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Fractured Not Broken
Award-winning and Best-Selling Author
This book will be published July 10, 2015, the anniversary of the accident.
***Parts of this story have been on ESPN and featured in Rosie.***
When nineteen-year-old Kelly Craig wakes in the emergency room, she’s unable to move her legs or arms. She can’t remember what happened until her mother arrives and tells tells Kelly she was hit by a drunk driver and is paralyzed from the neck down.
Earlier that day, Kelly vacationed at a dude ranch in Colorado with her family and boyfriend—able to ride horses and participate in all the athletic events. She was supposed to return to college, to her cheerleading life, to study elementary education and eventually marry her basketball star boyfriend. Now she couldn’t move.
In a sweeping narrative and heart-wrenching story, Kelly exposes the truth about what happened after a drunk driver took away her independence and the life she knew. She shares how she found her way back—through faith and pain, her community, her family, and the love of a man she prayed for.
Fractured Not Broken is a true story of loss, faith, and a rare love that could only happen in real life.
Miracles come in many obscure moments. I’ve spent most of my life awaiting my big break. I expected my miracle to be in the form of a pill, injection, or surgery that would enable my spine to heal and give me the mobile freedom I’ve been praying for.
"My miracle came unannounced, and in an odd package. It looked different from what I imagined--untimely, unexpected, unpretentious--yet it fit perfectly. Divinely constructed solely for me." - Kristen Jongen
This book will be published July 10, 2015, the anniversary of the accident.
***Parts of this story have been on ESPN and featured in Rosie.***
When nineteen-year-old Kelly Craig wakes in the emergency room, she’s unable to move her legs or arms. She can’t remember what happened until her mother arrives and tells tells Kelly she was hit by a drunk driver and is paralyzed from the neck down.
Earlier that day, Kelly vacationed at a dude ranch in Colorado with her family and boyfriend—able to ride horses and participate in all the athletic events. She was supposed to return to college, to her cheerleading life, to study elementary education and eventually marry her basketball star boyfriend. Now she couldn’t move.
In a sweeping narrative and heart-wrenching story, Kelly exposes the truth about what happened after a drunk driver took away her independence and the life she knew. She shares how she found her way back—through faith and pain, her community, her family, and the love of a man she prayed for.
Fractured Not Broken is a true story of loss, faith, and a rare love that could only happen in real life.
Miracles come in many obscure moments. I’ve spent most of my life awaiting my big break. I expected my miracle to be in the form of a pill, injection, or surgery that would enable my spine to heal and give me the mobile freedom I’ve been praying for.
"My miracle came unannounced, and in an odd package. It looked different from what I imagined--untimely, unexpected, unpretentious--yet it fit perfectly. Divinely constructed solely for me." - Kristen Jongen
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2015
106 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
M. Weidenbenner
11 books795 followersMichelle Weidenbenner is the founder of Moms Letting Go Without Giving Up and the All-Mighty Mom Tribe – private support groups for moms of addicted loved ones. There are more than 2000 moms in the groups.
She’s a passionate podcaster who wants to stop the stigma of substance use disorder and help moms of addicted loved ones find hope, courage, and support so they can identify their superpower and help change the addiction landscape.
She has been a guest on the following podcasts: Magnificent Midlife, The Addiction Podcast – Point of No Return, Unapologetically BOLD: I’m not sorry for …, Everyday Leaders and Write the Book Inside You. Recently, she appeared on the blog, Forward From 50, by Greg Gerber.
She’s an Amazon #1 Best-Selling and Award-Winning author and speaker. Her new book, Unhackable Moms of Addicted Loved Ones, Closing the Gap between Havoc and Hope released in June 2022.
It’s a 30-day program for moms who want to heal.
This book is cobranded with Kary Oberbrunner’s NYT’s and Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Unhackable.
As the mother of a recovering addict, Michelle spends most of her time advocating for and coaching moms of addicted loved ones. Find her free guidebook at MomsLettingGo.com
When she’s not helping moms, she’s playing pickleball.
She’s a passionate podcaster who wants to stop the stigma of substance use disorder and help moms of addicted loved ones find hope, courage, and support so they can identify their superpower and help change the addiction landscape.
She has been a guest on the following podcasts: Magnificent Midlife, The Addiction Podcast – Point of No Return, Unapologetically BOLD: I’m not sorry for …, Everyday Leaders and Write the Book Inside You. Recently, she appeared on the blog, Forward From 50, by Greg Gerber.
She’s an Amazon #1 Best-Selling and Award-Winning author and speaker. Her new book, Unhackable Moms of Addicted Loved Ones, Closing the Gap between Havoc and Hope released in June 2022.
It’s a 30-day program for moms who want to heal.
This book is cobranded with Kary Oberbrunner’s NYT’s and Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Unhackable.
As the mother of a recovering addict, Michelle spends most of her time advocating for and coaching moms of addicted loved ones. Find her free guidebook at MomsLettingGo.com
When she’s not helping moms, she’s playing pickleball.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 18, 2015
I received an advanced review copy, and I'm so glad I did! It's been a while since I've read a book that I rushed to read every time I had a spare moment. I needed to know what was going to happen next with not only Kelly, but others in her life.
Kelly's story gripped me from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down. I cried many times throughout, both tears of sadness and joy. At just nineteen, her life was forever changed by a drunk driver. A friend was killed, she was left a paraplegic, and her brother was left with major brain damage. A nightmare doesn't begin to describe what their family went through beginning that horrible night.
She shares the story not only from her own perspective, but also from the points of view of others, making the story even more gripping. It reads like a friend sharing her story over a cup of coffee. It's not just a powerful story, but it's told so well, too.
Her entire family is full of heroes, and Kelly herself is one. She shares her struggles openly and well, making me feel like I'm right there with her. This is such an inspiring story of courage. Kelly went from thinking her life was over to overcoming so many obstacles and living a fuller life than many able-bodied people do.
This is definitely a must read!
