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The Promise: A Tragic Accident, a Paralyzed Bride, and the Power of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship

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Just weeks before her wedding, four of Rachelle Friedman's friends threw her a bachelorette party. At the end of a perfect evening of dancing and celebration, they decided to take a moonlight swim. One of her friends playfully pushed her into the water . . . two feet too far from the deep end. That chilling moment changed their lives forever. Rachelle broke her neck and was paralyzed from the chest down. She would never walk again.

The Promise is a powerful memoir of resilience, love, and loyalty. On the night of the accident, the five girls made an unspoken agreement to never reveal the name of the friend who had pushed Rachelle into the pool--and their bond has remained unbroken. As Rachelle undergoes a physical battle for her life, her friend struggles emotionally to prevent one moment in time from defining her forever. It's the story of true integrity; it's also about finding the incredible strength inside each of us we never knew we had.

Also a love story, The Promise chronicles Rachelle and Chris's relationship, their struggle with her paralysis and rehab, the physical challenges of intimacy, and ultimately, their fairy-tale wedding.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2014

41 people are currently reading
1034 people want to read

About the author

Rachelle Friedman

3 books43 followers
Rachelle Friedman is a c6 quadriplegic who was paralyzed at her bachelorette party in 2010 during innocent horseplay by the pool. Her story went international and has been featured on the Today Show, CNN, HLN, MSNBC, Vh1 and other various media outlets. Since then she has become a motivational speaker, blogger, and ambassador for the spinal cord injury community.

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5 stars
200 (29%)
4 stars
210 (31%)
3 stars
171 (25%)
2 stars
72 (10%)
1 star
21 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Madison C..
253 reviews33 followers
May 28, 2014
I won this book from a giveaway on GoodReads (thank you!) and was really excited when it arrived. I'm still not quite sure what made me enter the giveaway in the first place, but I'm so glad that I did. I tend to read a lot of fiction, and while I don't make a point to avoid nonfiction, it's just not something that I pick up very often. When I came across this book, I was intrigued by what happened to Rachelle and I wanted to learn more. The Promise is a great book. It's a story of tragedy, healing, friendship, and love-- plus so much more. There were parts where I teared up and other parts where I laughed out loud. There were even some philosophical chapters that made me stop and think for a while. Overall, this book is so much more than I expected. It's not just a story of a girl that was in an accident, but about how she triumphed over it and dealt with the consequences as positively as she could.

This type of story is very hard to critique. But I still don't slap a five star rating on just any book, even if it's a sad read. The Promise was very powerful and inspirational to me. After reading it, I feel more educated and grateful for what I have in life. I heard John Green say once, about another nonfiction novel, "You feel like a better person just for reading it." That's how I felt after finishing The Promise. It's not a book begging for sympathy from the reader. Yes, it did make me feel bad for Rachelle. I would have loved to have been able to do something to help her. But that wasn't the focus of the book. Instead, it makes you want to go out and make a change in the world. Or maybe even just do something more in your personal life-- it could be something as simple going for walks more and appreciating the things around you. Most books don't make me feel like this. If something tries too hard to inspire me or to outright make me a better person, it usually just annoys me because it doesn't feel genuine. Everything in this novel is heartfelt and you can tell that the author is being completely honest.

The book still isn't perfect. The writing was good, but not great. The only real issue I had with it was that there was a lot of repetition from time to time. But I try to be a little less critical with memoirs, because the authors aren't usually professional writers. They write because they have an interesting story to tell, not because its their job to craft and sell books for a living. Also, the repetition wasn't enough to really bother me. I got past it quickly. There were so many other elements to the story that held my attention to the point that I didn't need to focus too much on the technical side of it. There were also some other times when the writing was really good. Some of the things that Rachelle said hit home to me. I've never dealt with a spinal injury or paralysis, but I still could relate to some of the things that she wrote about. I loved her viewpoints on the world and I enjoyed reading what she had to say on certain topics.

