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Lights Out
When the lights go out – play harder.
Travis Freeman plunged into a world of darkness at 12 years old. A rare occurrence of a routine illness stole his sight, leaving the small–town Kentucky boy's dreams of football and fun languishing on the sidelines.
Having given his heart to Jesus merely a year before the illness, Travis knew one God was still the light for his life.
That life story is now the inspiration for a major motion picture, "23 BLAST" that hits theatres in October 2014. Starring Dylan Baker (SPIDERMAN, THE GOOD WIFE) and Mark Hapka (DAYS OF OUR LIVES, CRIMINAL MINDS), the film focuses on Travis's football career playing Center for the Corbin Red–hounds – a team that went on to win the state championship.
Yet there is even more wisdom and hope for us to find in a full telling of Travis Freeman's story. So much more to hear that couldn't be included in The Today Show and Dateline coverage of his football exploits.
This graduate of the University of Kentucky and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary now joins with seasoned writer Rebeca Seitz to share his story in his own words. His is a story that is destined to turn the lights on for millions of readers.
Travis Freeman plunged into a world of darkness at 12 years old. A rare occurrence of a routine illness stole his sight, leaving the small–town Kentucky boy's dreams of football and fun languishing on the sidelines.
Having given his heart to Jesus merely a year before the illness, Travis knew one God was still the light for his life.
That life story is now the inspiration for a major motion picture, "23 BLAST" that hits theatres in October 2014. Starring Dylan Baker (SPIDERMAN, THE GOOD WIFE) and Mark Hapka (DAYS OF OUR LIVES, CRIMINAL MINDS), the film focuses on Travis's football career playing Center for the Corbin Red–hounds – a team that went on to win the state championship.
Yet there is even more wisdom and hope for us to find in a full telling of Travis Freeman's story. So much more to hear that couldn't be included in The Today Show and Dateline coverage of his football exploits.
This graduate of the University of Kentucky and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary now joins with seasoned writer Rebeca Seitz to share his story in his own words. His is a story that is destined to turn the lights on for millions of readers.
- GenresNonfiction
200 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 18, 2021
This was an amazing book about a mans jerrney without sight. I found it very relatable, but I love how if you're not blind, you can still find it relatable because it talks about how even if you don't have a disability, you still go through struggles in your life. This book talks about how to overcome those struggles.
December 6, 2021
This is a great read about a very awesome godly man and his response to adversity in his life. Listen to Travis describe his journey from sight to complete darkness and then back to light with purpose.
I highly recommend this book!!
I highly recommend this book!!
October 13, 2014
I’m thankful for a review copy of a book that gave me an insider’s look at Travis Freeman the inspiration for the movie 23 Blast. Lights Out; “is the rest of the story” the movie didn’t have time to tell. The book starts out in current time and then goes back to when Travis’s parents met which included the story of his arrival into this world, which was a miracle in itself.
Travis was raised in Eastern Kentucky, he says, “Life in the small town of Corbin revolves around family, church, neighborhood, and football – usually in that order. Every little boy – at least every little boy I knew – grew up with one dream: to become a Corbin Redhound, a member of the high-school football team.” Travis was no exception. In 4th Grade he was thrilled to become a water boy for the Redhounds; one step closer to being on the team.
Travis had accepted Christ into his heart July 1992 about a year before he went blind. He describes how things were for him, “Life would be a bit different now that my internal, spiritual light switched on. No drastically different from the outside – I’d still go to church and all – but my reasons for going would be changed. Now my life had the motivation of loving this Jesus who’d died on a cross for me. And rose again, conquering death, bringing life and light to all who accepted him. ….There was something mysterious and powerful, deep and unplumbed, within the pages of the bible.” Travis’s faith would get him through tough times ahead.
All was hopeful and bright until this young twelve year old boy developed a really bad headache that wouldn’t go away. It took a long time for the Dr’s to take this horrendous headache of Travis’ seriously. Once his dad got him to the hospital they rushed him into surgery (because of his high temp) to see what was going on. After surgery the lights went out for Travis. The Dr’s said that most patients with this high a temperature and serious Meningitis infection die in surgery and/or have permanent brain damage. This young man lost his sight but everything else was intact.
