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Will Your Way Back: How One Man Overcame Tragedy With a Winning Mindset
An Incredible Journey of Recovery
James H. Osborne suffered a tragic spinal cord injury from a road cycling accident that rendered him quadriplegic. Though doctors said he would likely never walk again, James has been fighting for nine years to recover his body. Will Your Way Back chronicles his journey, an exercise of will, to walk again and live independently.
James has struggled professionally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to overcome his disability and persevere in pursuit of a new normal. His story is unique and compelling, and if you have ever suffered loss, or have a loved one who is suffering this way, you will draw hope from his inspiring story.
Sometimes you must let go and find a new path, a new way to success: Define your terms, take a stand, and choose to win.
James H. Osborne suffered a tragic spinal cord injury from a road cycling accident that rendered him quadriplegic. Though doctors said he would likely never walk again, James has been fighting for nine years to recover his body. Will Your Way Back chronicles his journey, an exercise of will, to walk again and live independently.
James has struggled professionally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to overcome his disability and persevere in pursuit of a new normal. His story is unique and compelling, and if you have ever suffered loss, or have a loved one who is suffering this way, you will draw hope from his inspiring story.
Sometimes you must let go and find a new path, a new way to success: Define your terms, take a stand, and choose to win.
- GenresNonfiction
346 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 6, 2017
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
While this was quite inspiring, and I applaud the author for achieving as much as he has, I found the writing a bit repetitive. That's not to say I didn't appreciate the message of the book, because I did. I just think with a bit more editing, it would be easier to read. The positivity is refreshing, and I definitely did not dislike it, but I did find it a bit lacking overall.
While this was quite inspiring, and I applaud the author for achieving as much as he has, I found the writing a bit repetitive. That's not to say I didn't appreciate the message of the book, because I did. I just think with a bit more editing, it would be easier to read. The positivity is refreshing, and I definitely did not dislike it, but I did find it a bit lacking overall.
July 24, 2026
James H. Osborne’s Will Your Way Back: How One Man Overcame Tragedy With a Winning Mindset is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Chronicling his journey following a devastating spinal cord injury that left him quadriplegic, Osborne shares an inspiring story of perseverance, determination, and the unwavering belief that life can still hold purpose after unimaginable loss.
What immediately stands out is the author’s extraordinary mindset. Faced with doctors’ predictions that he would likely never walk again, Osborne chose not to surrender to circumstance. Instead, he committed himself to the long and difficult process of recovery, demonstrating that while we may not always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond.
I was particularly impressed by the honesty with which Osborne recounts his struggles. He does not shy away from the physical, emotional, professional, and spiritual challenges that accompanied his injury. This vulnerability gives the book tremendous authenticity and makes his triumphs feel both hard-earned and deeply meaningful.
Another strength of the book is its universal message. While Osborne’s story is unique, the lessons it offers, about redefining success, embracing change, and continuing to move forward despite adversity, will resonate with anyone who has faced setbacks or supported a loved one through difficult circumstances.
Ultimately, Will Your Way Back is more than a memoir of recovery; it is a reminder that hope can survive even in life's darkest moments. Inspiring, courageous, and deeply human, James H. Osborne’s story challenges readers to define success on their own terms and to never underestimate the power of a determined spirit.
What immediately stands out is the author’s extraordinary mindset. Faced with doctors’ predictions that he would likely never walk again, Osborne chose not to surrender to circumstance. Instead, he committed himself to the long and difficult process of recovery, demonstrating that while we may not always control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond.
I was particularly impressed by the honesty with which Osborne recounts his struggles. He does not shy away from the physical, emotional, professional, and spiritual challenges that accompanied his injury. This vulnerability gives the book tremendous authenticity and makes his triumphs feel both hard-earned and deeply meaningful.
Another strength of the book is its universal message. While Osborne’s story is unique, the lessons it offers, about redefining success, embracing change, and continuing to move forward despite adversity, will resonate with anyone who has faced setbacks or supported a loved one through difficult circumstances.
