Bouncing Back

by Brandon Carter

Ever feel like life is kicking you while you're down? That there's no light at the end of the tunnel, and you want to give up hoping?My inspirational story is about achieving success in baseball, undergoing life threatening brain surgery on a small, benign tumor the the last 9 years of my life. From learning to walk again, becoming a youth leader and youth coach in my church, getting a 4.0 GPA after a year in college, to becoming a Scoutmaster.Medical Professionals explained to me that my surgery would be smooth and all would go well. To my surprise, I woke up in the I.C.U. with tubes coming out of me, double vision, and had lost the ability to walk.This story is one of hope, and proves that anything is possible no matter who tells you that you can't do it!

158 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2018

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a relatively fast read that really lets you see simply into life and dealing with curve balls. It doesn't try to get as complex or complete as Option B and it isn't as polished a writing style but knowing Brandon in reality--it speaks with a very authentic voice. This makes it a very personal relating of working your way down one path, hitting a health concern that seems like "we can manage this" and then dealing with what happens when it doesn't turn out how everyone projected. More than this bouncing back isn't just about bouncing back from physical and mental challenges but bouncing back from spiritual challenges. The combination of the authors long term personal mindset to overcome any challenge together with a reawakening of faith creates a strong platform for success.

I believe that additionally the book has a strong value in illustrating that every individual we come across has a unique path to trod and a tremendous backstory that forms who they are. Often we are to quick to make snap judgements based on "exterior factors" rather than taking time to see and learn. Everyone has a story, Bouncing Back is a story of perseverance and recovery.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read many memoirs (or much non-fiction for that matter), but an old friend of mine was very touched by Brandon's story and sent me a copy of his book to read.

There's no denying that Brandon's story is inspirational. Coming back after being knocked down in the prime of your life by surgery and many life altering aftereffects due to a brain tumor isn't something that everyone has the willpower to do. Brandon's doctor told him he would never walk again, but he refused to believe that. He worked hard to regain his physical abilities, and he didn't stop there. He came back to the church of his youth after being estranged from it for years and found happiness and fulfillment in his callings and associations. He wanted to improve himself, so he went back to school and did very well.

Brandon shares that his speech was affected, but I didn't truly understand what he meant until I watched one of his videos online. Having watched that I think his accomplishments are even more impressive in this harsh world.

The support he received at the time of his diagnosis and through the surgery and years of recovery was very touching.

The story is told in a bit of an unorthodox manner, jumping back and forth throughout his life. He acknowledges that it might be confusing, and includes a timeline of events in one of the later chapters. While you don't get the polish out of this book that you would with a traditionally published story, it has a wonderful message and is worth the read.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Very rarely does a person open his heart and journal during a rough period and the transition it creates on your life. Brandon does just. His writing style is that of his personal journal. He shares what his life was like and then how his life completely changes from brain surgery from a tumor. He overcomes challenges and shares how his faith and believe in Jesus Christ helped him overcome discouragement and “bounce back” and embrace life again and allow people into his heart.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It gives encouragement and Brandon tries to display the empathy of overcoming challenges and turning to Jesus Christ to overcome life’s curve balls and letting people into our lives and hearts. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandon is a great guy and personal friend. This book is his personal account of hardship and diversity and is a fast read. I give it 5 stars because Brandon is so honest and transparent in sharing his struggles. The pain he experiences, particularly in the loss of his dreams, is articulated beautifully with raw emotion. Brandon is not as polished as some professional writers, and thus his memoir is very relatable. Keep moving forward Brandon.

[Thomas H. Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching story of faith and determination in overcoming adversity

Well written and personal. An easy and enjoyable book, I read it all in one sitting. I would recommend it to anyone who thinks his life is hard.