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Back in the Game: One Gunman, Countless Heroes, and the Fight for My Life

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The "gripping and inspiring" true story ( Washington Examiner ) of how Congressman Steve Scalise survived a political mass shooting and returned to Congress with the help of his friends, family, and faith.

On the morning of June 14, 2017, at a practice field for the annual Congressional Baseball Game, a man opened fire on the Republican team, wounding five and nearly killing Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise.
In heart-pounding fashion, Scalise's minute-by-minute account tells not just his own harrowing story, but the stories of heroes who emerged in the seconds after the shooting began and worked to save his life and the lives of his colleagues and teammates.

Scalise delves into the backgrounds of each hero, seeking to understand how everyone wound up right where they needed to be, right when they needed to be there, and in possession of just the knowledge and experience they needed in order to save his life. Scalise takes us through each miracle, and each person who experienced it. He brings us the story of Rep. Brad Wenstrup, an Army Reserve officer and surgeon whose combat experience in Iraq uniquely prepared him for the attack that morning; of the members of his security detail, who acted with nearly cinematic courage; of the police, paramedics, helicopter pilots, and trauma team who came together to save his life.

Most important, it tells of the citizens from all over America who came together in ways big and small to help one grateful man, and whose prayers lifted up Scalise during the worst days of his hospitalization. As we follow the gripping, poignant, and ultimately inspiring story, we begin to realize what Scalise learned firsthand in real that Americans look out for each other, and that there is far more uniting us than dividing us.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

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Steve Scalise

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Aryssa.
431 reviews47 followers
December 3, 2018
At one point in this book I sobbed so hard I almost threw up, so take that as a soaring endorsement of the power of this book.
428 reviews
May 20, 2019
Could not put it down. It is such an amazing survival story I had to keep reminding myself it was a true story.
Profile Image for Destiny Robertson.
21 reviews
June 19, 2023
I knew the story but enjoyed an in-depth, firsthand account. Congressman Scalise’s story is one of the greatest examples of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and perfect intervention I’ve heard yet.
Profile Image for Cynthia Fischer.
85 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2018
This book was difficult to put down. His story is amazing, not just about his recovery, but the wonderful doctors and nurses who surrounded him with their care and expertise. His gracious gratitude toward the two Capital Police who went to rescue, not just him, but all the congressmen on the field. One was severely injured. She was able to walk out on the field the next summer, along with her partner and congressman Scalise. What an amazing moment.

His recovery, he believes, is owed to prayer and a series of miracles, and I have to agree. This book stresses the power of coming together no matter what party you are in, no matter what party the public sides with, America can come together for a common cause. I wish we could have made the feeling and the coming together last.

I recommend this book because it is inspiring, and as an added bonus, the reader will learn more about how emergency services work and what goes on in a trauma room. They, too, were the heroes in this book.
25 reviews
January 15, 2019
I cannot put into words how incredible this book is; but I will try...if you want to be a witness to a higher power's handiwork from June 14, 2017, you need to read Steve Scalise's book.. It is both gut wrenching and inspirational. A man's journey through a very dark time in his life finding him on the brink of death multiple times to a triumphant recovery ..... the best miraculous return! You will need tissues as you read each page!
769 reviews38 followers
January 31, 2020
Riveting account of a heinous act. I’ve wanted to read this book for a while and am so glad I did. Mr. Scalise is a truly remarkable human. With the injury he received and the pain it must have caused, he made a miraculous recovery and is a true leader of this country. What a beautiful man who loves his family and country. Can’t recommend this book enough.
Profile Image for Kristine L..
659 reviews50 followers
July 16, 2025
"That one small entry wound belied a massive, mostly internal hemorrhage that was about to kill me. I’d be dead in a matter of minutes, unless someone with some kind of x-ray vision happened to show up and was somehow able to see all the bleeding that couldn’t be seen. I needed a miracle."

In gripping You Are There fashion, Back in the Game tells what happened when one man opened fire at a baseball practice for Republican members of Congress on the morning of June 14, 2014, wounding five and nearly killing one: Louisiana congressman and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. And how Scalise fought his way back to the people’s House.