Kelly's story gripped me from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down. I cried many times throughout, both tears of sadness and joy. At just nineteen, her life was forever changed by a drunk driver. A friend was killed, she was left a paraplegic, and her brother was left with major brain damage. A nightmare doesn't begin to describe what their family went through beginning that horrible night.
She shares the story not only from her own perspective, but also from the points of view of others, making the story even more gripping. It reads like a friend sharing her story over a cup of coffee. It's not just a powerful story, but it's told so well, too.
Her entire family is full of heroes, and Kelly herself is one. She shares her struggles openly and well, making me feel like I'm right there with her. This is such an inspiring story of courage. Kelly went from thinking her life was over to overcoming so many obstacles and living a fuller life than many able-bodied people do.
This is definitely a must read!
August 3, 2015
I was initially reluctant to join this book tour. I felt like Fractured Not Broken was too far from my intended genre, Contemporary Romance, to read and review on this blog. Boy was I wrong! This may not be a Contemporary Romance fiction book - but it's more. It's a real life love story! But I warn you, this book needs to come with a tissue warning - like a whole box full of tissues warning. I cried through most of this book - sad tears, angry tears, happy tears - all of them. And not a gentle little tear running down my face, but ugly eyes running, nose running, sinuses clogged, eyes puffy kind of crying. I read the book straight through - long into the night - because I just couldn't stop! It was that emotional, that compelling, can't put it down kind of reading!
The book follows Kelly's journey from just before the accident pictured below changed her life. We get to know her as an older teen, a girl in her twenties struggling with educational and career decisions, and a career woman who meets and marries the love of her life. And do not get me wrong - this man IS the love of her life, and she is his. I love how Shawn's viewpoint is included, over a period of years, during which God seems to be continuing to place Kelly on his heart. I love how the book describes how Shawn and Kelly's relationship progresses, and how Shawn is deliberate in his questioning about how making Kelly a permanent part of his life will impact his life and his future. Shawn and Kelly's faith is a prominent part of this book and it's so refreshing to see people who live their faith boldly and openly. But, it's also realistic and showing that their perfect love story is still real - I laughed when the author describes the story of their first fight as a married couple - about peanuts in the grocery store!
A lot of the book talks about Kelly's struggles with the adjustment to being a quadriplegic, both her emotional and physical struggles. It opens the readers eyes to the realities of how a quadriplegic lives and how even the simple things in life are often taken for granted that Kelly has to deal with differently. I can't imagine how she felt during those days but it's clear she became an inspiration to others - because that's how Shawn found her! And, as you see, I keep coming back to Shawn and Kelly's love story because it is such an inspirational part of the story. Just as Kelly, over time, sees herself as more than just her disability, through the words on the page, the reader sees Kelly as a person, a teacher, a motivational speaker, a wife, a daughter, a sister and not a disability. At times in the book, it easy to forget Kelly is a quadriplegic.
It was a bit difficult at times to keep up with the change from first person (Kelly's words) to third person (when we see and hear the experiences of others in her family), but it didn't take away from the emotional impact that this book. This is an inspirational book that will make the reader want to be a better person, a better servant of God, and to find a marriage as inspirational and loving as clearly Shawn and Kelly's marriage is. I mean, look at the photo on the cover of the book - that's true happiness and love and you read about it all in this book.
The book follows Kelly's journey from just before the accident pictured below changed her life. We get to know her as an older teen, a girl in her twenties struggling with educational and career decisions, and a career woman who meets and marries the love of her life. And do not get me wrong - this man IS the love of her life, and she is his. I love how Shawn's viewpoint is included, over a period of years, during which God seems to be continuing to place Kelly on his heart. I love how the book describes how Shawn and Kelly's relationship progresses, and how Shawn is deliberate in his questioning about how making Kelly a permanent part of his life will impact his life and his future. Shawn and Kelly's faith is a prominent part of this book and it's so refreshing to see people who live their faith boldly and openly. But, it's also realistic and showing that their perfect love story is still real - I laughed when the author describes the story of their first fight as a married couple - about peanuts in the grocery store!
A lot of the book talks about Kelly's struggles with the adjustment to being a quadriplegic, both her emotional and physical struggles. It opens the readers eyes to the realities of how a quadriplegic lives and how even the simple things in life are often taken for granted that Kelly has to deal with differently. I can't imagine how she felt during those days but it's clear she became an inspiration to others - because that's how Shawn found her! And, as you see, I keep coming back to Shawn and Kelly's love story because it is such an inspirational part of the story. Just as Kelly, over time, sees herself as more than just her disability, through the words on the page, the reader sees Kelly as a person, a teacher, a motivational speaker, a wife, a daughter, a sister and not a disability. At times in the book, it easy to forget Kelly is a quadriplegic.
It was a bit difficult at times to keep up with the change from first person (Kelly's words) to third person (when we see and hear the experiences of others in her family), but it didn't take away from the emotional impact that this book. This is an inspirational book that will make the reader want to be a better person, a better servant of God, and to find a marriage as inspirational and loving as clearly Shawn and Kelly's marriage is. I mean, look at the photo on the cover of the book - that's true happiness and love and you read about it all in this book.
July 22, 2016
This is a tragic but inspiring story and yet another reminder of the devastation caused by drunk driving. So sad. I want to give Kelly Craig 5 stars for her attitude, faith and perseverance. Unfortunately, I can't give 5 stars to the book itself. The random changing from first person to third person drove me crazy as did repeated references to things not previously mentioned. Several times she mentions significant changes without any background or detail ("my van," removal of leg bag, the speaking circuit she's apparently on but never explains). Also, I read the Kindle version and would have appreciated captions on pictures.
What Kelly has accomplished since the accident is remarkable and she should be commended for it. She is a great example of never giving up and making the best of the circumstances you've been given.
What Kelly has accomplished since the accident is remarkable and she should be commended for it. She is a great example of never giving up and making the best of the circumstances you've been given.
