Overwhelming Odds

by Susan O'Leary, Denny O'Leary

This inspirational story is written by Susan and Denny O'Leary, who find themselves inside any parent's worst nightmare. On an ordinary wintry day in a quiet St. Louis suburb, their son John is engulfed by flames after a gasoline explosion. John, just nine years old, critically injured and begging to die, is transported to St. John's hospital where he remains for more than four months, with 98% of his body severely burned.

Against all odds, John lives. Along the arduous road to recovery he meets and is helped by a cast of fascinating and sympathetic Jack Buck, announcer for the St. Louis Cardinals; Gino Cavallini, dynamic member of the St. Louis Blues hockey team; Glenn Cunningham, motivational speaker and former Olympic champion; and a host of family, medical providers, friends, and strangers, who share themselves, their talents and their God to help John first survive and eventually thrive.

...

John and Beth O'Leary are proud parents of three young boys and live in Webster Groves, Missouri. Because of the poignant response from this book, John has established himself as an international speaker. Each year, John consistently shares his message with over 160 organizations within the fields of healthcare, sales, marketing, financial services and education.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Christian

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Cris]

Must Read

I had already read On Fire by John O’Leary when I discovered his mother had written this book. I though, eh, same story different perspective. How wrong could I have been? I couldn’t put this book down. The inspiration leaps off these pages and I must say I was a little misty-eyed when I finished.

[Michael Scheer]

As a St Louis Cardinal fan I was familiar with this story because of our beloved announcer, Jack Buck but not the miraculous details. John O’Leary was an inspiration for him and so many others and now to me too. As a general and trauma surgeon I can tell you that severe burns are so very difficult to care for and the only thing worse is severely burned children. This is an overwhelming aspirational story. Make sure you have plenty of tissue handy when you read it.

[Gail Lewis]

I read On Fire by John O’Leary-his story about the fire that almost cost him his life at 9 years old. There is also a movie-Soul on Fire. I discovered his parents also wrote a book so I decided to order it-our library didn’t have them. So glad I read the book by his parents—their perspective is very intense and really brings you into the challenges their family faced on January 17, 1987 in St Louis. A movie that should be seen by all children as they all have a fascination with fire

[Karen]

Interesting perspective from John O Leary's parents on his ordeal with being burned. While his book was motivational and hinted at his spiritual rootedness, this one smacks you in the face with their charismatic roots. As a parent, it was still a great read to look at a singular incident from multiple viewpoints or perspectives. Still a good read but I enjoyed John's book more.

[Patti Combow]

This was an inspirational book. It was a wonderful example of how a little boy, his family, friends and community could stand together in faith and prayer to bring a young boy from a less than 1/2 a percent pf survival to not only surviving bur thriving. It was remarkable how even public figures came to see him and encourage to get well.

[Michele]

An excellent read to follow up with if you have seen the movie Soul On Fire. Told from the mom's point of view and reinforces how their faith and prayers saw them through this challenge for their family.

[Ricardo Fernandez]

I enjoyed this book. The authors are the parents of John O’Leary who share their version of John’s injury and recovery. The book is insightful from a parent’s perspective, and it was a pleasure to read.

[Elaine]

Inspiring!

[Kari]

Quick easy read but so real and promising

[Katie Burg]

I have had the privilege of meeting John twice. He and his family have an amazing story!

[Denise]

Inspirational true story. It's a quick read. I am now starting a book by John O'Leary - On Fire.

[Robin]

I loved this book as much as their son John O'Leary' book, On Fire! This story of faith, love, and appreciation for family and all who helped them through this tragedy, is heartwarming and inspiring.

[Elizabeth Fisher]

An amazing true story!

[Kelly Mcdonald]

Very quick read. A testament to faith, miracles, and family love.

[Carolee Tigger]

I read On Fire and had to read this book. My 6 year old Grandson was burned on 8-2-25 and these books were both informative and inspiring..

[Elise Chandler]

What a strong kid! I'm not huge into biographies.

[Rachael]

This a very moving (and really unbelievable) story of a local, STL boy who survived burns that covered 98% of his body. He was given less than 1% chance to survive. Today, he is a 35yr old man w. a wife, 2 kids and is a motivational speaker. He spoke to our book club and was incredibly inspiring. He is a beautiful man and has a beautiful story to tell of a family's love, the support of a community and the strength of his spirit. This book is written by his parents. He should write a book as well!

[Jane]

Sharlyn...Cindy Hitler...Beth Hitler marries John O'Leary.

John was 9 y/o in 1987 and in a fire with 98% body burns. The St. Louis community rally around--incl'g sports greats like Jack Buck, the Cardinals and the Blues.
He lives despite all odds. Now married and an inspirational speak.

risingabove.com

[Tarah Wyatt]

This book is about the motivational speaker John O'Leary who was burnt badly as a child, from his parent's perspective. I could not imagine experiencing any sort of tragedy with my children and still being able to remain strong in my faith. These parents were able to do it, with all of the love and support they were given. Great story and a fast read.

[Maria]

A very quick read. This was an inspirational story from a mom's perspective of a terrible accident that occurred to her son and their long road back through recovery. It was very inspirational to hear their faith behind all the challenges, trials and hardships.

[Spencer F.]

Very well written. Inspiring story, not only about John O'Leary, but of his supportive community - religious, neighbors, athletes, and many others. A very fast read and well worth the reading. In his adulthood, John is also the real deal.

[Sharon]

I read the book after hearing John O'Leary speak. He was amazing, positive and emotional. The book written by his mother, focuses more on a combination of the facts, the logistics, but also combined with answering serious questions of faith,prayer, and service.

[Lisa]

Amazing true story. I like to have my nursing students read this one.

[Liz Kleiner]

I know John, the man (boy then) who was burned. He is a great man with a wonderful perspective. Very inspiring!

[Nanci Robertson]

Excellent true story of a 9 year old boy who poured gasoline onto an open fire and suffered burns over 93% of his body. Book written by his parents.

[Kelly Klevorn]

A great story about an amazing boy with such a positive attitude. I had the honor of hearing him speak and he is an amazing motivational speaker!

[Mya]

It was a very good book but was sad ay some times.

[Jeanne]

If this book doesn't make you believe in miracles, nothing will.

[Cori]

There is a strong overriding theme of God's mercy and purpose from a Roman Catholic viewpoint, but nonetheless a touching and inspirational story that is well worth reading.

[AJ]

inspiring true story. worth the read and I highly recommend seeing John speak