Ultimately, Will Your Way Back is more than a memoir of recovery; it is a reminder that hope can survive even in life's darkest moments. Inspiring, courageous, and deeply human, James H. Osborne’s story challenges readers to define success on their own terms and to never underestimate the power of a determined spirit.
June 5, 2017
A true story that hurt my heart to read. The main character is in an accident and has many struggles, and he faces many frustrations to get healthy again. Many people understand that others who suffer physical injuries from an accident have a lot to overcome, but what they may not understand right away is the level of frustration, pain, and emotion turmoil the injured person feels, faces, and thinks.
Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Story line adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend? Yes.
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The photo filled me with a sense of HUGE hurdles the character needs to climb to get back. Right now, the photo's perspective makes one feel like the character has fallen into a ravine where no one can see them or reach them; it is all up to the character to get up that impossible rock face.
Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Story line adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes
4) Would I recommend to a family member/friend? Yes.
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. The photo filled me with a sense of HUGE hurdles the character needs to climb to get back. Right now, the photo's perspective makes one feel like the character has fallen into a ravine where no one can see them or reach them; it is all up to the character to get up that impossible rock face.
June 18, 2026
Will Your Way Back is a deeply moving and courageous memoir that chronicles James H. Osborne’s extraordinary journey of resilience following a life altering spinal cord injury. With honesty and emotional clarity, Osborne takes readers inside the physical, psychological, and spiritual challenges of living as a quadriplegic and the relentless determination required to rebuild a life once thought impossible.
What makes this book especially powerful is its focus not only on recovery, but on mindset. Osborne’s story becomes a testament to discipline, faith, and the refusal to surrender identity to circumstance. His nine year pursuit of recovery is rendered with humility and grit, offering readers a grounded yet inspiring perspective on endurance and hope.
This is not a sentimental retelling of tragedy, but a focused, purpose driven narrative about redefining success when life changes without warning. Readers seeking inspiration rooted in real struggle and authentic perseverance will find this memoir both compelling and uplifting.
What makes this book especially powerful is its focus not only on recovery, but on mindset. Osborne’s story becomes a testament to discipline, faith, and the refusal to surrender identity to circumstance. His nine year pursuit of recovery is rendered with humility and grit, offering readers a grounded yet inspiring perspective on endurance and hope.
This is not a sentimental retelling of tragedy, but a focused, purpose driven narrative about redefining success when life changes without warning. Readers seeking inspiration rooted in real struggle and authentic perseverance will find this memoir both compelling and uplifting.
July 9, 2018
Very inspirational book about the author's partial recovery from a life-changing accident. He faces many challenges in recovery: physical, mental and spiritual. The honest revealing account does not gloss over the rough situations and setbacks he must deal with aiming for his goal of independence. He shares his story to encourage others to not be resigned to limitations but rather empowered to keep trying and challenging themselves. Mindset, brain plasticity and exercise were his most powerful weapons in his recovery.
This is a Washington State author that I had the privilege to hear in person.
This is a Washington State author that I had the privilege to hear in person.
January 31, 2020
It is difficult to give this book 3 stars because James Osborne pours his heart into his story. The book is very readable yet a bit dull and repetitive. More significantly, he is entirely self-focused; maximizing his gain from relationships/encounters, seemingly unaware of others' efforts/needs/sacrifices. Even this book, which he offers to us as a motivational tool is instead born from his need for purpose. As an example of grace, see Linda Olson https://lindakolson.com
March 15, 2017
I was reading this book during my recent trip and thought I would not finish reading it by the end of the trip, but I was wrong. This is a book that is hard to put down. I was really inspired by James' story. If you are looking for a book that will inspire you, look no further, this is the one!
December 23, 2023
Unnecessarily long and redundant (could have been 50 pages), but still a remarkable story about regaining control over what you can and an important message about defining life on your terms
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews