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The Awakening of HK Derryberry: My Unlikely Friendship With the Boy Who Remembers Everything
One cold October morning, a senior business executive entered a drafty fast-food restaurant in search of hot coffee. He certainly was not seeking a son, but the small nine-year old boy sporting an overgrown buzz haircut and missing baby teeth desperately needed a dad. The businessman had no clue this boy was born when a car wreck took his mother’s life, or that he had been raised by his grandmother when his alcoholic father abandoned him at age five. He did not know the little boy was blind, had cerebral palsy, and plenty of other problems, or that he spent eighteen solitary hours in the restaurant most weekends while his grandmother worked the cash register.
Sixteen years later neither Jim Bradford nor HK Derryberry could have fathomed how much this chance encounter would transform each other’s life. This is Jim’s extraordinary true story of an enduring friendship between a disabled boy with a remarkable hidden gift, and his best friend for life.
Sixteen years later neither Jim Bradford nor HK Derryberry could have fathomed how much this chance encounter would transform each other’s life. This is Jim’s extraordinary true story of an enduring friendship between a disabled boy with a remarkable hidden gift, and his best friend for life.
216 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2016
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219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 20, 2017
This is the most disappointing book I’ve read in a long time. The title infers that it is about the Awakening of a boy named H.K. Derryberry when it should actually be titled, “The amazing accomplishments of Jim Bradford” because the book contained more bragging by the author than it does a young man’s awakening.
The book was recommended by Audible. I thought it would be similar to “Same Kind of Different as Me”. A story about an affluent man who is blessed and humbled by his encounter with someone so out of his socio-economic circle. THIS STORY IS NOT THAT STORY. This is about an affluent man who spends his time boasting about what he and his wife have done for this “poor disable child”. (The Narrator mentions over and over again how H.K. is a disabled, he also makes sure to mention his tennis meetings, covered boat dock, exclusive neighborhood, etc). He goes on to mention how surprised and shocked the world should be that H.K. can do things. He reinforces stereotypes by mentioning how a blind person can never enjoy sports unless they have someone like Jim Bradford to explain it. I’m guessing the author has never heard of Helen Keller or Craig MacFarlane. It seems like the author missed the lesson in humility God might have been trying to teach him because Jim Bradford was too busy being the boy’s savior.
Through-out the book I was saddened at the transformation of a boy who used to ask people “What’s your name?” and say “I love you.” Into someone who said, “I’m H.K. and I’m famous.” Who needs that kind of awakening?
You can skip the chapter called “The Flood” because 85% of the chapter is about the author and how his affluent house was damaged. The book had more “I” and “me” pronouns in it than “he” or “him.” An example of my frustration with this story came in Chapter 33 when the author was forced to use the pronoun “he” more than “I” because he had to quote medical professionals, but he managed to make some part of the chapter about himself when H.K. embarrassed him with his talent to remember things.
Skip this book if you are looking to be inspired by H.K.
Read it if you want to celebrate what Jim Bradford has done.
The book was recommended by Audible. I thought it would be similar to “Same Kind of Different as Me”. A story about an affluent man who is blessed and humbled by his encounter with someone so out of his socio-economic circle. THIS STORY IS NOT THAT STORY. This is about an affluent man who spends his time boasting about what he and his wife have done for this “poor disable child”. (The Narrator mentions over and over again how H.K. is a disabled, he also makes sure to mention his tennis meetings, covered boat dock, exclusive neighborhood, etc). He goes on to mention how surprised and shocked the world should be that H.K. can do things. He reinforces stereotypes by mentioning how a blind person can never enjoy sports unless they have someone like Jim Bradford to explain it. I’m guessing the author has never heard of Helen Keller or Craig MacFarlane. It seems like the author missed the lesson in humility God might have been trying to teach him because Jim Bradford was too busy being the boy’s savior.
Through-out the book I was saddened at the transformation of a boy who used to ask people “What’s your name?” and say “I love you.” Into someone who said, “I’m H.K. and I’m famous.” Who needs that kind of awakening?