This is Scalise’s moment-by-moment account of not only what happened to him, but of those who emerged in the seconds after the shooting began and worked to save his life and the lives of his colleagues and teammates when a lone gunman attempted the greatest political assassination in U.S. history.

The gunman came within a hair’s breadth of succeeding.

Also, Back in the Game is a book about heroes. Like:

- Special Agents Dave Bailey and Crystal Griner of the Capitol Police Dignitary Protect Division.
Alexandria police officers Kevin Jobe, Alexander Jenson and Nicole Battaglia.
- Safety officer Wayne Bryant, Alexandria Fire Department.
- Major Brad Westrup, M.D. and member of congress (R-OH). Combat surgeon who served in Iraq.
Paramedic Richard Krimmer.
- Congressman Cedric “The Franchise” Richmond (D-LA), Scalise’s long-time friend.
- Democrats who immediately gathered to say a prayer “when they heard Republicans had been attacked and I’d been shot.”
- Scalise’s wife, Jennifer.

Back in the Game is the riveting true story of how one man defied overwhelming odds and came back from the brink through a series of “coincidences” that are nothing short of incredible. It’s also about all that’s good and great in America. Total strangers who dropped everything to help a guy they’d never even met: A grievously injured congressman from Louisiana.

Not to Brad. Brad’s reaction was the opposi6te of relief. He was looking at almost the exact same wounded he’d seen t10 years before, on that solider in Iraq who’d become such a burden for him, the one he’d never been able to shake. The same wound in the same part of the body.

It’s also about kindness. Generosity. Selflessness. And courage. We’re talking’ titanium spines here.

It’s about people “from both sides of the aisle” showing up to give blood in Scalise’s home state of Louisiana. It’s about Republican and Democrat members of Congress who turned out to donate blood. “It didn’t seem to matter to people what my politics or religion were,” writes Scalise. “People wanted to help… all over America, people leapt into action. This is what America is about. This is what America does. People brought out the very best in one another. Many different people, from different backgrounds, joined together for this one cause. E pluribus unum: out of many one.”

It’s a book about miracles. Not kiddin’. We’re talkin’ jaw-droppin’ here. Everything from timing to resources to personnel to “just happened to be there.” And “the most effective early warning system of all – concerned citizens.” And what are the odds that a doctor with trauma experience just happened to be on the field that day and just happened to have seen almost the same exact injury Scalise survived – and knew exactly what to do to give the congressman a chance at surviving?

It’s almost as if an Unseen Hand guided the rescuers that day:

- What are the odds the 911 phone lines would jam, and instead of slowing the response, it sped the response and enabled first responders to reach Scalise even faster?
- Why did the seas part for Richard Krimmer, every light turning green just as his ambulance got to it en route way to the field?
- Or that the call to the trauma center came during the one part of the day – a shift change – when two teams overlapped, so Scalise had twice the resources and twice the support upon arriving at the hospital.
- How do you explain a Park Police pilot “bending the space-time continuum to make two trips to the hospital in less than the time it should have taken to make one?”

Much more.

Writes Scalise, “This book has been me trying to show you how many miracles had to happen for me to have this second chance and how many people played parts in those miracles. It’s me trying to explain just how much those prayers mattered, how powerfully I felt them… Some of those people were in the room that day, but thousands were not, were not able to hear how grateful I was, and how I feel, really, that I owe my life to them.”

It may sound corny. But Back in the Game is the true-life story of how a near-tragedy led to triumph and a rebirth of hope. Drenched in courage and resilience and gentle, self-deprecatory humor, Back in the Game is the kind of the book that makes you want to stand up and cheer. Pump both fists. Break out your happy dance. Belt out God Bless America. At the top of your lungs. On your tippy-toes.

This book is amazing, corn cob or no. I loved it! Read it start to finish in one day.

So if you’re looking for an inspiring, uplifting read to light up your summer (or any time), consider Back in the Game. It’s one of the most incredible and inspiring books I’ve read all year.

My Rating: 4.5
18 reviews
February 3, 2019
This is a great story of perseverance and teamwork, written with honesty and generosity towards those who helped save the Congressman's life. May God continue to bless our nations leaders and may God bless the United States of America.
Profile Image for Nolan.
3,716 reviews39 followers
May 7, 2023
I read this throughout a sleepless Saturday night, and I’ve rarely been more on the edge of the seat, so to speak, with a nonfiction book. This reads like a heart-rate-jacking thriller, but it’s all true.