October 4, 2023
Honest and heartfelt narration of Kelly’s life-changing injury suffered at the hands of a drunk driver. Warning- if you are not a faith-based believer of God you probably won’t be touched as deeply by Kelly’s struggles and her relationship with God. Truly an amazing story of her battles, her doubts, her courage and most importantly her faith. Listened on Audible and it was so well done.
June 2, 2015
Wow. Just WOW. I began this book and ignored my family for hours at a time because I just couldn't put it down; I became Kelly and Jason's cheerleader. I cried for them, prayed for them, laughed with them and silently encouraged them as I read this story. It is a beautiful story of HOPE, regardless of our circumstances. It's a story that can remind all of us that God designed us to be used by Him and for Him and the limitations we feel, may be our own doing. I was touched at how Kelly, as difficult as it was, came to the place of surrender and "rolled" where He led her. I'd love to recommend this book to others and also suggest it be made available at Craig Rehabilitation Center, and other hospitals for those who may need to begin their journey down a similar path due to any unforeseen tragedy. Kelly, thank you for sharing your heart so openly with us. Michelle, thanks for putting your gift of writing into this book! Loved it so much!
July 16, 2015
Memoir about Kelly Craig. Details her accident and her relationship with fellow Althoff HS Alum (Shawn) Wonderful story about loss, love and Christ. Very inspiring and well written.
August 14, 2019
What an inspiring story! Kelly is rendered a quadriplegic in a car crash caused by a drunk driver. She struggles with physical pain and emotional pain after realizing her situation. Although the driver of the car she was in was killed and her brother badly injured, she has a hard time accepting her serious limitations. She can’t do anything for herself. She’s totally dependent on others to take care of her. She can’t even get a drink of water by herself. I was amazed to learn how she gradually pulled herself up and began to work hard at making her life count. Each piece of equipment, technology and shear will helped her progress. And she spoke passionately to groups of junior and high school students about the dangers of drinking and driving. She did many things that others said was impossible but she worked hard to realize her dreams.
She had a very hard time forgiving the drunk driver. With every set back she experienced she thought of him and how he changed her life. But she also realized how God took what happened and used it to make good things come about in her life.
This was her real life story of faith, love and God’s perfect timing. Everyone needs to read her story for inspiration and courage to plow ahead in this wonderful journey called life.
This was a personal purchase and my review was completely my idea and my own opinion.
She had a very hard time forgiving the drunk driver. With every set back she experienced she thought of him and how he changed her life. But she also realized how God took what happened and used it to make good things come about in her life.
This was her real life story of faith, love and God’s perfect timing. Everyone needs to read her story for inspiration and courage to plow ahead in this wonderful journey called life.
This was a personal purchase and my review was completely my idea and my own opinion.
December 1, 2018
This book touches me on many different levels. 1. Encourages me to show more compassion to others. “It’s okay to be different.” 2. Challenges me to find ways to educate my students about disabilities and build acceptance. 3. Inspires me to look deeper into my own faith and learn more scripture. Plus I love all the quotes she incorporated. I’m also a coach Wooden fan. 4. Reminds me to be thankful for the little things and not take for granted anything. 5. Lastly, I’m left in awe of her courage and faith. Her life is an example of a true miracle. Read it!
March 9, 2020
Unbelievably Believable
This is quite an inspirational story. At times I had a hard time believing Kelly and Shawn could be for real. My cynicism was won over by Kelly’s transparency and faith.
The writing was a bit stilted but the heart of the story managed to shine through.
This is quite an inspirational story. At times I had a hard time believing Kelly and Shawn could be for real. My cynicism was won over by Kelly’s transparency and faith.
The writing was a bit stilted but the heart of the story managed to shine through.
Read
August 17, 2019I must admit that as a blind person, I've always struggled with the line: "Anything is possible if you don't give up" and I was surprised to find it in this book, considering Kelly's brother is still very severely injured and this prevents him finding work. I admire Kelly's perseverance and what she's achieved personally and professionally since the accident, but just because her perseverance has produced tangible results, I don't think it's helpful to imply that the same thing can happen for anybody.
July 28, 2015
You never know what you are going to get with a memoir. Some are well-written; others, not so much. I have read most of Michelle Weidenbenner's fiction, though, so I was willing to give this one a shot. It was well worth every moment.
Most of the story is told from Kelly's point of view. She feels free to let all of her emotions and thoughts pour out: the good, the bad, and the ugly. You get a very good sense of how she was feeling with every triumph and every pitfall along the way. Her story is so heartbreaking. I cannot even begin to fathom being out with friends one minute, and being a quadriplegic the next. To have all of those dreams shattered. And it isn't just her life that is affected. Her whole family. Her boyfriend. Her friends. The driver. The other passengers. That man's one bad decision cost so many people so much.
It's no wonder that her faith was so strongly tested. If I had faith like that, mine would also be tested. She comes back to it, slowly but surely, as she struggles to reclaim her life. Her stubbornness and determination to do something with her life in spite of all of her challenges is incredible. Where most people would shut down, she somehow found the strength to open herself back up.
I'm not saying that the whole back is happy go-lucky and that Kelly is riding around on magical rainbows. It's actually quite sad. There's a true roller coaster ride along her journey. Not all of it is pleasant. You're going to get choked up, if not completely crying, through many parts of the story, both happy and sad. You're going to feel frustrated and inspired. It could also force you to take a good look at yourself in the mirror. If a quadriplegic can do all of this, why can't you?
I also loved how Kelly challenges you to look differently at people with disabilities. I have friends in wheelchairs. I have friends with other special needs, or perhaps their children have special needs. I teach young children, many of whom have special needs. But every time you hear about life from the point-of-view of a disabled person, it challenges your thoughts and actions. You think you are starting to understand, but really you can't. She provides another voice that needs to be heard.