Travis and his family were part of an amazing small-town. Travis says, “Community pulls us through the dry stretches. Picture a marathon runner, parched and tired, trying to dig deep and find some energy for those last few miles. Then he sees a hand on the side, offering a cup of water.
The runner snatches the water, never slowing, never faltering. He gulps it. Pours the rest over his head. He is ready again. He’s renewed for the challenge ahead. Because of community.”
He is an overcomer. I was amazed that this young man was never angry about the fact he was blind. He was frustrated though with people and how they treated him as if he had a mental disorder. I appreciated his list of Do’s and Don’ts List – tips and tricks that “will help you engage with a blind person, but not lose your mind (or make him want to lose his) in the process. I found them very helpful. Some of these made it on film.
Travis says, “Everyone could create a do’s and don’ts list for the best way to interact. Because everyone – every single, solitary broken one of us – is disabled. Walk on broken one. Even if the lights go out.”
There is a touching and fun interview at the end of the book with his parents that is very interesting and up-lifting. This man is an inspiration. He goes on to say, “Here is the inexplicable truth that makes me open my unseeing eyes every morning and try again: Disability does not equal inability….Pay attention, broken one. Disability does not equal inability. We’re all handicapped. We’re disabled. But we aren’t done. We have an ability to be conducts of hope, kindness, love, joy, peace and inspiration to a crippled world. We can be an oasis in someone’s desert.”
Travis Freeman’s story will make you laugh, cheer, tug at your heart and have you look at him, being blind and the world around you with fresh eyes. This story is one you won’t soon forget.
I highly recommend this as a book club pick AND as a field trip for your book club to see the movie in theaters OCTOBER 24th. The film tells a powerful story, with its well-timed humor and viewers meet Travis and his family on camera at the end of the film. There are family photos inside this book too. The book compliments the movie. It’s a book that you’ll be telling your friends about. I give the book and the movie a thumbs up!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Travis was raised in Eastern Kentucky, he says, “Life in the small town of Corbin revolves around family, church, neighborhood, and football – usually in that order. Every little boy – at least every little boy I knew – grew up with one dream: to become a Corbin Redhound, a member of the high-school football team.” Travis was no exception. In 4th Grade he was thrilled to become a water boy for the Redhounds; one step closer to being on the team.
Travis had accepted Christ into his heart July 1992 about a year before he went blind. He describes how things were for him, “Life would be a bit different now that my internal, spiritual light switched on. No drastically different from the outside – I’d still go to church and all – but my reasons for going would be changed. Now my life had the motivation of loving this Jesus who’d died on a cross for me. And rose again, conquering death, bringing life and light to all who accepted him. ….There was something mysterious and powerful, deep and unplumbed, within the pages of the bible.” Travis’s faith would get him through tough times ahead.
All was hopeful and bright until this young twelve year old boy developed a really bad headache that wouldn’t go away. It took a long time for the Dr’s to take this horrendous headache of Travis’ seriously. Once his dad got him to the hospital they rushed him into surgery (because of his high temp) to see what was going on. After surgery the lights went out for Travis. The Dr’s said that most patients with this high a temperature and serious Meningitis infection die in surgery and/or have permanent brain damage. This young man lost his sight but everything else was intact.
Travis and his family were part of an amazing small-town. Travis says, “Community pulls us through the dry stretches. Picture a marathon runner, parched and tired, trying to dig deep and find some energy for those last few miles. Then he sees a hand on the side, offering a cup of water.
The runner snatches the water, never slowing, never faltering. He gulps it. Pours the rest over his head. He is ready again. He’s renewed for the challenge ahead. Because of community.”
He is an overcomer. I was amazed that this young man was never angry about the fact he was blind. He was frustrated though with people and how they treated him as if he had a mental disorder. I appreciated his list of Do’s and Don’ts List – tips and tricks that “will help you engage with a blind person, but not lose your mind (or make him want to lose his) in the process. I found them very helpful. Some of these made it on film.