Overall, this is just a really good book. I would definitely recommend it. Nonfiction isn't usually my genre of choice, but this book didn't even read like a memoir. It felt more like I was having a conversation with Rachelle and that was great. The author is such a strong woman. I can't imagine going through what she did and still being so positive. It was cool reading about her family and friends, too. In that situation, it's easy for people to run away when someone is hurt. Instead, Rachelle's relationships grew stronger and a lot of her friends bonded even more in order to help her. I thought that was awesome. If you're bored or looking for something new to read, you should definitely give this book a try. It was so much more than I expected, and I thought it was fantastic.
Profile Image for M.M. Koenig.
Author 9 books557 followers
May 8, 2014
I read this book in one sitting, which I'll admit isn't uncommon for me, but with this book - it was a MUST! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to read about this amazing woman's story. Her strength and spirit is awe-inspiring. The of love she has in her heart for her husband, family, and friends is absolutely incredible. I loved reading this story so much because it was SO powerful. She rose above what happened to her and changed countless people's lives with the message she spreads and shares by never giving up on the power of love in all types of relationships be it family, friends, or lovers. She is one of those people that changes the world simply by how she leads her life and carries herself. She had me feeling many emotions as I read her words - she made me teary eyed and she made me laugh hysterically. Her strength and courage and fierce belief in love is something we should all strive to have in our own lives. Her spirit is one of those rare ones that is truly a gift for human kind and we are all lucky to have people like her in this world. I look forward to anything else she writes because her words are truly touching and her positive outlook on life and how she educates those around her is truly amazing. This is a must read for everyone!
Profile Image for Kerry.
421 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2014
This book is far outside what I normally read. I confess I was attracted by the cover art and found that the story inside was even better. Rachelle Friedman is a voice you want in your life. I love her integrity, her approach to her life and cannot say enough good things about this book. It is a remarkable lesson in resilience. I learned so many things and she changed me for the better for having read her story. I wish her the best and wish that she is blessed with medical advances that help her recover from her accident.
49 reviews4 followers
May 31, 2014
I was familiar with the story having seen Rachelle on talk shows, but wanted to know more about her and the event that changed the course of her life. What an incredibly strong woman she is and I admire her courage and positive attitude which she had right from the beginning of her tragic accident. I can't even imagine how I'd react if I were in her shoes, perhaps over time I'd accept things and make the best of it. But to not breakdown or be thinking "why me" right from the get go, is remarkable. I wish her and her husband Chris many, many years of happiness.
64 reviews16 followers
April 30, 2014
I didn't want to put this book down. A true story that touched me. At times I cried, at times I laughed but most of all I was amazed at Rachelle's strength, her determination, her loyalty and her understanding of the meaning of friendship and love. She tells her story in her own words in her own way, so don't expect anything except a truthful telling of her experiences.
2 reviews
March 8, 2018
Great read!! Very inspirational!!

Great read!! Very inspirational!!

highly recommend!! I couldn't put it down! I would definitely recommend to anybody that enjoys non fiction and likes inspirational stories!
Profile Image for Bri.
13 reviews
May 7, 2014
I opened this book and did not stop reading until the very last page, its rare a book captures me so intensely. A true story of love, friendship and strength.
Profile Image for William.
2,771 reviews24 followers
May 23, 2014
Quite a heartwarming story! Life changing events really make one think of what's important, and how you'd deal with the same problem.
Profile Image for Kristen.
849 reviews7 followers
August 25, 2016
Great story. Most of the time I felt like Rachelle was just telling her story, not as a book but in person.
Profile Image for Tonya.
515 reviews150 followers
April 30, 2018
Quick read! Great message about never taking anything for granted in life, and how important our personal relationships are, but also learning to let go of things we cannot change. I enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Sara.
1,605 reviews73 followers
July 15, 2014
Wow, was this ever engrossing! I'd read about the author a few years ago, when the news covered the story of how she broke her neck in an accident at her bachelorette party and was left a quadriplegic. Her name was mentioned on the news again recently, talking about her new memoir, and I was very excited to read her take on the accident, her friendships, her marriage, and day-to-day life in general.

While the writing in here may not have been the most "polished" it was obviously very heartfelt. I was drawn in almost immediately; the author was such a positive person (although she didn't gloss over the hardships) and she was very easy to relate to, making her seem almost like a friend. I loved the descriptions of her relationship with her now-husband and how their relationship changed significantly after her accident, although not necessarily for the worse. This reads, in parts, very much like a love story because of how devoted they are to one another.

Her friendships with the four girls around her at her bachelorette party was also nicely described. It was very obvious why they all got along so well and how close they became. She shared some funny times they had together, both before and after the accident, as well as some really sweet moments, and it was easy to understand why they're so protective of each other. I can't imagine the guilt her friends felt, despite the broken neck being a complete accident, and I can completely understand how all of them felt worse when reading rude comments made by strangers on the internet. It was really amazing to read about how they all sort of comforted each other while trying to get into the swing of what regular life turned into.

This entire book was remarkable. I was amazed by everything Rachelle had to go through after the accident and inspired by how her little victories suddenly seem big. Her message of making the most of each day because you don't know what the next can bring was perfect. I loved her positive tone because, regardless of how difficult things were, she realized that the situation couldn't be helped but the outcome could.