A good share of the book focuses on Kelly's relationship with God. Some people may be turned off by some of this, but it is an essential part of her story. It also isn't preachy. She isn't telling you that you need to join this church NOW to get yourself healed. She is simply sharing how her relationship impacted her journey. Whether or not you have a strong relationship with God, I think you can get a lot out of Kelly's story. It's well-written. It's interesting. It's emotional. It's just good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review was originally published at Uplifting Reads.
Most of the story is told from Kelly's point of view. She feels free to let all of her emotions and thoughts pour out: the good, the bad, and the ugly. You get a very good sense of how she was feeling with every triumph and every pitfall along the way. Her story is so heartbreaking. I cannot even begin to fathom being out with friends one minute, and being a quadriplegic the next. To have all of those dreams shattered. And it isn't just her life that is affected. Her whole family. Her boyfriend. Her friends. The driver. The other passengers. That man's one bad decision cost so many people so much.
It's no wonder that her faith was so strongly tested. If I had faith like that, mine would also be tested. She comes back to it, slowly but surely, as she struggles to reclaim her life. Her stubbornness and determination to do something with her life in spite of all of her challenges is incredible. Where most people would shut down, she somehow found the strength to open herself back up.
I'm not saying that the whole back is happy go-lucky and that Kelly is riding around on magical rainbows. It's actually quite sad. There's a true roller coaster ride along her journey. Not all of it is pleasant. You're going to get choked up, if not completely crying, through many parts of the story, both happy and sad. You're going to feel frustrated and inspired. It could also force you to take a good look at yourself in the mirror. If a quadriplegic can do all of this, why can't you?
I also loved how Kelly challenges you to look differently at people with disabilities. I have friends in wheelchairs. I have friends with other special needs, or perhaps their children have special needs. I teach young children, many of whom have special needs. But every time you hear about life from the point-of-view of a disabled person, it challenges your thoughts and actions. You think you are starting to understand, but really you can't. She provides another voice that needs to be heard.
A good share of the book focuses on Kelly's relationship with God. Some people may be turned off by some of this, but it is an essential part of her story. It also isn't preachy. She isn't telling you that you need to join this church NOW to get yourself healed. She is simply sharing how her relationship impacted her journey. Whether or not you have a strong relationship with God, I think you can get a lot out of Kelly's story. It's well-written. It's interesting. It's emotional. It's just good.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review was originally published at Uplifting Reads.
July 14, 2015
I had to keep reminding myself that this was a true story. I can not imagine what Kelly has been through, the heartache she went through after the accident. Even if things didn't go exactly as she planned though, she didn't give up on living life.
I cried many times through out this book, both tears of sadness and tears of joy. I have lost a very close friend to a drunk driver, that friend not even getting the chance to graduate high school. She was struck head on by a drunk driver on her way to our graduation awards ceremony.
I started this book at about 10PM on a Sunday night and finished it about 7:30PM on Monday night. My husband got home from work & said, "How was your day? Get much packed?" (because I was supposed to start packing for vacation.......) I said, "I got about 10 pieces of the boys' clothing packed, but good news.... I'm almost done with the book I started last night!" He just giggled. Thankfully he knows how much I like books and how submerged I get into them when I start one that REALLY captivates me!
I really liked how this book wasn't only from Kelly's point of view. We also got to see the book from other people. A full family who are hero's! Kelly is a hero in my opinion, but her family, for always being there for her after her accident.
This book is one that, really, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy or not. I signed up for the tour, not really reading what the book would be about. But I started it and honestly, put it down long enough to sleep Sunday night, I started reading it again with my morning coffee the next morning and then put it down again only long enough to go to the bank to deposit money & run by starbucks for my Iced Caramel Macchiato. (Even while waiting in line there - the line was HUGE - I read on my kindle lol..)
I cried many times through out this book, both tears of sadness and tears of joy. I have lost a very close friend to a drunk driver, that friend not even getting the chance to graduate high school. She was struck head on by a drunk driver on her way to our graduation awards ceremony.
I started this book at about 10PM on a Sunday night and finished it about 7:30PM on Monday night. My husband got home from work & said, "How was your day? Get much packed?" (because I was supposed to start packing for vacation.......) I said, "I got about 10 pieces of the boys' clothing packed, but good news.... I'm almost done with the book I started last night!" He just giggled. Thankfully he knows how much I like books and how submerged I get into them when I start one that REALLY captivates me!
I really liked how this book wasn't only from Kelly's point of view. We also got to see the book from other people. A full family who are hero's! Kelly is a hero in my opinion, but her family, for always being there for her after her accident.
This book is one that, really, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy or not. I signed up for the tour, not really reading what the book would be about. But I started it and honestly, put it down long enough to sleep Sunday night, I started reading it again with my morning coffee the next morning and then put it down again only long enough to go to the bank to deposit money & run by starbucks for my Iced Caramel Macchiato. (Even while waiting in line there - the line was HUGE - I read on my kindle lol..)
July 21, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. Rarely do I give out a 5 star rating, simply because I think that a 5 star rating really has to be a life-changing book. This is one of those books that I am still telling people about two weeks after I finished the book. I can see me still talking about this book a year later.
This book is a biographical look at Kelly Craig, the victim of a drunk driving accident, whose life was changed irrevocably the day of the accident. It is written by her cousin, Michelle Weidenbenner, whose books I have read before and enjoyed. The author has a gift for writing a story, either fiction or non-fiction, and letting the reader feel as if they are right there in the story. This book is no different. I felt connected to Kelly in a way I never have before when reading any other biography. The amount of strength, faith and resiliency she has shown in this book is inspiring.
Kelly’s faith, arguably, was shattered in the beginning of this book right after the accident. I have experienced that in my own life, when I have felt God turned away from me and rejected me. The difference between Kelly and I though, is that Kelly didn’t reject God; her faith, though shaky and tenuous, was still there. And like the mustard seed in the Bible, her faith has been able to grow back, stronger than ever, and far-reaching, especially with this book.
