What do you think?
Rate this book
I Choose to Be Happy: A School Shooting Survivor's Triumph Over Tragedy
ABC News journalist Diane Sawyer summarizes this book perfectly in one sentence: "Missy breaks your heart, puts it back together again, and makes you a believer - in forgiveness, faith, and how the strength of one girl can change the world."
Missy Jenkins Smith was one of eight students in a prayer group randomly shot by 14-year-old Michael Carneal on Dec. 1, 1997, in the lobby of Heath High School in Paducah, Kentucky. Three girls were killed. Missy, a 15-year-old sophomore at the time, was paralyzed from the chest down. But Missy didn't see her disability as an end. Just hours after the tragedy, she forgave Carneal and took back her life. Over the subsequent 15 years, with no malice and a focus on her physical and mental rehabilitation, Missy would graduate from Heath, earn a bachelor's degree in social work from Murray State University, become a counselor for troubled youth at a day treatment center, get married and give birth to two healthy sons. Missy, now 32, has received numerous honors over the years for her determination and courage, including being named "Kentuckian of the Year" and one of Ladies' Home Journal's "Most Fascinating Women."
Missy Jenkins Smith was one of eight students in a prayer group randomly shot by 14-year-old Michael Carneal on Dec. 1, 1997, in the lobby of Heath High School in Paducah, Kentucky. Three girls were killed. Missy, a 15-year-old sophomore at the time, was paralyzed from the chest down. But Missy didn't see her disability as an end. Just hours after the tragedy, she forgave Carneal and took back her life. Over the subsequent 15 years, with no malice and a focus on her physical and mental rehabilitation, Missy would graduate from Heath, earn a bachelor's degree in social work from Murray State University, become a counselor for troubled youth at a day treatment center, get married and give birth to two healthy sons. Missy, now 32, has received numerous honors over the years for her determination and courage, including being named "Kentuckian of the Year" and one of Ladies' Home Journal's "Most Fascinating Women."
298 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2008
3 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 19, 2025
I actually know the woman in real life, and she is pretty great! It was really interesting to learn about what has gotten her to this point, and some of her insights were meaningful to how I look at things in life, particularly when I think things are weighing down on me and I think the world is against me. I liked the story of growth and adaptation, and the fact that someone can come back if they have enough determination and faith (in yourself, those you love, and God) leaves readers, too, hopeful for the future.
November 13, 2012
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
Missy Jenkins gets right to the heart of the matter...her life after being shot on December 1, 1997.
School shootings are occurring with more frequency rather than less as time goes by. But in 1997, Columbine hadn't happened yet. Virginia Tech hadn't happened yet. The only significant school shooting was at Pearl High School on October 1, 1997. Only two months after that date, Heath High School would be in the media forefront.
Missy Jenkins was one of a handful of students who were meeting in the high school lobby for a prayer circle prior to the start of classes that day. Michael Carneal walked into that lobby with a duffel bag full of ammunition and guns that he stole from a friend's house. He randomly started firing at the students in the lobby.
As the story is told, the reader is made aware that Missy feels lucky and thankful that she survived the shooting. Three young girls were killed, and Missy was the most injured of those that survived...she was paralyzed from the chest down.
I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY is Missy's story after the shooting. It shares her amazing ability to forgive Michael and move on with her life. She recounts her struggles to overcome her disability and be the best person she can be in spite of it. She has complete faith in God and His plan for her following the shooting. Unsure of what she wanted to do prior to the shooting, Missy has a clear-cut plan to guide her after December 1. She is determined to be a counselor for troubled youth in hopes of preventing others to take actions such as Michael was compelled to take.
A straightforward account of her life after December 1, 1997, I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY is a hopeful, encouraging novel of triumph over tragedy. Missy's courage and determination shine through on every page. Even those unfamiliar with the event will praise Missy's positive outlook on life. The world would be a much better place if everyone had the same view of things.
Missy Jenkins gets right to the heart of the matter...her life after being shot on December 1, 1997.
School shootings are occurring with more frequency rather than less as time goes by. But in 1997, Columbine hadn't happened yet. Virginia Tech hadn't happened yet. The only significant school shooting was at Pearl High School on October 1, 1997. Only two months after that date, Heath High School would be in the media forefront.
Missy Jenkins was one of a handful of students who were meeting in the high school lobby for a prayer circle prior to the start of classes that day. Michael Carneal walked into that lobby with a duffel bag full of ammunition and guns that he stole from a friend's house. He randomly started firing at the students in the lobby.
As the story is told, the reader is made aware that Missy feels lucky and thankful that she survived the shooting. Three young girls were killed, and Missy was the most injured of those that survived...she was paralyzed from the chest down.
I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY is Missy's story after the shooting. It shares her amazing ability to forgive Michael and move on with her life. She recounts her struggles to overcome her disability and be the best person she can be in spite of it. She has complete faith in God and His plan for her following the shooting. Unsure of what she wanted to do prior to the shooting, Missy has a clear-cut plan to guide her after December 1. She is determined to be a counselor for troubled youth in hopes of preventing others to take actions such as Michael was compelled to take.
A straightforward account of her life after December 1, 1997, I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY is a hopeful, encouraging novel of triumph over tragedy. Missy's courage and determination shine through on every page. Even those unfamiliar with the event will praise Missy's positive outlook on life. The world would be a much better place if everyone had the same view of things.
September 12, 2013
I met her at a "Local Authors" program at the library. She lives every minute of every day with the consequences of the actions of one immature and misguided young man, and she has flourished in spite of it and continues to do much good. An uplifting story of her physical, mental and spiritual recovery from a horrific experience.
December 21, 2008
Thank you to Missy for sharing her story about her experience that tragic day our sophomore year at Heath High School....and her challenges and triumphs after becoming wheelchair-bound. She is truly an AMAZING human being. I recommend this book to everyone!
January 3, 2014
Read this book because I went to college with Bill Croyle and I normally don't read books like this but it was well written and it's amazing what people can go through and come out on the other side still smiling. Great job Bill!
December 28, 2008
The narrative wanders a bit at times, but mostly a very interesting account of the school shootings in Paducah, Kentucky, and the inspirational story of how this survivor overcomes such tragedy.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews