WHOLE: A Leg Up On Life

by Kendra Herber

Imagine having to make the choice to cut off your daughter’s foot. That is the decision Kendra Herber’s parents were faced with when she was born with a malformed foot. After years of indecision, the family agreed that amputation was the best option when they received what was thought to be divine intervention. A Leg Up On Life provides a window into the struggles that life-long amputees often endure. Kendra’s bountiful accomplishments are paired perfectly against the physical and emotional turmoil that she had to combat. The vulnerability and honesty of Kendra’s story can be felt in every page. She extinguishes common stereotypes and challenges readers to start seeing beyond outward appearances. This inspirational memoir poignantly speaks of the inner strength, beauty, and courage that people with any type of limitation can possess.

218 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2020

About the author

Imagine having to make the choice to cut off your daughter’s foot. That is the decision Kendra Herber’s parents were faced with when she was born with a malformed foot. After years of indecision, the family agreed that amputation was the best option when they received what was thought to be divine intervention. WHOLE: A Leg Up On Life provides a window into the struggles that life-long amputees often endure. Kendra’s bountiful accomplishments are paired perfectly against the physical and emotional turmoil that she had to combat. The vulnerability and honesty of Kendra’s story can be felt in every page. She extinguishes common stereotypes and challenges readers to start seeing beyond outward appearances. This inspirational memoir poignantly speaks of the inner strength, beauty, and courage that people with any type of limitation can possess.

Reviews

[Patty Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and brutally honest

I am very impressed with the talent and determination the author has. She shared her thoughts and feelings, the good the bad and the not as pretty. Herber is an inspiration to all. Highly recommend this book.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. I love this book.
Kendra is a very determined woman. She wouldn’t let anything stand in her way if she wanted to accomplish something. A lot of good information in this book for amputees and also great insight into life for everyone who may read this book. Thank you so much for writing this book and sharing your story. You have definitely made an impact on my life through your inspiring words.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully candid and inspiring read! Kendra has a unique story that will touch amputees and non-amputees alike.

[Bethany Camille James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A needed story of courage

The snippet before the first chapter was so uplifting. Overall, I loved every word. I love words don't have to define our journey, latitude, and longitude.

[Roger Sigmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was browsing through a social media group page for authors one day and stumbled across a post from an indie author expressing her excitement over selling a few more copies of her book. Indie writers do no have the luxury of marketing/promotion teams, so every sale is a big deal. I read her post and congratulated her on the new success, and noticed she had not included a link to her book in her post. I commented that she should add the link and possibly that would allow for a few more sales. After she added the link I decided to click on it and take a look at what she had written. As a self published author myself, I realize how important every sale and all forms of promotion can be. I was intrigued by the cover and description of the story. I decided to order a copy and read her story. Boy, I am glad I did!
This young lady does a fantastic job relating her story. This does not read like an indie author's work, everything was very professional and comparable to any "professional" writer. He story is very interesting and inspiring as well. Never once does she play on the reader's sympathy, instead she encourages others to see our differences and embrace those. The author shares her story in an effort to help others realize that being "different" is not a hindrance, but an opportunity. The reader will come away from this book not only admiring Mrs. Herber's attitude and success, but inspired to also make the most of their circumstances and use those to make a difference.
Reading this book was the push I have needed to move forward with a planned book series showing how God has used tragedy, bad decisions, trauma, etc. to inspire others. Kendra's story is similar, showing how she used her faith and determination to turn what many see as a disability into an asset. We don't choose how we are born, but we can choose how we live our lives based on what we were born with or without. If you are looking for a poor pitiful me book, this is not for you. If you are searching for an uplifting story, one of fierce determination, and a why not attitude, then this is your book! I hope she continues her writing, would love to read more from her.

[Lori Yerxa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whole: A Leg Up On Life, by Kendra Herber, chronicles her journey from being born with a birth defect, and ultimately having her foot amputated.

Herber shares an almost step-by-step process of growing up with a prosthetic foot. Her detail in telling the story is very educational as she goes through doctor visits, prosthesis fittings, school, athletics and motherhood. She weaves in funny moments, embarrassing moments and her greatest victories. She enlightens the reader about what it takes to be successful and fit in, while being different, and how that made her who she is today.

This story is for anyone who struggles with being or feeling different, and for the support system around the struggling loved one. Buy this book as a resource for wisdom and inspiration.

[Isaiah Holbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kendra Herber’s WHOLE: A Leg Up On Life details her life as an amputee and all the challenges and obstacles she’s faced. This is not only a memoir about the trials that come with living in an able bodied world; it is also about overcoming adversity and celebrity one’s resilience.

I really enjoyed this book and the abundance of memories that Herber recalls from her childhood all the way to her current adult life. I also love how she inserts humor into the narrative and how she emphasizes the joyous moments in her life that helped her get through the tough times.

Mrs. Herber was my former high school English teacher (and now really good friend) so it was nice to read her story and know more about her on a personal level.

I think fans of Parenthood and This is Us would really love this book as it also speaks on the importance of family and community.

I’m so happy that Herber was able to tell her story and put it out into the world as I think it will benefit a lot of readers!

[Virginia Alice Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendra’s story was a joy to read. Determined is the word that comes to mind when I think of Kendra and her desire to be accepted as an amputee and as a whole person. She brought so much down-to-earth feeling to her book, with her honesty and openness of what it’s like not to be like everyone else. I admired how she was always striving to be treated as an equal, going above and beyond not just in her competitiveness in sports but also in her upbeat attitude in general. I believe her book will go a long way in helping other amputees not feel so alone in their own journey, as well as helping those without the struggles of a missing limb to be more compassionate and empathetic.

[Karen Furlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book & feel that I learned a lot from reading it. It was very well written. I do not know Kendra personally but she is a year ahead of my son & went to the same elementary school, high school, & community swimming pool. I remember being in awe of her when she was maybe 5 or 6 years old, taking off her prosthesis to get into the pool. Such a cute, energetic, confident little girl.

[Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. herber has been very inspirational to me. From day one in her classroom we are taught to embrace our differences. This story shows how anyone can overcome anything. It has changed my perspective on amputees in a very positive way. I'm very proud of her and I really enjoyed her book and I would definitely recommend it. Thank you so much Mrs. Herber:)

[Mark]

Insightful and heart-warming

Uplifting and inspiring! I am blessed to work with Kendra. She has a heart of gold and is loved by everyone! SB

[Candace Lamb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tells a very personal story of someone giving their all through this hard life. Very honest and true, I’m sure people with any sort of disability will be able to connect to the personal struggle and strife. Loved it.