If you have ever found yourself in a situation asking God why He has put you there, you need to read this book. It is definitely one that stays with you long after you have turned the last page and put it away.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. Rarely do I give out a 5 star rating, simply because I think that a 5 star rating really has to be a life-changing book. This is one of those books that I am still telling people about two weeks after I finished the book. I can see me still talking about this book a year later.
This book is a biographical look at Kelly Craig, the victim of a drunk driving accident, whose life was changed irrevocably the day of the accident. It is written by her cousin, Michelle Weidenbenner, whose books I have read before and enjoyed. The author has a gift for writing a story, either fiction or non-fiction, and letting the reader feel as if they are right there in the story. This book is no different. I felt connected to Kelly in a way I never have before when reading any other biography. The amount of strength, faith and resiliency she has shown in this book is inspiring.
Kelly’s faith, arguably, was shattered in the beginning of this book right after the accident. I have experienced that in my own life, when I have felt God turned away from me and rejected me. The difference between Kelly and I though, is that Kelly didn’t reject God; her faith, though shaky and tenuous, was still there. And like the mustard seed in the Bible, her faith has been able to grow back, stronger than ever, and far-reaching, especially with this book.
If you have ever found yourself in a situation asking God why He has put you there, you need to read this book. It is definitely one that stays with you long after you have turned the last page and put it away.
April 20, 2016
I want to thank Goodreads and Kelly Schaefer LLC and R. LLC Publishing for awarding me this free book to review. I am also grateful to Kelly who personally mailed her Memoir: Fractured Not Broken to me.
This is one of the most uplifting books I've ever read! Kelly's story begins with that one fateful day that will change her life forever. While on vacation she is in a car accident that is hit by a drunk driver. As a result, she becomes a quadriplegic. The obstacles to living her new life are extremely difficult. I have such admiration for Kelly and her positive attitude. She realized with time that God was always with her and she could be strong in Him. She became a public speaker and spoke about the dangers of drinking and driving. Then she graduated from college with a degree in Elementary Education and began to teach fifth grade.
In 2006, after much prayer, she finally met Shawn Schaefer the man she would marry. They are very happily married today. They've even adopted two children from Africa, although they have been unable to get them to America, yet.
I love how each chapter begins with a positive quote. The one quote I think best summarizes Kelly's life was written by John Wooden. "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." Kelly, you have succeeded in your life! You continually become the best you can be day to day. We can all learn from you. Thank you for sharing your story.
This is one of the most uplifting books I've ever read! Kelly's story begins with that one fateful day that will change her life forever. While on vacation she is in a car accident that is hit by a drunk driver. As a result, she becomes a quadriplegic. The obstacles to living her new life are extremely difficult. I have such admiration for Kelly and her positive attitude. She realized with time that God was always with her and she could be strong in Him. She became a public speaker and spoke about the dangers of drinking and driving. Then she graduated from college with a degree in Elementary Education and began to teach fifth grade.
In 2006, after much prayer, she finally met Shawn Schaefer the man she would marry. They are very happily married today. They've even adopted two children from Africa, although they have been unable to get them to America, yet.
I love how each chapter begins with a positive quote. The one quote I think best summarizes Kelly's life was written by John Wooden. "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." Kelly, you have succeeded in your life! You continually become the best you can be day to day. We can all learn from you. Thank you for sharing your story.
August 9, 2015
I read books for a few special people. And I'm always excited to be given the chance to read a totally new author for me. Well, I was TOTALLY impressed with M. Weidenbenner and Fractured Not Broken!!!
I started reading this book on a day that I could not do much because of recuperating from a hospital procedure that I had done a few days before. When I started reading this, I was totally unable to put this book down!!! I didn't read the intro to the book (BIG MISTAKE) and as a result I was asking the girl that had asked me to read this book if it was a true story because it really sounded like one as I was reading. Jen advised me that yes it was - this only made me want to read it that much more!!!
I loved the way that the characters were described -- it really made you feel like you were there and that you were a part of the story. I kept waiting for Kelly to be able to walk again and when Jason ... Oh wait, I can't tell you what happens - because I do NOT NOT NOT write spoilers. Why know what is going to happen before you read the book??? That literally takes all the fun of reading the book away!!!
I will say that at the end of the book -- there is a YouTube link of a video that you will definitely want to watch!!! That had me in happy tears!!!
This is a definite MUST READ book that you will not regret putting the time in to read. If anything, you will have to make sure you stop reading to get anything done that you need to do!!!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
I started reading this book on a day that I could not do much because of recuperating from a hospital procedure that I had done a few days before. When I started reading this, I was totally unable to put this book down!!! I didn't read the intro to the book (BIG MISTAKE) and as a result I was asking the girl that had asked me to read this book if it was a true story because it really sounded like one as I was reading. Jen advised me that yes it was - this only made me want to read it that much more!!!
I loved the way that the characters were described -- it really made you feel like you were there and that you were a part of the story. I kept waiting for Kelly to be able to walk again and when Jason ... Oh wait, I can't tell you what happens - because I do NOT NOT NOT write spoilers. Why know what is going to happen before you read the book??? That literally takes all the fun of reading the book away!!!
I will say that at the end of the book -- there is a YouTube link of a video that you will definitely want to watch!!! That had me in happy tears!!!
This is a definite MUST READ book that you will not regret putting the time in to read. If anything, you will have to make sure you stop reading to get anything done that you need to do!!!
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
June 4, 2015
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are 100% my own.
This book is about Kelly and the devastating car accident that has left her a quadriplegic and her brother with severe brain trauma.
I am inspired by Kelly. She has not let her injury define her, or stop her from living life to the fullest. She had dreams for her life and she has done everything in her power to see those dreams come true. The road to them may be harder now, but they are still attainable.
Kelly has had a lot of support from her family, friends, medical staff. What has helped her the most though is her faith in God. She has placed her dreams, hopes, fears into his hands and he has provided for her.
This is a very inspiring book. We all have challenges in life, no one has the perfect life. It’s easy to give up hope and faith when your life doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned it. Sometimes in our life things happen for a reason that we don’t know right away. Sometimes we never know why things happen the way they do. You just have to make the best of what life gives you.