Travis says, “Everyone could create a do’s and don’ts list for the best way to interact. Because everyone – every single, solitary broken one of us – is disabled. Walk on broken one. Even if the lights go out.”
There is a touching and fun interview at the end of the book with his parents that is very interesting and up-lifting. This man is an inspiration. He goes on to say, “Here is the inexplicable truth that makes me open my unseeing eyes every morning and try again: Disability does not equal inability….Pay attention, broken one. Disability does not equal inability. We’re all handicapped. We’re disabled. But we aren’t done. We have an ability to be conducts of hope, kindness, love, joy, peace and inspiration to a crippled world. We can be an oasis in someone’s desert.”
Travis Freeman’s story will make you laugh, cheer, tug at your heart and have you look at him, being blind and the world around you with fresh eyes. This story is one you won’t soon forget.
I highly recommend this as a book club pick AND as a field trip for your book club to see the movie in theaters OCTOBER 24th. The film tells a powerful story, with its well-timed humor and viewers meet Travis and his family on camera at the end of the film. There are family photos inside this book too. The book compliments the movie. It’s a book that you’ll be telling your friends about. I give the book and the movie a thumbs up!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
February 21, 2017
I read this book after watching the movie inspired by the same story. The movie was great and I rewatched it because I enjoyed it that much, but the book was even better. It gave me so much insight into the world around me, putting me in the mental shoes of a disabled person. My favorite line from the book was "Disability does not equal inability."
October 25, 2014
Lights Out is part memoir, part Christian living, and part Bible study, and those parts come together to form a fascinating book. While Travis Freeman's story of how he became blind and then didn't let his blindness stop him from living life to the fullest is inspirational, I most appreciated how he used his story as a springboard to present the gospel in a very natural and unforced way.
Travis Freeman isn't looking for a pat on the back or for people to feel sorry for him; instead, he's using his story to encourage believers and share Christ with others. The book is written in such a conversational style that the reader can't help but be drawn in—and I found myself nodding in agreement as Freeman talked about spiritual blindness and the disabilities that we all face. Everyone struggles with something—it's just that Freeman's struggles are more readily apparent than most people's. How we deal with our struggles is what's important, and Freeman is quick to point the reader to Christ.
Lights Out is a very inspirational book, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it. 4-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Travis Freeman isn't looking for a pat on the back or for people to feel sorry for him; instead, he's using his story to encourage believers and share Christ with others. The book is written in such a conversational style that the reader can't help but be drawn in—and I found myself nodding in agreement as Freeman talked about spiritual blindness and the disabilities that we all face. Everyone struggles with something—it's just that Freeman's struggles are more readily apparent than most people's. How we deal with our struggles is what's important, and Freeman is quick to point the reader to Christ.
Lights Out is a very inspirational book, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it. 4-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
October 24, 2014
This is an inspiring story of a young man who did not let the obstacle of blindness keep him from accomplishing his dreams. A disease took his sight when he was twelve. Yet he played football through high school, went to college, seminary, is now an adjunct professor and preaches. Freeman wants others to know that disability does not mean inability. Yes, he had people help him get oriented on a new campus, but he uses that as an example of how we need people to help us too. Freeman's faith in the Lord comes through loud and clear. This book is a highly recommended encouragement to any facing obstacles.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1nChaTh.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Glass Road Media for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1nChaTh.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Glass Road Media for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
December 25, 2014
What an awesome story. Saw the movie & couldn't wait to read the book. As good as the movie was, the story is even better. It is amazing to keep reminding myself that he was only 12 when this happened. Can't wait to watch the movie over again.
January 19, 2016
Self-published memoir about becoming blind and overcoming blindness to succeed in football, academics, life. As a pastor, Freeman says that everyone is blind, and that life is about overcoming our blindness through faith in God and community with one another.
November 28, 2015
Enjoyed the beginning and the style of writing. The end was too preachy for me tho.
August 26, 2016
Always like true stories! But I think I enjoyed the movie 23 Blast better! Loved the comparison of darkness and light in all of our worlds!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews