RESILIENT: Childhood Adversity to Cambridge University

by Christian Austin

412 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2026

Reviews

[Jerry Hyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a lot of people these days I find it harder and harder to read a whole book, but I flew through this one - and it's not a short read. The author's memory is astonishing (especially as he seems to have spent much of his earlier years doing his best to obliterate it) and the writing is gripping, raw, honest and unfiltered in a way that is rare to find. To call it a cautionary tale would be wrong, it's an inspirational story of a man who could so easily have been swallowed by his own demons and the system, but in the end grows, learns and helps others by his own strength of character and personality that shines through the prose.
This is not wordy literature or even overly poetic, this is a mature writer who has found his voice and by the end I felt I knew him and went through the grieving process that I always do when I've been deeply engaged in a story that is now over. I feel fortunate to have discovered this book.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left quite an impression on me. Having grown up in The Bronx in the 70's & 80's I was no stranger to drug use, overdoses, and how harsh life could be. Christian's story took what I knew and even experienced through friends and family, to a whole new level. His candidness was welcomed, even if somewhat disturbing at times. The honesty in the pages of this book was what I admired most about his writing. I must admit, when his life started to turn around, I breathed a sigh of relief because I just wasn't sure how much more tragedy one man could survive and still keep sane. But Christian does that, and even more. He rises above the unbelievable challenges life threw at him nearly since birth, he not only overcomes and endures, he goes to Cambridge University, gets his Master's degree, travels, loves himself and others, a real triumph for someone who went through the trials and tribulations that Christian did. The synchronicities he experienced while traveling and working resonated with me, because I do know how powerful and life changing those moments are. This book is a true definition of the book's title. I highly recommend reading it, but be prepared to be taken out of your comfort zone and then taken on a brilliant, adventurous journey of what the human soul is capable of enduring, overcoming, and turning around to help others realise anything is truly possible. Thanks for sharing your story Christian. Well done!!
Joe Diomede, Authour - Cycles of a Traveler - True Tales of Voyage, Discovery and Synchronicity

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left quite an impression on me. Having grown up in The Bronx in the 70's & 80's I was no stranger to drug use, overdoses, and how harsh life could be. Christian's story took what I knew and even experienced through friends and family, to a whole new level. His candidness was welcomed, even if somewhat disturbing at times. The honesty in the pages of this book was what I admired most about his writing. I must admit, when his life started to turn around, I breathed a sigh of relief because I just wasn't sure how much more tragedy one man could survive and still keep sane. But Christian does that, and even more. He rises above the unbelievable challenges life threw at him nearly since birth, he not only overcomes and endures, he goes to Cambridge University, gets his Master's degree, travels, loves himself and others, a real triumph for someone who went through the trials and tribulations that Christian did. The synchronicities he experienced while traveling and working resonated with me, because I do know how powerful and life changing those moments are. This book is a true definition of the book's title. I highly recommend reading it, but be prepared to be taken out of your comfort zone and then taken on a brilliant, adventurous journey of what the human soul is capable of enduring, overcoming, and turning around to help others realise anything is truly possible. Thanks for sharing your story Christian. Well done!!
Joe Diomede, Authour - Cycles of a Traveler - True Tales of Voyage, Discovery and Synchronicity

[David Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a casual reader I found this book hard to put down . What an amazing journey ! The title of the book describes very well the author’s character , and looking back on his life I get the feeling that he can’t truly believe it himself . Did he really go through all that and still come out on top ? His several episodes in prison helped to slow him down , without which he may possibly have ended up where several of his friends have ended . He uses the word destiny a few times as if it was just meant to be but he can’t quite believe how , but in fact it was his own resilient character that made it happen .There’s a touch of humour too which is a welcome break from the hardship . I highly recommend this book