You can skip the chapter called “The Flood” because 85% of the chapter is about the author and how his affluent house was damaged. The book had more “I” and “me” pronouns in it than “he” or “him.” An example of my frustration with this story came in Chapter 33 when the author was forced to use the pronoun “he” more than “I” because he had to quote medical professionals, but he managed to make some part of the chapter about himself when H.K. embarrassed him with his talent to remember things.
Skip this book if you are looking to be inspired by H.K.
Read it if you want to celebrate what Jim Bradford has done.
March 20, 2026
This book was very poorly written as well as being a brag book for the author. Only about one-third of the story is about HK; the rest is the author bloviating about his "selfless" role modeling as a superior father figure for the blind and physically disabled boy. I also grew annoyed with his constant descriptions concerning his, and his wife's, lush lifestyle which was, according to him, accomplished by having never made a "bad decision" in his life. There were also a few instances of ableism on his part.
This story is also just this side of being bible-thumping.
I hope someone else has written a book about HK because his personal story is truly wonderful.
I have written a full review of this book, but I am too tired to edit it, so I will post it tomorrow. I just wanted to give you a quick heads-up about why I gave it one star.
This story is also just this side of being bible-thumping.
I hope someone else has written a book about HK because his personal story is truly wonderful.
I have written a full review of this book, but I am too tired to edit it, so I will post it tomorrow. I just wanted to give you a quick heads-up about why I gave it one star.
September 19, 2017
It wasn't until I was well into this book that I realized that I had seen this story on the news. It's a nice story but I felt I was being preached at.
H.K. Derryberry is a 9-year-old blind boy who also has Cerebral Palsy sitting in a restaurant where his custodial grandmother works. She can not afford to pay anyone to watch H.K., so, on the weekends he goes to work with her. In walks, Jim Bradford, an older man who says, "Hi." to the young man. Thus starts a long term relationship in which both H.K. and Jim Bradford come to realize limits are barriers we set upon ourselves.
Mostly a feel good story. Just, with me, sometimes the tone didn't sit well.
H.K. Derryberry is a 9-year-old blind boy who also has Cerebral Palsy sitting in a restaurant where his custodial grandmother works. She can not afford to pay anyone to watch H.K., so, on the weekends he goes to work with her. In walks, Jim Bradford, an older man who says, "Hi." to the young man. Thus starts a long term relationship in which both H.K. and Jim Bradford come to realize limits are barriers we set upon ourselves.
Mostly a feel good story. Just, with me, sometimes the tone didn't sit well.
March 2, 2017
I enjoyed the story and characters, and certainly appreciated the local aspect of it, being from Nashville myself. I did get mildly frustrated with Bradford skipping around. He told most of the HK's story chronologically, but every so often, a random bit seemed thrown in...almost like they added it later.
Still, overall it was a good read and one that I'd recommend!
Still, overall it was a good read and one that I'd recommend!
November 3, 2017
This is a well-meaning book, but it's so incredibly ableist.
For example: Bradford and his wife are stunned to discover that HK is able to "explore" their house, even though he can't see! Turns out blind people can find their way around by touch!! This example is offered with a kind of hushed awe, as if we're all meant to be blown away by HK's ability to function, even though he's blind. Please.
There's stuff like this spattered throughout the book. Obviously there is a lot of love there too, and the friendship between Bradford and HK is a beautiful one. But the underlying assumption is that this poor, poor boy needs saving because he has a disability. I'd love to see more celebrations of what people with disability already have, and can do, rather than books that tell us that what a person with cerebral palsy really needs is raised shoes that hide their disability and make them look "normal" because no one could possibly be confident in themselves unless they looked like everyone else. The implication seems to be that we need to take away their disability, and make them more like the rest of us, rather than celebrating people just the way they are.
I got really uncomfortable every time Bradford told the reader that he got embarrassed by HK asking strangers too many questions, and had to step in and "fix" the situation. SHUSH PLS BRADFORD LET THE BOY SPEAK PEOPLE OBVIOUSLY LOVE HIM.
Bradford constantly tells us how he "fixed" or "awoke" HK, and what this really translates to is "I made HK seem less like a disabled person and more like a neurotypical/non-disabled person".
It left me feeling like HK had been exploited for the sake of a bunch of non-disabled people in need of a feel-good tear-jerker.