On a mid-June day in 2017, a group of Republican congressmen gathered to practice some baseball in Alexandria, Virginia. They would take the field against the Democrats at Nationals Stadium soon, and Scalise, a Louisiana congressman, was on the field. Because he was Majority Whip in the House at that time, the capital police assigned him a security detail. It was with him that morning.

Rep. Brad Wenstrup, (R-Ohio) was on the field that day, too. When a gunman opened up on the Republican representatives, presumably hoping to kill as many as possible, the security detail helped save Scalise’s life. Rep. Wenstrup took crucial steps with his physician’s background to stop bleeding. He had seen a wound like the one Scalise received that day, and that specialized knowledge enabled him to be among those who saved Scalise’s life.

This book is a tribute to God, to Scalise’s wife, Jennifer, and to those who worked in extraordinary ways to save his life.

You’ll marvel, as I did, at the seeming consequences that combined to prevent Scalise from dying. His testimony of renewed invigorated faith will uplift you as he describes the events of that June day.

There were a couple of spots in the book where the authors flash back to an earlier time in Scalise’s career and life that felt like they interrupted the flow of the rest of the book, but they weren’t reasons to not read this. Interestingly, the gunman was an avid Bernie Sanders supporter.

This is a magnificent story well told of the indomitability of the human spirit and the unity that can still exist in polarized times when someone is essentially dead and recovers. I read the emotional sections on the author’s rehabilitation process and his eventual triumphant return to the floor of the House.

I particularly recommend the audiobook because Scalise narrates it. He does a good job of emphasizing those points he wants you to remember. I found this an inspiring uplifting book. If a Sunday afternoon nap is the cost for reading this most of the night, it will be well worth that price.
Profile Image for Scott.
314 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2025
I borrowed this from a friend and read it in four days while staying at their place. It was an easy read that was straight forward. In particular, I enjoyed learning about the specifics about the Congressional Baseball shooting since I lived and worked on the hill when it happened. We were all affected by it and followed his road to recovery. I even had hosted an event with Steve Scalise, Mika, and the interventional radiologists who saved their lives.

The book spent a lot of time on the reflections of Scalise and the trauma he went through. All of the things that happened were miraculous as he presents them, especially that Rep Wenstrup was there with his trauma experience and was able to prevent excessive hemorrhaging.

I struggled with the focus of the book though and how he accentuated the positive and the sacrifices made for him. It seemed a bit over the top and tedious at times, but as someone who doesn't focus on those things maybe my perspective is a bit off and maybe there's no other way to write about the incident? His faith and family play a major role in his life and in this book. His wife and he seem like a good people.