So many great observations about life in here and about people, both good and bad. This book was so powerful and such a wonderful tale of the power of (like the subtitle says) love, loyalty, and friendship to help one get through hard times. What an inspiring and touching tale.
Profile Image for Brenda Roberson.
218 reviews8 followers
July 13, 2015
This is the story of a beautiful young woman who in an instant because of a freak accident became quadriplegic. The most important point in Rachelle's story is the positive attitude she held onto and shared with everyone. Her firm resolve to protect the one who was forced to carry the guilt of the accident speaks of many things: friendship, tenacity and the determination to look rationally at the situation. This story deals head on with the perils of being a quadriplegic and also embraces what it means to face those demons head on and go on with your life.

They were all horsing around and having fun. One innocent little push caused Rachelle to never be able to walk again. Where some may be bitter and full of hatred toward the person who caused it, Rachelle holds no one person responsible nor holds no ill feelings toward anyone. Her fiancé needs to be recognized for being strong and supporting her. While some guys would wimp out and call off the wedding, this young man told her he still wanted to marry her and he loved her then and now "no matter what". All of the friends stood strongly together and would never let anyone outside of their circle know who did the pushing!

This story truly portrays true friendship, personal strength and complete forgiveness in the face of the utmost tragedy. May we all be inspired by this truly remarkable young lady, her husband and unforgettable friends. The things she had to say about her "independence" also can be said for those of us who suffer from severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. We also have lost quite a bit and mourn the loss of so many things we used to do and take for granted. I wish I could give this story as many stars as I want to give it. That being said, I will gladly give it as many as I possibly can. 5+ stars
Profile Image for Catherine.
663 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2014
Friedman suffers a heartbreaking tragedy when her friend innocently pushes her into a pool on the night of her bachelorette party. Rachelle broke her neck and became paralyzed from the waist down. There were five friends with her that night. As the media began covering Friedman’s accident, the girls formed a pact to protect the name of the girl who pushed Friedman that night by never revealing her name.

Friedman goes into specific details of her recovery process and how she’s adapted to her disability without wallowing in pity but clearly states the facts of what she endures on a daily basis. She quoted a friend who said, “Life goes on and we make new memories every day, regardless of our situation or the hand we’re dealt,” and she follows it well.

I very much admired her commitment to letting go of blame and what-ifs. Her compassion toward her friend that pushed her and understanding the emotional damage that entailed was very wise for someone her age. A lesser person might have caved from the pressure of Oprah’s producers and allowed the show to exploit Friedman and her friends. She refused to allow that. She was sympathetic to her friend’s emotional pain and made protecting that friend her first priority. I thought that was commendable.

Her forthright political comments on the U.S. health care system in the Epilogue were well stated.
Profile Image for Jayne Ahrens.
145 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2014
Better than I thought it'd be. I thought it might be paralyzed 'bride' girly girl inspiration porn. But the author delves a bit deeper at times. She had an excellent paragraph on how (I suppose) well meaning people think that if you work hard enough, think positively enough you can walk again and how that ain't necessarily how things work. Also I liked her newbie revelation about asshole disability parking scofflaws and calling a guy to the curb or, at least, attempting to but he truly was an asshole. And I think I may have met him the other day, myself. There were a bit too many stories of her spending time with her "girls". I can appreciate the sentiment though and I think it is actually pretty noble of all the women who were there, when Rachelle's accident occurred, to keep the promise of not revealing the identity of the one who pushed her in the pool. Totally stand-up group, so to speak. The epilogue, which may have been tagged on after the book was written, seemed like kind of a fishing expedition for a surrogate to carry a baby for Rachelle & her husband. Apparently it worked too, so more power to them, I guess.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
110 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2014
I was thrilled to win a copy of this book through Goodreads - thank you so much! I have been following Rachelle Friedman's story ever since my favorite author, Emily Giffin, posted a link to Rachelle's Yahoo news story on Facebook back when it first hit the media. I follow Rachelle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and have even exchanged a few tweets with her. She is super nice and genuine, and I like to think we'd be friends if we ever met.

Even though I have followed her story for awhile, the book goes a lot more in depth about what Rachelle has been through and what her life has been like since the media whirlwind died down. I have always been impressed by how genuine and honest Rachelle is. In her book, she does not shy away from any topics - not even when it comes to catheters, getting dressed, or sex.

I was also impressed by the love and support of Rachelle's friends and family. The book is full of friendship and love, and it's so inspiring. I wish her and Chris all the best!
Profile Image for Melissa Lynn.
195 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2015
I don't give this book two stars lightly. What happened to Rachelle was terrible, no one should have to go through that and she has thrived despite her injury and that's amazing and wonderful.

That said... This book was written so, so poorly. There was just no substance. Every chapter felt life a 5th grade "what I did this summer" essay. Every time she would hint at something she had to overcome, or something that was a set back, she quickly glossed it over with shiny happy feelings. Almost every chapter was about how she was ok, how she had such supportive family and friends. She literally brought every chapter back to that. It was frustrating because, we get it. The was just so little talk of how hard this was, it's like she assumed the reader would just know it was hard so why mention it.