For example: Bradford and his wife are stunned to discover that HK is able to "explore" their house, even though he can't see! Turns out blind people can find their way around by touch!! This example is offered with a kind of hushed awe, as if we're all meant to be blown away by HK's ability to function, even though he's blind. Please.
There's stuff like this spattered throughout the book. Obviously there is a lot of love there too, and the friendship between Bradford and HK is a beautiful one. But the underlying assumption is that this poor, poor boy needs saving because he has a disability. I'd love to see more celebrations of what people with disability already have, and can do, rather than books that tell us that what a person with cerebral palsy really needs is raised shoes that hide their disability and make them look "normal" because no one could possibly be confident in themselves unless they looked like everyone else. The implication seems to be that we need to take away their disability, and make them more like the rest of us, rather than celebrating people just the way they are.
I got really uncomfortable every time Bradford told the reader that he got embarrassed by HK asking strangers too many questions, and had to step in and "fix" the situation. SHUSH PLS BRADFORD LET THE BOY SPEAK PEOPLE OBVIOUSLY LOVE HIM.
Bradford constantly tells us how he "fixed" or "awoke" HK, and what this really translates to is "I made HK seem less like a disabled person and more like a neurotypical/non-disabled person".
It left me feeling like HK had been exploited for the sake of a bunch of non-disabled people in need of a feel-good tear-jerker.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2017
In the fall of 1999, middle aged Bradford noticed a special needs boy sitting at the restaurant table by himself. HK, nine years old, would sit there for hours while his grandmother worked at the restaurant cash register. Bradford stopped to talk to the boy and became the victim of the biggest thief in town. “...HK Derryberry had committed the perfect crime: he stole my heart.” (12)
What follows is a touching story of Bradford getting to know HK and helping him navigate life. He found out HK's background, his being born blind and with cerebral palsy, and how he came to be taken care of by his grandmother. Bradford and Hardin do a good job of writing the story in a way that captivated me. I felt like I was right there in the story.
For me, the best parts of the book were when HK gave inspirational talks to others. He would explain that he had a number of disabilities. “But those things do not stop me from dreaming, and when I dream, I always dream big,” he told a sports team. (165) He admonished them to dream big too. And in an inspirational speech at a private academy, “I've never had a negative attitude. I've always been blind and had cerebral palsy, and there is nothing I can do about it.” (177) He quoted the apostle Paul saying he could do all things in Christ. HK concluded that he knew he had quite a few physical capabilities. “...I chose to concentrate on those rather than my limitations.” (177) My word! What an inspiration for us all!
I highly recommend this book as a very good account of an unusual friendship and of overcoming life's challenges. HK concentrated on his abilities, never giving up on himself. Yes, HK had a friend who helped him meet sports stars and go on adventures. But that is an important message for the rest of us. We are to never give up on those with disabilities. This book is clear. Together we can conquer adversity.
Food for thought: “If I can do all these things with my disabilities, then surely you can do them since most of you are not disabled.” (179)
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Handlebar. My comments are an independent and honest review.
What follows is a touching story of Bradford getting to know HK and helping him navigate life. He found out HK's background, his being born blind and with cerebral palsy, and how he came to be taken care of by his grandmother. Bradford and Hardin do a good job of writing the story in a way that captivated me. I felt like I was right there in the story.
For me, the best parts of the book were when HK gave inspirational talks to others. He would explain that he had a number of disabilities. “But those things do not stop me from dreaming, and when I dream, I always dream big,” he told a sports team. (165) He admonished them to dream big too. And in an inspirational speech at a private academy, “I've never had a negative attitude. I've always been blind and had cerebral palsy, and there is nothing I can do about it.” (177) He quoted the apostle Paul saying he could do all things in Christ. HK concluded that he knew he had quite a few physical capabilities. “...I chose to concentrate on those rather than my limitations.” (177) My word! What an inspiration for us all!
I highly recommend this book as a very good account of an unusual friendship and of overcoming life's challenges. HK concentrated on his abilities, never giving up on himself. Yes, HK had a friend who helped him meet sports stars and go on adventures. But that is an important message for the rest of us. We are to never give up on those with disabilities. This book is clear. Together we can conquer adversity.