I appreciated that I learned a bit about Scalise and Lousiana. Next time I'm in the New Orleans area I now have a few restaurants to check out. It's a shame that his favorite Cajun restaurant in DC closed down.
Profile Image for LAMONT D.
1,148 reviews17 followers
March 21, 2020
TRULY INSPIRING AND A GREAT STORY TO BE TOLD AGAIN AND AGAIN. FAITH PLAYS A HUGE PART IN THE PROCESS OF HEALING AND RECOVERY FOR STEVE SCALISE. AND ALSO THE MANY, MANY PEOPLE THAT DID THEIR JOB AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL WITH GREAT SACRIFICE IN SOME CASES TO KEEP HIM ALIVE AND GET HIM BACK ON HIS FEET. THE STRUGGLES THAT HIS WIFE WENT THRU, THE AWKWARD MOMENTS AND ALL THE PAIN THAT HE WENT THRU, BUT IT IS A STORY OF THE DEDICATION OF HIS COLLEAGUES, THE MEDICAL STAFF, HIS STAFF AT THE CONGRESS AND HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT STAND OUT AS A TRIBUTE ALONG WITH BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE COMING TOGETHER IN A TRUE MOMENT OF UNITY.
Profile Image for Liz Sergent.
1,345 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2019
I've always admired this man and remembered when this happened. This book! Made me cry, shivers and admire Congressman Majority Whip Steve Scalise even more and all who responded running toward the gunman. His protection detail was outgunned and yet both being shot fought till help arrived and the medical staff who brought him back from the brink of death. Americans coming together to fight a bad guy and save another uniting rather than dividing.
Profile Image for Wendy Reeve.
16 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2019
I’m not typically a fan of nonfiction books but this one was quite an exception. It’s very much a non-partisan book with more emphasis on how both sides came together in a time of need. Not only is it inspirational it’s extraordinarily informational and talks about the specific skills of specific people in just the right place at just the right time. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
Profile Image for Deb.
122 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2019
I could not put this book down. From the moment chaos erupted on the baseball field I joined Congressman Scalise on his journey from victim to survivor. While about a politician this book is not, not, NOT political. Truly a good read. Thank you Congressman for sharing your story, and may God continue to bless you and your family!
Profile Image for Michael Denton.
23 reviews
November 28, 2018
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would because of how much time Scalise spends emphasizing and praising everyone who participated besides him. As such it becomes a story of a community response rather than one man’s fight, and the book is much richer for it
Profile Image for Tori Easter.
Author 5 books5 followers
December 19, 2018
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!
This book is so touching. I love the way Rep. Scalise doesn't just speak of his perspective. He details who was with him and the events that seemingly trained them for that moment.
Profile Image for Zach.
52 reviews
April 23, 2019
Incredible story that goes into great detail about not only the attack but also the recovery & triumph. The story will keep you captivated the entire time, however, the timeline of chapters jumping can be difficult to follow at points.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
539 reviews29 followers
February 6, 2020
“Sometimes you don’t realize just how precious time with someone you love is until you don’t have it anymore.”

What’s with these tearjerkers lately...albeit a happy ending! Thanks for sharing your miraculous story with us, Steve🇺🇸
Profile Image for Amanda Gautier.
41 reviews
February 14, 2020
This is such a great book! I had moments when I literally could not put it down. In one sitting I read more than half. I had moments when I was sitting on my seat and moments when I was choking back emotion. But all of the book was incredibly hard to put down.
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,994 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2021
This was a beautiful recount of an event, although tragic, was clear evidence of a God who loves us. I don't know what I was expecting but this was not it. I laughed and I cried. It really brought out the emotions.
Profile Image for Neva.
130 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2019
Once I started reading, I could not put it down. An amazing story of grit, determination, and the Hand of God working impossibilities.
Profile Image for Miriam.
8 reviews
January 28, 2019
A very good book about the story of Congressman Steve Scalise.

Very medically based.

Didn’t love the sequence of the chapters. I thought he changed topics at important parts of the story.
22 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2020
I read books in bed at night to help me go to sleep after 30 - 60 minutes of reading. If you do the same, don't read this book. I couldn't put the book down, and when I tried to put it down, I inevitably had to pick it up again to continue reading.
Profile Image for Jerry Karasinski.
16 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2023
Such a positive, powerful story. Truly the most inspiring book I’ve read. Praying for Steve as he now battles cancer.
1 review
December 25, 2018
I’m not crying. You’re crying.

This book is amazing. We were in Atlanta at the Rotary convention when we heard this on the news. I’m a nurse practitioner and had no clue just how near death Steve Scalise was until I read this book. I cried the last third of the book. If this amazing miraculous account doesn’t increase your faith, there’s something wrong with you. No matter what God you worship, you will see how He reveals Himself time and again. Thank you Honorable Steve Scalise and family for sharing this intimate part of your lives with us. #practicegreatfulness #scalisestrong
27 reviews
November 26, 2018
Amazing !

I got this book on kindle fire and once I got in the first several pages, I was unable to stop reading it! What this senator had to go through was extremely intense, painful, and very agonizing. We hear stories on the news about this kind of thing but few of us really get into the heart of its serious nature. No fluff or hype here! Just real honest heartfelt reading! You will not be sorry that you invested in it.
Profile Image for Stacey Harrell.
125 reviews6 followers
January 27, 2019
An Inspiring True Story

The inspiring true story of one man's struggle to come back from a near-fatal shooting, and the men and women who, by God's grace, were at the right place at the right time. An amazing story of courage, strength, faith, and heroism that everyone should read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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