MY FATAL FIRST DATE: A TRUE LIFE STORY OF SURVIVAL, TRAGEDY , INSPIRATION, TRIUMPH, AND FAITH

by Christopher J. Smith

"Imagine waking up in a hospital, paralyzed and unable to speak, only to learn you've been shot in the head in a horrifying act of domestic violence.This is the story of Chris Smith, a 50-something-year-old contractor from rural Illinois, who was shot in the head while on a first date with a woman he met online. He was the lucky one because his date was murdered, both shot by her ex-boyfriend who was stalking her.
Chris’ story is a remarkable tale of resilience and, believe it or not, humor. With a bullet still lodged in his brain, Chris, affectionately nicknames himself 'Bullet Boy,' as he battles through a continuing recovery, reclaiming his voice and mobility with the unwavering support of his family.Fatal First Date takes you on a raw, inspiring journey as Smith navigates the physical and emotional challenges of rehabilitation, shares his strategies for overcoming anger, and reveals how his love for gardening and his faithful dog, Tiki, became crucial to his healing.A testament to the human capacity to persevere against seemingly insurmountable odds, this is a story that will leave you amazed and motivated to never give up.
As Chris would be the first one to tell you—he’s no angel but it’s his down-to-earth humor that makes him unique. He’s been a sinner many times over, but the Lord looked down and saved him and he knows how lucky he is.
A great read.”— Paul La Rosa, author and television producer for the CBS News true crime broadcast “48 Hours”

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2025

About the author

Born in Detroit, Christopher J. Smith had street cred before it was cool. His stay in Motown only lasted a few short years. After some thieves used the ladder in his own garage to steal a TV out of the second story window, Smith's parents decided it was time to move to the suburbs.

At the age of 8, a cross country move took him to Tucson, Arizona. Already having written such classics as "The Bird and the Worm" and "The Man and the Tree," Christopher moved his talents into homemade comic books illustrated with horrible drawings.

Smith eventually went to school for Film Studies where his professors included a screenwriting teacher that labeled himself as brilliant but was absolutely crazy, while a Hollywood blacklisted Cinematographer taught him about film.

After these years in film school, Smith made his way to Los Angeles to tackle the lifelong desire to be a screenwriter.

It wasn't until recently that Smith tried his hand at a novel. It was "Abby Linford and Her Imaginary Friend" where he found his stride. In the first novel devoted to the 9-year-old girl that was too mature to be nine, he opened readers up to fantastic worlds filled with mythical creatures, endangered animals, magical powers, and lands that were on the verge of ruin.

Reviews

[Michelle]

Watch the 48 hours special first.

[Chelsey Olson]

Glad he survived. Wish editor put time and effort into this miracle of a story!!!

[Briana Gibb]

A true inspiration!

The way Chris shares his story is so heartwarming! I was familiar with the case after seeing it unfold in the local news, but to read his story as it’s written is touching on an entirely different level. His underlying character and his ability to always make jokes says a lot about how he made it through his tragedy and has turned it into something special that can make a difference in the lives of many.

[Vickie]

Great story, interesting & heartwarming. Needed to be edited due to a lot of repetition. What a miracle that he survived the shooting & the subsequent strokes. What a blessing that his loyal dog stayed by his side. Kudos to Mr. Smith for all he endured & for sharing his faith in God. Condolences to Leslie’s family.

[Ericka Lynnette]

I would probably give this actually 3 stars but since it’s about someone’s actual life and all the things he’s overcome I will give it a 4 star. He is a determined human being clearly and I hope he gets everything out of life.

[Darcy]

This book is reality.

I read this book in an evening. The emotions C. Goes through keeps you right next to him. The strength he is able to achieve is unbelievable. His life, his loving family sticks by his side. Great book and the ending is great.

[Jane P Ebersole]

Fatal First Date

Very quick read. Interesting and inspirational. A good reminder of the important things in life. I highly recommend this book.

[Mary Ellen]

This book is so inspiring! To hear what this author went through and still have come so far despite the odds! The author shows how perseverance and positivity makes a difference. This is a must read !