Food for thought: “If I can do all these things with my disabilities, then surely you can do them since most of you are not disabled.” (179)
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Handlebar. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 27, 2017
This short non-fiction book recounts the story of a severely handicapped boy and a retired gentleman who met perchance because of the gentleman's desire for a cup of coffee. Seeing the boy seated all alone and obviously with multiple disabilities Mr. Bradford asked about him. Learning his story he struck up an acquaintance with the boy and his grandmother who worked at the restaurant.
Altruistic sympathy and simple human kindness enabled Jim Bradford to aid in the care and keeping of young HK providing stimulating company and cheering him on to achievements. In the course of events, it was discovered that although handicapped, HK had a remarkable talent. He was capable of Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) which enabled HK to recall accurate and astonishing details of events and occasions back to age three.
I found learning about HSAM to be particularly fascinating. I also found Jim Bradford's continued care and support of HK particularly amazing. As time passed, HK was able to graduate high school and he and Mr. Bradford have had the opportunity to engage in motivational speaking opportunities.
This little book provides a good opportunity to read about an amazing young man and his amazing sponsor and supporter. I encourage teens and adults to read.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Handlebar Publicity Group to facilitate a review of my opinions. I was not compensated.
Altruistic sympathy and simple human kindness enabled Jim Bradford to aid in the care and keeping of young HK providing stimulating company and cheering him on to achievements. In the course of events, it was discovered that although handicapped, HK had a remarkable talent. He was capable of Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM) which enabled HK to recall accurate and astonishing details of events and occasions back to age three.
I found learning about HSAM to be particularly fascinating. I also found Jim Bradford's continued care and support of HK particularly amazing. As time passed, HK was able to graduate high school and he and Mr. Bradford have had the opportunity to engage in motivational speaking opportunities.
This little book provides a good opportunity to read about an amazing young man and his amazing sponsor and supporter. I encourage teens and adults to read.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Handlebar Publicity Group to facilitate a review of my opinions. I was not compensated.
January 29, 2026
chose to DNF this book around 10% in. While some readers may find it uplifting, I could not continue because of how disability is framed in the opening chapters.
From the start, the narrative relies heavily on a savior story. The author repeatedly contrasts his wealth, comfort, and personal fulfillment with a disabled child portrayed primarily through pity. This framing feels self-congratulatory rather than reflective, positioning the author as morally elevated simply for forming the relationship.
The book shows little interest in HK as a full, autonomous person and instead focuses on how the friendship makes the author feel about himself. Disability is treated as something that exists to inspire gratitude, growth, and emotional awakening in others, rather than as a normal way of living that does not require rescue or redemption.
I am disabled myself, and I encounter this mindset frequently in real life—the assumption that disability automatically means sadness, limitation, or a diminished existence. Because of that, the tone of this book felt especially patronizing. Disabled people are not inspirational simply for getting up and living their lives, and relationships with disabled people should not be framed as moral achievements.
While the author’s intentions may be kind, intent does not erase impact. The heavy reliance on sentimentality, without examining the power imbalance at play, made this a difficult read.
Disclaimer: This review is based on approximately the first 10% of the book. I did not finish it.
From the start, the narrative relies heavily on a savior story. The author repeatedly contrasts his wealth, comfort, and personal fulfillment with a disabled child portrayed primarily through pity. This framing feels self-congratulatory rather than reflective, positioning the author as morally elevated simply for forming the relationship.
The book shows little interest in HK as a full, autonomous person and instead focuses on how the friendship makes the author feel about himself. Disability is treated as something that exists to inspire gratitude, growth, and emotional awakening in others, rather than as a normal way of living that does not require rescue or redemption.
I am disabled myself, and I encounter this mindset frequently in real life—the assumption that disability automatically means sadness, limitation, or a diminished existence. Because of that, the tone of this book felt especially patronizing. Disabled people are not inspirational simply for getting up and living their lives, and relationships with disabled people should not be framed as moral achievements.
While the author’s intentions may be kind, intent does not erase impact. The heavy reliance on sentimentality, without examining the power imbalance at play, made this a difficult read.
Disclaimer: This review is based on approximately the first 10% of the book. I did not finish it.
June 30, 2020
I received this book free from the publisher in return for an honest review. I read the book back in 2018 but honestly couldn't think of much positive feedback. I wish I had reviewed it shortly after reading it but I wouldn't have had anything nice to say.