This book is about Kelly and the devastating car accident that has left her a quadriplegic and her brother with severe brain trauma.
I am inspired by Kelly. She has not let her injury define her, or stop her from living life to the fullest. She had dreams for her life and she has done everything in her power to see those dreams come true. The road to them may be harder now, but they are still attainable.
Kelly has had a lot of support from her family, friends, medical staff. What has helped her the most though is her faith in God. She has placed her dreams, hopes, fears into his hands and he has provided for her.
This is a very inspiring book. We all have challenges in life, no one has the perfect life. It’s easy to give up hope and faith when your life doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned it. Sometimes in our life things happen for a reason that we don’t know right away. Sometimes we never know why things happen the way they do. You just have to make the best of what life gives you.
September 27, 2015
This book was truly inspirational. Kelly Schaefer was able to put all the energy she had previously put into being an athletic cheerleader into using her voice and personality to lead a meaningful and love-filled life. She struggled to accept that she was a quadriplegic and confined to a wheelchair, but ultimately triumphed. As a psychologist, I would like to know more about how she overcame the resentment and depression that she must have gone through. I am also curious about how someone in her position can afford all the care she requires. Are there foundations that help defray the costs of full-time care? I hope that Kelly and Shawn are able to bring their adopted children home from the Congo. They could not have a more loving home.
July 11, 2015
Without realizing it, I started reading this book on the anniversary of the tragic event it chronicles...how powerful. I met Kelly Craig at USI, where we shared several education classes together, and even then it was obvious how special she was. This book did an incredible job at expressing her own strong voice while weaving in stories of many others involved in her journey. Yes, there were some mechanical issues with the writing, but it's the story itself (and Kelly's indomitable spirit) that stands true.
July 17, 2016
Kelly's story is beautiful, heart wrenching, agonizing, uplifting, bittersweet, glorious, and life changing. I was moved to tears over and over again--touched to the core by sorrow and happiness and every possible emotion in between. The true story of Kelly's life is one I will never, ever forget, and I'm buying copies for everyone as soon as it's released. If you can only read ONE book this year, get Fractured Not Broken.
May 30, 2015
This book is a must-read.So many times I found myself thinking, "This really happened--wow." "Inspiring" is an overused word, in my opinion, but there is nothing better to describe Kelly. Her courage and faith in dealing with the unimaginable will leave any reader of her story forever changed.
August 24, 2015
Wow, very emotional, heartwrenching and uplifting. Very good. I received this book through good reads.
March 1, 2016
Amazing, powerful, and captivating.
October 2, 2015
Wonderfully inspirational - a must-read for everyone!
December 9, 2019
This book is one of the most inspiring books that I have yet to read. It is based on a true story that will pull on your emotions. It will have you crying one minute and the next minute you are feeling an emotion of love. After reading the book I have come to realize that it is not the book that is inspiring, however, it is the main character. The story that Kelly displays made it hard for me to put this book down. The events and her never-ending hope and courage were what made me want to keep reading. After reading this book, I can say that Kelly is an inspiration and I see her as a role model. My favorite part of this book was the suspense that the author gives the reader in the moments leading up to the accident. The way Kelly tells her story made me feel a sense of sorrow and it made me shed a few tears.
This book is about a teenage girl who was out there being a kid and just living life. She was out with her friends like any other teenager would be. Little did she know, that night would change her life forever. Kelly and her friends were in an accident and she was the less fortunate one. It was a constant struggle for most of her life after the accident. One day she then realized that she was alive and she should have hope and be thankful. With this, she is now a teacher, wife and has two children. She overcame her doubt and to this day she is an inspiration to many individuals. She took a tragedy and now is all over the world speaking to so many individuals and inspiring them to never lose hope. I would recommend everyone to read this book, it will change how you view life.
This book is about a teenage girl who was out there being a kid and just living life. She was out with her friends like any other teenager would be. Little did she know, that night would change her life forever. Kelly and her friends were in an accident and she was the less fortunate one. It was a constant struggle for most of her life after the accident. One day she then realized that she was alive and she should have hope and be thankful. With this, she is now a teacher, wife and has two children. She overcame her doubt and to this day she is an inspiration to many individuals. She took a tragedy and now is all over the world speaking to so many individuals and inspiring them to never lose hope. I would recommend everyone to read this book, it will change how you view life.
May 16, 2016
Fractured Not Broken by Kelly Shaefer with M. Weidenbenner is the story of Kelly Craig's life leading up to, during and after a horrific car accident where her brother, boyfriend, herself and others were hit head on by a drunk driver.
The novel opens just prior to the accident having occurred with the Krempp family: Andy and Brenda Krempp (Kelly's mom and step-father) and her four brothers: Jason, Ryan, Ted and Tyler all on a vacation at a Dude Ranch in Durango, Colorado.
While the others were occupied, Jason and Kelly opted to join her boyfriend Eric and some friends on an excursion into town. Feeling uncomfortable sitting in the back bed of a pick up truck, Kelly and company opted to join a friend of theirs, John, in his car.
As the group were driving towards town, the story flips to Zach Ridgewall, a twenty something year old young man that chose that day to consume a little too much alcohol and didn't understand the consequences of not relinquishing the keys to a friend of his to drive.
Feeling confident in his abilities to drive his boss's pick up truck, and pitching a bit of a fit when a friend of his repeatedly tried to take away his keys, Zach climbed behind the wheel and drove in the direction of the oncoming truck and car filled with innocent young teenagers.
Happening in the blink of an eye, Zach's truck crossed the center line dividing the passing traffic of the road. He hit the tail end of another truck, the second vehicle carrying the teenagers that Kelly was accompanying into town. Continuing on, Zach hit head on the car that Kelly, her brother Jason and her boyfriend Eric were riding in - changing their lives forever!
