American Spirit: Profiles in Resilience, Courage, and Faith

by Taya Kyle, Jim DeFelice

The "American Sniper" legacy Taya Kyle celebrates the American Spirit in her inspiring new book

Life leads us through difficult terrain. But what happens if you use challenge as an opportunity to discover your PURPOSE? These Americans did and are changing the world. 

After losing her husband, "American Sniper" Chris Kyle, bestselling author Taya Kyle entered a period of deep grief. And yet the experience served as a catalyst for profound growth. Taya found her own reserve of strength with the help of the generous love and support of family and friends—and also many strangers across America, who selflessly shared their own stories of suffering, survival, and triumph. Inspired by her experience, Taya discovered her spreading a message of how love, passion, and service can combine to help us persevere over personal pain and heal our communities.

Working with trusted collaborator Jim DeFelice (coauthor of American Sniper and American Wife), Taya tells her own story, as well as those of other Americans who have built extraordinary lives after traveling down life’s most difficult roads—through loss, illness, all manner of setback. They embody the “American spirit” of resilience, faith, togetherness that has built the nation.

American Spirit profiles more than 30 individuals, young and old, rich and not-so-rich, famous and unknown, who have overcome hardship and done extraordinary things for their communities and for the nation at large. The 9/11 survivor, badly burned over 60% of his body, who asked himself What debt do I owe to God? And to my fellow human beings? What am I supposed to do with this miracle of survival? The man with the hole in his heart who runs ultramarathons. The young cancer victim whose lemonade stand inspired a revolutionary new model for fighting cancer. The blind cyclist; the pastor who became an undercover investigator, and more.

In the end, these stories teach us how to find purpose and heal the world, no matter the difficulty. “Every action, big or small,” Taya writes, “has the potential to spark someone else’s movement.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Inspirational, Biography

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2019

About the author

Taya Kyle is an American author, political commentator, inspirational public speaker and military veteran's family activist. She is the widow of US Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle. Taya founded the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation where she volunteers her time as Executive Director. She is also a Fox News contributor. Taya resides in Texas with her two children.

Reviews

[Patrick Ramsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taya Kyle, wife of deceased Chris Kyle of American Sniper fame, pend, with co-author Jim DeFelice, an anecdotal anthology of nonprofit ventures and their stories that encapsulate American attitudes of strength and optimism. Kyle's vision sees emergence of success out of the rubble of pain, despair and tragedy. Where seeming misfortune could reign, beauty out of ashes and the Phoenix rising from the negative dust that has settled. It is a welcoming collection of stories that highlight how individuals have somehow brought good to others. At times, a religious tone of conservatism is stands apparent, but to her credit, Kyle makes efforts to maintain a "you do you" stance while describing her own journey.I n the current negative mood of accusation and bitter political feuding, her descriptions of the positive acts she has witnessed and the do-gooders she has come to know stand as a bright spot of hope and cheer.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed "American Sniper" by Chris Kyle and "American Wife" by his wife Taya Kyle so I really wanted to read this one as well. I found it through my public library and am very glad I made the effort to do so. This book introduces the reader to more than thirty people who have done so much for their communities, both local and worldwide. Their stories are inspirational, truly encompassing the "American Spirit," the title of this book. This is the perfect book for those of us tiring of all of the negative news on TV and want something positive to counterbalance it. This is the perfect book for school libraries due to the positive role models featured. After the loss of her husband, Taya Kyle continues to do wonderful things.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Spirit is by Taya Kyle. During the months after her husband’s death, Taya heard stories and read stories about people who had gone to great lengths to help others after having endured some tragedy of their own. She gathered these stories and presents them in a book to let people know that they too could be help others despite their faith. The stories go from those fighting cancer or some other disease to those who see a need and step in to fill it. The stories are unique and very inspiring. The book can be read in sequence or you can skip around throughout the entire reading of the pages.