The premise of the book is a nice idea; a Christian man makes a new friend and they learn life lessons from each other. However, the tone of the book was condescending. I've adopted. I know what it's like to parent children with emotional and physical needs. I was angry at some of the ways this child was discussed and paraded around. Maybe the real life relationship between Jim and HK was sincere. But it certainly didn't come across that way in this memoir.
Other reviewers go into much more detail. If I had reviewed it closer to the time I finished reading it, I could have given specific examples. But even now I don't want to discuss the book. It didn't leave me with positive feelings.
The premise of the book is a nice idea; a Christian man makes a new friend and they learn life lessons from each other. However, the tone of the book was condescending. I've adopted. I know what it's like to parent children with emotional and physical needs. I was angry at some of the ways this child was discussed and paraded around. Maybe the real life relationship between Jim and HK was sincere. But it certainly didn't come across that way in this memoir.
Other reviewers go into much more detail. If I had reviewed it closer to the time I finished reading it, I could have given specific examples. But even now I don't want to discuss the book. It didn't leave me with positive feelings.
November 23, 2017
Story of an unusual friendship/mentorship between a middle aged man and a differntly abled boy. On one hand I finished thinking the world would be a better place with more people like the subjects of this memoir. On the other hand it was kind of like listening to a parent tell you why their kid is amazing for 5+hours,except with the added element of how the authors selfless commitment to this amazing kid made the kid even more amazing. At the end you find out the proceeds of the book go to a good cause which at least partially answered my question of why this book was written.
May 26, 2018
I very much enjoyed this book. My only disappointment was that about half way through it seemed to become repetitive of experiences that did not necessarily add to the depth of the story. I would much rather have heard much more of the internal reasons for hope and joy that they speak to audiences about. Mostly, having read enough fro. The website to know that HK was a believer in Jesus, I was disappointed that no mention of the gospel or that part of his story was related. That is, after all, his greatest reason to live and the best story there is to share.
January 11, 2017
The Awakening of H.K. Derryberry is really a book about the amazing relationship that developed between a man and a little boy he met one day, never suspecting this child would change his entire outlook on life. Beginning with the unusual pull that brought their two worlds together, the story reveals, in beautiful unfolding prose, the incredible richness of a life limited by need and capability as well as the surprising empty space in an otherwise rich life of fulfillment and success.
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January 1, 2018This is an inspiring book and loved by our Christian book club
This was the highest rating and was so unique it deserved it. It makes one wonder , "Have I had the opportunity to effect a miracle on a child's life?
This was the highest rating and was so unique it deserved it. It makes one wonder , "Have I had the opportunity to effect a miracle on a child's life?
June 13, 2022
Wow! A hidden Gem! Now I think this is the best book I've read all year! Sometimes the best books are the ones you never hear about!
HK is a medically complicated child whose dad was out of the picture, and whose mom died in a car accident while pregnant. While spending several months in the NICU due to severe cerebral palsy and blindness, HJ was sent home to live with his grandmother. He spent long days with her at her job at a restaurant until a man walked into his life and they both changed each others lives in unique ways. He has a special skill which amazes everyone he encounters, and nobody understands it.
Both HJ and Bradford felt a connection almost immediately. Through a number of circumstances, he became a local hero. Nobody expected him to ever be able to make anything of himself, but he did--and then some! He was given so many opportunities which inspired so many people and encouraged him to be successful in life. He's funny in his own way, whether he means to or not. Some of his responses just come across as funny due to the way his cerebral palsy makes him respond.
I highly recommended this book to anybody who deals with CP or related conditions, or even blindness. IT's inspiring, pretty amazing, and he has a mature view of life.
Anyone who has a disability, has worked with someone who does, or has a friend or family member with severe health issues, I highly recommend this book. It's a short book that engaged me quickly and increased my interest in doing more research into the story as spelled out in this nonfiction book based in middle TN! It is a book that will never be forgotten, and will always leave a mark on my heart. I laughed, was amazed, cried, and rooted for every advance this kid ever made.