Kelly battled the physical limitations she was forced to face on a daily basis as well as the mental and emotional obstacles she struggled to overcome in coping with her new lifestyle. From physical therapy, to losing her boyfriend and having to completely remodel her home she tried to stay positive towards the future and the prospect of walking once again. She fought to keep the negative thoughts at bay and to quell the looming doubts.
Then, inevitably, came the trial of Zach Ridgewall. After hearing many of the victims speak about how it effected their lives, after Zach himself relayed a message to those he's caused pain to and hearing from the attorneys of both sides, the sentence was given: 9 years to be served concurrently for the death of John (the driver of the car), and for all the injuries sustained by the victims that kept their lives.
While many seemed angry with the short sentence that Zach was given, Kelly worked to gain control of her life and her future by becoming involved in beauty pageants, returning to school to continue her pursuit of becoming a teacher and promote her public speaking as well to continue working on strengthening her current physical abilities.
All the while Kelly was defying the odds, Shawn Shaefer was keeping track of her progress and making every attempt imaginable to seek out this extraordinary individual and obtain the opportunity to meet with her.
So, while the collision severely disrupted many lives, and ended one, Kelly was able to defy incredible odds to accept her disability, obtain the teaching position she always dreamed of and even achieved the fairy tale wedding that she so rightly deserved.
I rated this novel with a high scoring because it was emotional, personal and absolutely addicting. Apart from having to go to work, eat and take regular bathroom breaks I couldn't take my eyes away from the story. I would constantly wonder what would happen to Kelly next, or how would she overcome the various obstacles that faced her.
Some of my favorite parts of the book came from reading about the details of the accident and how those involved coped with their lives afterwards. I am always interested in reading about experiences or situations that happen to others that I haven't experienced myself. A car accident and the repercussions from being slammed by a drunk driver are one of them. Knock on wood!
Also, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to read about the up and downs of Kelly's love life. While I found it disgustingly heartbreaking that her high school boyfriend Eric wanted to end their relationship because he believed he couldn't handle the responsibility of taking care of Kelly full-time, it was enthralling to see another man so eager to get into her life. Shawn was not only accepting of Kelly's disability but seemed to welcome the challenge of taking care of her because they were just minor hindrances in getting to spend the rest of his life with her.
Now, I severely disliked the trial of Zach Ridgewall, the drunk driver, because it was difficult to determine if he was genuinely sorry and affected by what he had done to so many people. His behavior immediately after the accident was absolutely appalling and, although he was intoxicated, I felt like that displayed a significant side of his personality that his attorney was trying to down play.
Not only that but why did he end up with only 9 years for all the damage that he had caused? He killed one person and severely injured others to the extent of altering the remainder of their lives.
But apart from the trial, I also didn't care too much for the infusion of God into the novel mostly because I am not religious. This inclusion did nothing to hinder my liking of the novel, and I was able to understand the role it played in Kelly's recovery but just didn't care for the constant reliance on Him to show people the way and give them strength. Personally, it just makes me feel as if they are attributing their own successes to this intangible being as opposed to taking responsibility for the amazing accomplishments they have achieved.
I feel like the novel would be exceptional for readers of all genres. It has many aspects to it to entertain various types of readers and keep them enthralled until the end of Kelly's story.
However, readers that aren't interested in stories based on a real events, or individuals that don't care to read autobiographies, biographies in general, probably wouldn't really enjoy reading this novel.
The novel opens just prior to the accident having occurred with the Krempp family: Andy and Brenda Krempp (Kelly's mom and step-father) and her four brothers: Jason, Ryan, Ted and Tyler all on a vacation at a Dude Ranch in Durango, Colorado.
While the others were occupied, Jason and Kelly opted to join her boyfriend Eric and some friends on an excursion into town. Feeling uncomfortable sitting in the back bed of a pick up truck, Kelly and company opted to join a friend of theirs, John, in his car.
As the group were driving towards town, the story flips to Zach Ridgewall, a twenty something year old young man that chose that day to consume a little too much alcohol and didn't understand the consequences of not relinquishing the keys to a friend of his to drive.
Feeling confident in his abilities to drive his boss's pick up truck, and pitching a bit of a fit when a friend of his repeatedly tried to take away his keys, Zach climbed behind the wheel and drove in the direction of the oncoming truck and car filled with innocent young teenagers.
Happening in the blink of an eye, Zach's truck crossed the center line dividing the passing traffic of the road. He hit the tail end of another truck, the second vehicle carrying the teenagers that Kelly was accompanying into town. Continuing on, Zach hit head on the car that Kelly, her brother Jason and her boyfriend Eric were riding in - changing their lives forever!
Kelly battled the physical limitations she was forced to face on a daily basis as well as the mental and emotional obstacles she struggled to overcome in coping with her new lifestyle. From physical therapy, to losing her boyfriend and having to completely remodel her home she tried to stay positive towards the future and the prospect of walking once again. She fought to keep the negative thoughts at bay and to quell the looming doubts.
Then, inevitably, came the trial of Zach Ridgewall. After hearing many of the victims speak about how it effected their lives, after Zach himself relayed a message to those he's caused pain to and hearing from the attorneys of both sides, the sentence was given: 9 years to be served concurrently for the death of John (the driver of the car), and for all the injuries sustained by the victims that kept their lives.
While many seemed angry with the short sentence that Zach was given, Kelly worked to gain control of her life and her future by becoming involved in beauty pageants, returning to school to continue her pursuit of becoming a teacher and promote her public speaking as well to continue working on strengthening her current physical abilities.
All the while Kelly was defying the odds, Shawn Shaefer was keeping track of her progress and making every attempt imaginable to seek out this extraordinary individual and obtain the opportunity to meet with her.
So, while the collision severely disrupted many lives, and ended one, Kelly was able to defy incredible odds to accept her disability, obtain the teaching position she always dreamed of and even achieved the fairy tale wedding that she so rightly deserved.