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU WILL BE INSPIRED, CHALLENGED AND MOVED TO ACTION AFTER READING THIS BOOK AND THE STORIES OF AVERAGE MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS TO BETTER THEIR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS; IT TRULY GIVES YOU A PICTURE OF THE AMERICAN SPIRIT AT ITS BEST; I LOVE HOW SHE WEAVES IN HER OWN THOUGHTS ALONG WITH THE PERSONAL TOUCHES OF MEETING AND TALKING TO THESE INDIVIDUALS TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT MOTIVATES THEM AND WHY THEY ARE TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD TODAY.

[Jeff Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus book motivates through inspiring stories of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things to promote hope, help and healing in difficult situations. There are 45 short stories divided into nine different categories about people who have stepped up to provide assistance and support in courageous fashion. Several websites are shared so the reader can explore more detail about causes that interest them.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring stories of ordinary people. Some will resonate more than others — my favorites were the ones trying to help people find jobs & start businesses (versus just giving out food and clothing) and stories like Cleveland Brown Telfer who are just doing what he can.

Less inspiring (for me; I’m sure others will
disagree) were InTandem (bikes for blind
people) and Fanconi Anemia Research Fund

[Lucretia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do more! That's the motto of the writer of this book, a collection of real stories of people and groups that make it their missions to help others in any way possible. Some of these folks have participated in what became incredibly large projects while others are much smaller scale, but all of these are unique to the creators and regions they serve. This is an uplifting read!

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories in this book are meant to inspire us to do what we can to help others. While I can appreciate that intent and the authors’ efforts, this book was excruciating for me to get through. Not really sure why. It’s not that the stories weren’t good (though I’d heard about some of them before this book), perhaps it’s just poorly executed and choppy.

[Candice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like reading these stories was like watching The Today Shows segment of Morning Boost. I actually didn't listen to all of them, some I'd already heard, sometimes several times on social media.

[Madison]

This is such a great book about the good deeds people can do no matter what is going on in their life or the others. Taya was a military wife and had to deal with that but also life as a parent and a human being in general.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides numerous inspiring short stories describing how Americans have stepped forward to meet the needs of others. Some of the subjects are unknown to most of us while others are well known, but perhaps not for their philanthropy.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a couple! What inspiration! What an author! I loved hearing this remarkable story read by the author. This is a story for anyone searching for how to make our world a better place. I am definitely inspired to try harder.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sweet and uplifting, a nice in between book by Taya. Quick stories that make you smile and believe in the American Spirit!

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things

[Sandy Hartig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent stories. Very heartfelt. Highly recommend. Thanks Taya Kyle.

[Allena Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a excellent book,but I can't give it 5 stars.It's too religious.If they had kept the religion out of it I'd have liked it better.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading in all schools! It simply was amazing and teaches us about resilience, courage, and faith. Highly recommend!

[Diana]

Won this giveaway book and never received it. I contacted goodreads several times about it. It's been 4 months. I guess I am not going to get it.

[Holly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book told of many stories of human spirit, how certain people have made an incredible difference in society.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful collection of inspiring true stories! Thank you Taya for gathering these uplifting accounts of real life examples.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such wonderful accomplishments and stories of overcoming adversaries. The strength and generosity is alive and well when you read this book.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collection of stories about folks across the country who are displaying their American Spirit by helping others in small and large ways.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not easy to put out a book, let alone a good one. Shout out to T.K. for keeping up with this project.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me stop and think about so many things. Most of all it made me appreciate my life so much more. My health, my home, etc.

[L Herrmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The wife of Chris Kyle writes short stories about amazing people all over the country who have cared for others in one way or another. Kind of like Chicken Soup for the Soul.

[JoJo Ames · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 5 stars. A well written account of people Taya and Jim have met who possess the "American spirit" and gave impacted others in large or small ways for good, often creating the ripple effect by encouraging others to do the same. Each chapter is a unique story laid down by the authors so that the same ripple effect might inspire readers.

[Matt Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complete mixture of inspiring stories from around America that capture the 'American Spirit'. Literally from cradle to grave and beyond this tells some remarkable stories.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read. Inspiring stories.

[Michaela Shifflett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Really liked this book and how it was put together. Gives the true feel of what spirit in America should be.