HK is a medically complicated child whose dad was out of the picture, and whose mom died in a car accident while pregnant. While spending several months in the NICU due to severe cerebral palsy and blindness, HJ was sent home to live with his grandmother. He spent long days with her at her job at a restaurant until a man walked into his life and they both changed each others lives in unique ways. He has a special skill which amazes everyone he encounters, and nobody understands it.
Both HJ and Bradford felt a connection almost immediately. Through a number of circumstances, he became a local hero. Nobody expected him to ever be able to make anything of himself, but he did--and then some! He was given so many opportunities which inspired so many people and encouraged him to be successful in life. He's funny in his own way, whether he means to or not. Some of his responses just come across as funny due to the way his cerebral palsy makes him respond.
I highly recommended this book to anybody who deals with CP or related conditions, or even blindness. IT's inspiring, pretty amazing, and he has a mature view of life.
Anyone who has a disability, has worked with someone who does, or has a friend or family member with severe health issues, I highly recommend this book. It's a short book that engaged me quickly and increased my interest in doing more research into the story as spelled out in this nonfiction book based in middle TN! It is a book that will never be forgotten, and will always leave a mark on my heart. I laughed, was amazed, cried, and rooted for every advance this kid ever made.
September 29, 2017
An Inspiring Friendship
Jim Bradford thought he and his wife, Brenda, would start working on their bucket list when their girls were grown. Then one day he went to an out-of-the way diner for a cup of coffee. A small boy, HK Derryberry, was sitting at a table with his ear glued to an old radio. HK had braces on his legs, he was blind, and wearing ill-fitting clothes. Once Jim Bradford saw him, he couldn’t look away. This was the start of an unusual friendship and the beginning of HK Derryberry overcoming his blindness and cerebral palsy to become an intriguing young man.
This is a wonderful story. Through Bradford we get to know HK, his grandmother, Pearl, and the sad tale of his early life when his mother was killed and his father abandoned him to his grandmother. So many people did amazing things to help this small boy realize his potential. A teacher took a special interest in him and helped him to learn to use a machine to read braille with one hand. His other hand was affected by cerebral palsy.
I highly recommend this book. It’s a wonderful story of how a boy came to find a father figure and a man found a son. There are too many dreadful stories. This one is uplifting. It’s one of the best stories I’ve read lately.
I received this book from Handlebar Publishing for this review.
Jim Bradford thought he and his wife, Brenda, would start working on their bucket list when their girls were grown. Then one day he went to an out-of-the way diner for a cup of coffee. A small boy, HK Derryberry, was sitting at a table with his ear glued to an old radio. HK had braces on his legs, he was blind, and wearing ill-fitting clothes. Once Jim Bradford saw him, he couldn’t look away. This was the start of an unusual friendship and the beginning of HK Derryberry overcoming his blindness and cerebral palsy to become an intriguing young man.
This is a wonderful story. Through Bradford we get to know HK, his grandmother, Pearl, and the sad tale of his early life when his mother was killed and his father abandoned him to his grandmother. So many people did amazing things to help this small boy realize his potential. A teacher took a special interest in him and helped him to learn to use a machine to read braille with one hand. His other hand was affected by cerebral palsy.
I highly recommend this book. It’s a wonderful story of how a boy came to find a father figure and a man found a son. There are too many dreadful stories. This one is uplifting. It’s one of the best stories I’ve read lately.
I received this book from Handlebar Publishing for this review.
April 6, 2019
This book was recommended to me by a friend, once i started to read through the life of Jim and HK I was so happy that i choose to read this book.
The pages of this book came to life and I was able to re-live the life stories that happened. I kept turn the pages and traveling with them on their journey instead of closing the pages to return later.
this is the inspiring story of how Jim Bradford became a willing man to step out of his upper middle class world, to come along side on young forgotten about disabled boy, tucked away in a corner, often out of sight out of mind. But Jim Changed this for this you man. instead of his Grandmother having to bring him to work with her. This friendshipgrows and they end up spending lots of time together.
