Legless!: A story of courage and love

by K.J. Wilson

Ten year old Billy Lambert has lost his leg. A horrific hiking accident that has devastated his life. Or so he believes. He has fallen into a deep depression, refusing to listen to anyone who might try to help him, refusing to even attempt to help himself. Until he meets Daryl and Heather, an extremely fortuitous meeting that almost never took place. They impart to him a simple but inspirational concept that changes his life. Billy didn't intend to create a revolution. He simply wanted to help those like himself by sharing that idea. No one could have anticipated the far reaching effects a belief that could be expressed in eleven simple words would have. Meeting Tracy isn't that big a deal. Not at first. But even at thirteen, finding your soul mate is a wonderous thing. Their love blossoms as fast as their reputations grow. A truly inspirational story of love and courage.

210 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2013

Reviews

[Dennis Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book for several reasons, the first of which was to gain a greater understanding of the infirmity of amputation, and secondly to get a glimpse into the life of someone who accepts life’s setbacks and overcomes the challenge. I truly enjoy stories of this nature, and am fortunate enough to have a young man in my life that could be any one of the characters from this book. My friend lost his leg when he fell from a riding lawn mower and it severed the limb. He is an inspiration to me, as he’s lived a productive, fulfilled life, including sports, a family, scouts, and much more.

Daryl, one of the leads in this heroic tale, overcomes doubt, uncertainty, and loss, to accept his situation and physical change, but he does not allow it to limit his capabilities. The relationship he develops with his love, Heather, is genuine and seemed quite natural to this reader. I enjoyed the banter and the casualness of their love and intimacy. It also seemed quite ‘real’ that one of his stature would have an impact on the community, which he does at the local hospital.

There are times when the comparison of having one leg, to those having both, is a little overdone but I know why the author chose to portray it as such. I connected with Daryl a bit more than I did with his friend, Billy, but both halves of this novel touched my heart and gave me greater insight. Ultimately, I found the book satisfying, although not completely believable at times. However, such lapses did not take away my enjoyment of the storyline.

I would recommend this book to mature readers who treasure romance set against the backdrop of human struggle and endurance. Overall, it delivered a reading experience that will hold my attention for several days, even though I’ve turned the final page.

[Loverlypurple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good and has such an uplifting and inspirational message throughout. Yes it is a love story but it's so much more than that. I cried through so many chapters as the book just pulled on my heart strings. Luckily I was wearing sunglasses as people might not get why I'm reading my kindle and crying in public.

[Loverlypurple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good and has such an uplifting and inspirational message throughout. Yes it is a love story but it's so much more than that. I cried through so many chapters as the book just pulled on my heart strings. Luckily I was wearing sunglasses as people might not get why I'm reading my kindle and crying in public.

[Ken Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational love story. Not what you might expect from the title but a story that grows with the characters. "You can't be a cripple unless you think you are!" The central theme to the entire book, one that applies to more than just amputees. Well worth the read.