I rated this novel with a high scoring because it was emotional, personal and absolutely addicting. Apart from having to go to work, eat and take regular bathroom breaks I couldn't take my eyes away from the story. I would constantly wonder what would happen to Kelly next, or how would she overcome the various obstacles that faced her.
Some of my favorite parts of the book came from reading about the details of the accident and how those involved coped with their lives afterwards. I am always interested in reading about experiences or situations that happen to others that I haven't experienced myself. A car accident and the repercussions from being slammed by a drunk driver are one of them. Knock on wood!
Also, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to read about the up and downs of Kelly's love life. While I found it disgustingly heartbreaking that her high school boyfriend Eric wanted to end their relationship because he believed he couldn't handle the responsibility of taking care of Kelly full-time, it was enthralling to see another man so eager to get into her life. Shawn was not only accepting of Kelly's disability but seemed to welcome the challenge of taking care of her because they were just minor hindrances in getting to spend the rest of his life with her.
Now, I severely disliked the trial of Zach Ridgewall, the drunk driver, because it was difficult to determine if he was genuinely sorry and affected by what he had done to so many people. His behavior immediately after the accident was absolutely appalling and, although he was intoxicated, I felt like that displayed a significant side of his personality that his attorney was trying to down play.
Not only that but why did he end up with only 9 years for all the damage that he had caused? He killed one person and severely injured others to the extent of altering the remainder of their lives.
But apart from the trial, I also didn't care too much for the infusion of God into the novel mostly because I am not religious. This inclusion did nothing to hinder my liking of the novel, and I was able to understand the role it played in Kelly's recovery but just didn't care for the constant reliance on Him to show people the way and give them strength. Personally, it just makes me feel as if they are attributing their own successes to this intangible being as opposed to taking responsibility for the amazing accomplishments they have achieved.
I feel like the novel would be exceptional for readers of all genres. It has many aspects to it to entertain various types of readers and keep them enthralled until the end of Kelly's story.
However, readers that aren't interested in stories based on a real events, or individuals that don't care to read autobiographies, biographies in general, probably wouldn't really enjoy reading this novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2019
This book was very, very good! This young lady was amazing, strong and courageous, I’m so glad she chose to forgive rather than be bitter, I have a medical condition that I battle depression with, no one’s fault I just have a disease that can be treated but impacts my life a lot. I sometimes ask the same questions she often ask, “why me God?” I’m happy I have chosen to live by faith and God’s grace than be bitter, we all carry burdens, some heavier than others but choosing to live a life of hope, rather than despair goes a long way! I’m so happy she found love with a wonderful young man that look past her situation and looked instead at her heart! Highly recommend people with seeing the glass have empty rather than have full will be encouraged to be thankful for whatever life throws at them, someone out there is much worse off than you and you just have to be thankful and blessed by the life God gave you!
September 30, 2019
This is a beautiful witness of Christian faith and through the lens of an active Catholic.
How truly humbling to read Kelly sharing her soul so that we as readers can see the power of God, even His power in the ways we don't expect nor necessarily want initially.
I regret not reading this book sooner as it came out several years ago. Kelly lives in my home county, so I was fortunate to find her book in our public library. The book was full of wonderful nuggets of truth that I now want to seek my own copy to share with our kids as they age up to teenagers.
From a writing perspective though, it did break common rules of memoir by jumping around the timeline and changing point of view often. It was somewhat frustrating initially, but the value of the book's message far outweighs those initial opinions.
God bless Kelly for sharing her story - it takes a great deal of courage!
How truly humbling to read Kelly sharing her soul so that we as readers can see the power of God, even His power in the ways we don't expect nor necessarily want initially.
I regret not reading this book sooner as it came out several years ago. Kelly lives in my home county, so I was fortunate to find her book in our public library. The book was full of wonderful nuggets of truth that I now want to seek my own copy to share with our kids as they age up to teenagers.
From a writing perspective though, it did break common rules of memoir by jumping around the timeline and changing point of view often. It was somewhat frustrating initially, but the value of the book's message far outweighs those initial opinions.
God bless Kelly for sharing her story - it takes a great deal of courage!
September 12, 2017
Kelly Craig Schaefer holds nothing back when it comes to sharing details of a life as a quadriplegic. Her witty and playful side joins her serious and straightforward one to show readers what her life has been like after a drunk driver hit her.
She lost a friend that night. In many ways, she lost a brother, too, to a horrible TBI. And, she lost her life as she knew it...her freedom and independence. All her activities, routines and relationships changed.
But, her determination and decision to not give up gained her much more than she lost. In her book, Kelly shares her journey from disaster to happily ever after on the wings of faith.
I would recommend this book to anyone who could use a little bit of inspiration and joy.
She lost a friend that night. In many ways, she lost a brother, too, to a horrible TBI. And, she lost her life as she knew it...her freedom and independence. All her activities, routines and relationships changed.
But, her determination and decision to not give up gained her much more than she lost. In her book, Kelly shares her journey from disaster to happily ever after on the wings of faith.
I would recommend this book to anyone who could use a little bit of inspiration and joy.
May 18, 2024
This was our book club choice and I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy reading it or not. I certainly did enjoy reading this heart warming story of faith and survival. I felt a connection with the story because Kelly’s accident actually happened in Durango, CO where my sister lives. The rest of the story mostly took place in Jasper, IN which is about 30 miles from where I live. She was only 19 years old when this horrible event happened to her and her brother. She had an amazing family that worked with her and stood by her. I would recommend this book. I would enjoy hearing Kelly speak at an event if I get the opportunity. She is an amazing person who has a strong belief in God.
March 3, 2021
What a really great memoir with a Christian viewpoint. Kelly does an excellent job of describing the stages she goes through in her recovery process. In the process, her faith grows. She lets you see it all, the good and the bad in her life. It also portrays what family members go through in finding themselves caring for a severely disabled family member. She starts out at 19 and you see the immaturity. And you see her grow as a person. It is so well done and I really admired and liked Kelly. I will definitely recommend it to others.
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