"HK Derryberry came into the world with the odds stacked heavily against him. He was taken from his unmarried mother’s womb three months prematurely when she was killed in a car wreck. After ninety-six days of seesawing between life and death, HK’s grandmother took him home"
I Recommend that you travel on this journey with HK and Jim, and let the love this young lad pours out touch your heart as much as it touched mine
The pages of this book came to life and I was able to re-live the life stories that happened. I kept turn the pages and traveling with them on their journey instead of closing the pages to return later.
this is the inspiring story of how Jim Bradford became a willing man to step out of his upper middle class world, to come along side on young forgotten about disabled boy, tucked away in a corner, often out of sight out of mind. But Jim Changed this for this you man. instead of his Grandmother having to bring him to work with her. This friendshipgrows and they end up spending lots of time together.
"HK Derryberry came into the world with the odds stacked heavily against him. He was taken from his unmarried mother’s womb three months prematurely when she was killed in a car wreck. After ninety-six days of seesawing between life and death, HK’s grandmother took him home"
I Recommend that you travel on this journey with HK and Jim, and let the love this young lad pours out touch your heart as much as it touched mine
September 30, 2017
This is the kind of book that will make a grown man cry. How do I know? Because I'm a grown man another were quite a few times when the tears came. This is an excellent memoir about what happens when a person really sees someone else and doesn't walk on by. Jim Bradford was in a little fast food restaurant getting a cup of coffee, when he saw a young boy sitting by himself listening to the radio. He had braces on his legs, from cerebral palsy and was blind. Jim approached the boy and an amazing friendship was born. Together the unlikely pair had amazing adventures that expanded each of their worlds.
This is the kind of book I love. It shows that sometimes if you want to see a miracle, you've got to take the time to be the miracle. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and pray that the lessons I learned from it will change my life and the lives of everyone who takes the time to read it. You really can make difference in this world. Jim Bradford and H.K. Derryberry both prove it. This one is a must read.
This is the kind of book I love. It shows that sometimes if you want to see a miracle, you've got to take the time to be the miracle. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and pray that the lessons I learned from it will change my life and the lives of everyone who takes the time to read it. You really can make difference in this world. Jim Bradford and H.K. Derryberry both prove it. This one is a must read.
September 20, 2020
The Awakening of JK Derryberry Jim Bradford Brenda
Jim Bradford befriended JK Derryberry and expanded his life experiences beyond the café booth where he generally spent weekends while his Grandmother served tables. JK was blind. His mobility, impacted by cerebral palsy, these factors shrank his world from what it might have been.
Heartwarming decades of friendship between JK, Jim, Brenda, Jim’s wife unfold in this book. Gradually the friendships led to JK living with the Bradford on weekends for homework support and church attendance. JK’s circle of friends increased, he graduated from high school, then college, and began traveling with Jim for speaking engagements as motivational speakers to churches, civic groups, high schools, and colleges. The author repeatedly shares life lessons he and Brenda learn from JK.
I enjoyed the book until a point when it seemed to become more about the author than JK.
Jim Bradford befriended JK Derryberry and expanded his life experiences beyond the café booth where he generally spent weekends while his Grandmother served tables. JK was blind. His mobility, impacted by cerebral palsy, these factors shrank his world from what it might have been.
Heartwarming decades of friendship between JK, Jim, Brenda, Jim’s wife unfold in this book. Gradually the friendships led to JK living with the Bradford on weekends for homework support and church attendance. JK’s circle of friends increased, he graduated from high school, then college, and began traveling with Jim for speaking engagements as motivational speakers to churches, civic groups, high schools, and colleges. The author repeatedly shares life lessons he and Brenda learn from JK.
I enjoyed the book until a point when it seemed to become more about the author than JK.
October 3, 2018
Much of this book did not sit well with me, but I hung with it to discover what HK’s awakening was. The best part to me was the very very beginning when Bradford explained that he made a left turn rather than a right and stopped at Mrs. Winners instead of his intended Starbucks. That gave me hope that Bradford would acknowledge divine interventions frequently throughout his friendship, but I was sorely disappointed with that expectation. After that it is mostly what Bradford arranged and how HK benefitted from Bradfords insertion into his life. At least some of the proceeds from the book sales will go to support HK after Bradford is gone.
