes from start to finish. From the foreword, which was a letter to Jason from his former coach Denis Pagan, to the epilogue by co-writer Ben Collins, I just had tears tracking down my cheeks the whole time.

That's not to say that this book was all depressing - it was actually as uplifting as a book like this can be. Jason handled his recovery the way he handled his footy - constantly pushing himself, preparing himself and doing more than anybody else.

This book puts together Jason's account of the October 2002 Bali bombings and also the insights of those around him in order to fully tell his story. We get a complete, rounded picture of that devastating night, his arduous road to recovery and his emotional return to football, from Jason and his loved ones - particularly his wife Nerissa.

There's a lot of buzzwords like 'inspiration' and 'hero' that get thrown around about Jason, but reading this book you get the feeling he'd rather be known as just a really good bloke and a decent footballer. His down-to-earth attitude and his time for everyone is part of what elevated him to the public face of the tragedy - someone who people could look to, even though he wasn't doing anything he wouldn't do if he wasn't in the public eye.

It's worth noting that this book, while not particularly graphic, does describe the events and the immediate aftermath of the Bali bombings, including extensive injuries and burns and if that sort of thing is triggering to you, please proceed with caution. It also covers the events and outcome of the trial of someone involved in the attack.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the strength that Jason McCartney, his wife, family and friends showed through this book. The touching part was how much work Jason did with other burns victims too. This gave me the inspiration to not give up on my goals and came at the right time in my life to read.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring story while tough subject matter didn't find it uncomfortable to read.

[Mel Scicluna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great read.
Amazing story, really well told.

[gemsbooknook Geramie Kate Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Autobiographical account of Australian Rules footballer and survivor of the 2002 terrorist attack on Bali, Jason McCartney, and those of thousands touched by the Bali bombing in October 2002 – their lives changed forever. Describes events leading up to the Bali bombing, the bombing itself, the period of recovery, and the impact of tragedy and triumph. McCartney was thrust into the hearts and minds of Australians through his courageous fightback from burns to 50 percent of his body. Including comments from family, friends, associates, teammates, and colleagues, as well as colour photos, and a foreword by Denis Pagan. McCartney is a two-time winner of the Kangaroo’s Best Clubman Award. Collins is a writer for Geoff Slattery Publishing, producers of the ‘AFL Record’.’

This book is extraordinary.

This is one of those rare books that has stayed with me since the moment I read it. It has also called to me over the years; as such I have now read it many times. One of my favourite aspects of this book is that it shows both the best and worst of Humanity.

The moment I picked this book up I knew it was going to be an emotional roller coaster of a read, and I wasn’t wrong. The thing that gets me every time I read this book is that it is an Autobiography. These aren’t just made-up people living in a made-up world. How anyone can go through what Jason McCartney went through and come out the other side blows my mind.

The Bali Bombing is an event that virtually every Australian that was alive at the time remembers, so reading about it and seeing it through the eyes of someone who was there is a truly haunting experience. I have read this book more than a few times and each and every time I am heartbroken by the bombing and Jason’s fight, yet I am also always inspired by his survival and recovery.

I honestly don’t have a bad word to say about this book. It holds a special place in my heart and is easily one of the greatest books I have very read.

After Bali by Jason McCartney is a must-read for everyone.

Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason this was one of the best true story books I have ever read. Yes I am a North Melbourne supporter, but I don't think that really matters. I was not a big fan of yours when you first came to the club from Adelaide, but I had grown to love you along with the other players before Bali. I still remember the Sunday morning hearing on the radio about you getting injured. I have the utmost respect and admiration for you as a result of this book and the struggle you had to overcome to play your comeback game. I still remember listening to it on the radio and was almost in tears at the end of the game. Thank you so much for autographing my copy, I will cherish it forever. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

[Sandy Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason is a well known AFL player in Australia. You don’t necessarily have to follow the AFL to appreciate the story as it very much involves the recovery of being seriously burnt by a bomb explosion in Bali.
The book has input from Jason’s family, friends, team mates, doctors etc which gives another perspective of what he went though. You can’t help but admire the guy - he almost inspired me to get fit! Definitely a book to read if you want to know more about the aftermath of a shocking, senseless terrorist attack.

[Nicola Marsh]

I started this today and devoured it.

I know some of the people involved because I worked at NMFC as a physio student.

The tale is riveting but I couldn't read past chapter 12 because the subject matter is so heart-rending.
It really upset me, the horrors people faced.

Jason McCartney's courage and strength is astounding.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason McCartney's story was amazing! I don't even follow AFL and I still admired his courage. I enjoyed reading his personal viewpoint, although the views of others became a little repetitive. Been meaning to read this one for a while, so I'm glad I finally have. Great book, highly recommended.

[Mitchell Hoare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book.

[Amy Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book would bore me, but was very surprised once I started reading it. A great (and inspiring) story from the views of many affected by this horrible event.

[9c3 Cooper Hosking · Rating 4 out of 5]

cool

[Linley Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a brave man, excellent book:)