I think her story had the potential to be really interesting and informative and it just missed the mark so hard.
30 reviews
July 3, 2014
An inspiring story that goes beyond words.

A truly inspiring story that makes everyday life look a little different. I am a 25+ year, childhood cancer survivor that recently went through 2 amputations. I understand what it is like to have a disability as I have to use a wheelchair or crutches to get around. However, the inspirational stories from the author have helped me view some of life's issues from a new angle. One of the best stories I've ever read and been inspired by.
Profile Image for Kristine Voon.
8 reviews14 followers
December 17, 2014
I wasn't a huge fan of the writing, but her story was so interesting, I couldn't put the book down. She has an amazing spirit and a very Zen attitude towards her accident. For me, this book was a good reminder to always be mindful and grateful for everything I have, even the mundane things I may take for granted. Rachelle is a powerful example of human resiliency, and the tremendous support from her close friends and family is a heartwarming example of compassion and love.
Profile Image for Heather Painter.
105 reviews
May 27, 2015
A Great Read -- Inspiring, Thought-Provoking, A Good Message

I'm sad for what happened to the author, but I was inspired by her loyalty to her friend, and her ability to forgive that friend. Plus, I really appreciated her messages of staying positive, and defining a new reality for herself, after her accident. I truly wish her the best, and I hope she and her husband are able to have a family.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,336 reviews38 followers
October 27, 2015
First off I want to say this is the 2nd disabled story I read. I loved how Rachelle told how her accident happened, how her accident affected her, & how society treated her. I loved how Rachelle talks about how her accident affected her family & friends. I loved how Rachelle gives the reader an understanding of what her disability is. I loved the lessons story teaches the readers. I'm so proud off you Rachelle & I wish her all the happiness & thank you for writing your story.
Profile Image for JEM.
75 reviews4 followers
August 21, 2015
This book was a very quick read for me. I couldn't put it down. The author, Rachelle Friedman Chapman, writes beautifully and thoughtfully. Rachelle is thought provoking, well spoken, bright, beautiful inside and out and incredibly inspiring. I highly recommend her book to anyone dealing with a debilitating injury or illness or simply needs a reminder of how truly blessed we all are.
Profile Image for Felecia Woolens.
7 reviews
July 30, 2017
Fearless read! Although I would have loved for Mrs. Chapman to go into more detail about her day to day processes, she really brought forth the essence of REAL love. She was genuine & thorough; particularly, I appreciate how she implies that happiness does not necessarily equate to comfortability. However, peace is critical! 4/5.
Profile Image for Heather Ekola.
78 reviews9 followers
July 1, 2014
I caught this story and immediately bought the book thinking it would be so good. It had a 4 start rating, but it left me wanting. I'll leave it at that, but have quite a bit to say about the story, or lack of.
Profile Image for Malyn.
84 reviews
June 21, 2015
Tragedy strikes right before her wedding and she ends up paralyzed. Could have been a great story but was poorly written. I almost gave up reading it many different times. I did learn one thing... Live life to the fullest.
Profile Image for Sonya Moyle.
272 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2014
Such an inspiring and amazing story. Read it in a very short time (a few hours!) - I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Gina Wolf.
9 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2018
Awesome story of Triumph!

The strength it took to get through this injury is amazing. Not only is she surviving, she is thriving. Rach is my hero!!!
Profile Image for Jessy Munch.
174 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2021
Great read. Thanks do not feel you can rate someone’s story and personal journey especially through a life altering injury. It was well written and honestly as a brain injury survivor connected to Rachel so much in how she has taken all over of what life gave her and how she has managed it and absolutely love how she educates others and opens up to share her story. People review how it’s not well written but this is someone sharing their story and she not a professional writer and that’s ok she was able to tell her story and honestly I read SO many memoirs and some you can tell those people want to be writes by the way it’s written and others are just written and that’s all fine because I do not expect a memoir to have to be descriptive about that pool like many memoirs I notice do and honestly that takes away from the story and feed like a word filler and not as authentic. This is real. Authentic. And thanks for sharing your story.
Profile Image for Jenny.
100 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2022
Note: Perhaps what might be considered a spoiler included.

This is not a book I'd read twice because it's pretty simplistic writing. However, I loved the book. The author is uplifting and inspiring throughout the book. I also loved her relationship with her husband. He's also a gem. I was excited to read an update that they are now parents. I can't imagine two people who would make better parents. Lucky child. I don't have the same problems as this author but I do have my own problems and found her words very encouraging. I would love a second memoir by her. It was like losing a friend when this ended!
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