June 23, 2018
Wonderful Book
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this great story. I am a cousin of Jim's and I recall when he first brought HK to one of our family Christmas functions. HK and I are both about the same age and I was taken aback at how different he was when we first met at around 10 years old. It didn't take long for even a young boy as myself to realize how special he was. HK was always a blast to be around and always had a smile on his face. He truly is a remarkable man and I am so grateful that his story is able to be shared around the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this great story. I am a cousin of Jim's and I recall when he first brought HK to one of our family Christmas functions. HK and I are both about the same age and I was taken aback at how different he was when we first met at around 10 years old. It didn't take long for even a young boy as myself to realize how special he was. HK was always a blast to be around and always had a smile on his face. He truly is a remarkable man and I am so grateful that his story is able to be shared around the world.
May 3, 2018
This was a beautiful insightful book about friendship, and how it can become the greatest treasure between two unlikely people. I greatly enjoyed reading about HK and Jim, and the bond they forged. I feel this was one of the purest relationships I've ever read about. There were no assumptions made between the two, no expectations, no regrets, and no hidden agendas. If only everyone in the world could approach relationships like that. The parts about HK's incredible memory was just a bonus.
March 8, 2020
Beautiful, heartwarming story and easy read
This story is well-written with poignant details of this amazing young man and his older friend that God made cross paths. The chapters are short and easy to read. I don't read too many books, so I appreciate ones that have good details, but also get to the point quickly and easily. You'll be blessed and inspired to look at all people with compassion and love, to see them with your heart first, not just your eyes.
This story is well-written with poignant details of this amazing young man and his older friend that God made cross paths. The chapters are short and easy to read. I don't read too many books, so I appreciate ones that have good details, but also get to the point quickly and easily. You'll be blessed and inspired to look at all people with compassion and love, to see them with your heart first, not just your eyes.
September 23, 2017
I loved this book
HK reminds each of us of the potential we hold inside & how we can spend our lives lifting others. HK had 2 choices in life.... feel sorry for himself or forget his own troubles and be a friend to everyone. This book is well written, thoughtful and honest. We need more books like this to encourage our best selves to shine!
HK reminds each of us of the potential we hold inside & how we can spend our lives lifting others. HK had 2 choices in life.... feel sorry for himself or forget his own troubles and be a friend to everyone. This book is well written, thoughtful and honest. We need more books like this to encourage our best selves to shine!
April 8, 2020
One of the best books I have ever read. This book is not only inspiring, but it also brings a new perspective to life. The story telling throughout is amazing and includes such great imagery that you almost feel like you’re there. The emphasize on how God played the biggest part throughout HK and Mr. Bradford’s journey Is not only inspirational, but motivating as well.
March 16, 2022
The relationship between Jim Bradford and HK is five star! However, the book plodded. It warms my heart to think a total stranger "adopted" this young disabled boy into his life. Jim's heart is bigger than anyone I know. HK sounds very loveable and worthy and I am happy he had such a genuine friend to steer him in life. HK's grandma was very blessed that day Jim walked into her restaurant.
August 2, 2022
Just a lovely, lovely true story of a particularly nice man who walks into a Mrs. Winner’s Chicken in Nashville, Tn. to buy a cup of coffee. There he meets a nine year old disabled boy, and the two of them change each others’ lives over the next twenty years. Along the way you meet some wonderful, thoughtful, and kind individuals, and the little boy develops into one amazing human being.
July 8, 2017
What a great read!
I chose this book to read to relieve a grieving heart after losing my mother. This book took my mind off of my pain and refocused it on someone who was truly needy. This book is very uplifting in seeing through the eyes of a child. Refreshing!
I chose this book to read to relieve a grieving heart after losing my mother. This book took my mind off of my pain and refocused it on someone who was truly needy. This book is very uplifting in seeing through the eyes of a child. Refreshing!
September 14, 2017
This is one of the best stories I have read in a long time. It is a true story of a 55 year old man finding friendship with a blind boy with Cerebral Palsy. This friendship changed both of their lives. Read it. There are good people in the world.
June 3, 2018
Such a sweet human interest story of love, compassion and friendship. It’s beautiful, inspiring and sweet. Loved the pictures in the book. It’s sweet to see the people you can’t help but love. I smiled, laughed and cried. Super easy quick read.
August 5, 2018
What an AMAZING story! I highly recommend this book to everyone ~ it is moving, uplifting and extremely humbling. SO glad our book club was able to read it and really think anyone who reads it will definitely enjoy it as much as I did!
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