Hope Is a Verb: My Journey of Impossible Transformation

by Amy Downs

The incredible journey of a 355-pound college dropout who survived a bomb and then became a CEO and Ironman triathlete . When a bomb imploded her building on April 19, 1995, Amy fell three stories and was buried alive for over six hours. In the aftermath of her trauma and loss, Amy enacted the power of hope to transform from victim to champion in her work, education, health, spirit, and love.
Amy's open, vulnerable, and seemingly impossible journey reveals the raw power of authentic hope. No matter how heavy our burdens may weigh - from our careers, health, addictions, insecurities, trauma, or loss - Amy reminds us that hope is a verb we can enact today to transform our lives into the future of our dreams.

186 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2020

Reviews

[Paige Matacchiera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a free copy of this book from our local local bookstore; they were giving out copies because the story recounts the life of a woman who was rescued during the Oklahoma City Bombing and it was the anniversary of the bombing. Truth be told, even after living in Oklahoma for 7 years, I didn’t know much. What I expected to be a simply informative story about what happened that day spoke directly to the culture and growth of Oklahoma City and the ability for our community to hope and create endless success and possibility. Beautiful and well told. Thank you, Amy.

[Nancy Fraire-Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to write a clever review. However, I think I’ll just say, if you lived through the OKC bombing you need to read this book. It’ll touch you on a different level. On top of an amazing story of transformation.

[Vicki Fierschnaller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a friend at my retirement party. She encouraged me to read it and pass it along to others to read. I found it an uplifting book. The definition of hope resonates and encourages you to apply it to your own life.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so inspired by Amy's story and her teaching on hope. This is one of those remarkable stories that makes me feel I will never be the same because of it's telling. Thank you, Amy, for telling your story and allowing the hope of your story to radiate into the world.

[Molly Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, I cried, I laughed and I grew...couldn’t put it down!

[Melanie Glinsmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Downs was one of the last survivors pulled from the rubble of the Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City following the April 19, 1995 bombing. At the time, she had been a college dropout and struggled with physical health. Instead of falling into the role of victim, she used her rescue as a defining moment to reshape her future. She found a hope from a moment of unspeakable tragedy.

For those who lived in the Oklahoma City area at that time, this story is bittersweet. I was a senior in high school then and lived next door to one of the women Downs speaks of - Kathy Finley. Reading about Downs’ experiences at the moment of the bombing was difficult. But Kathy’s memory, along with all the other victims, lives on throughout the city’s resurgence Downs speaks about. The city, like Downs herself, embraced the opportunity to focus on hope and community.

(Disclaimer: The book was written by a ghostwriter. However, the ghostwriter was Downs’ nephew who grew up seeing her transformation. The book was based on countless interviews and approved by Downs.)

[Rachel Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attended a virtual credit union conference in the fall of 2020. Amy was the guest speaker, and I was so drawn in by her story. At the end of her speech, she mentioned her book. I knew I had to read it.

Hope is a Verb is the most inspiring book I’ve ever read. Amy’s story resonates with me as a woman in the credit union industry, but I think it could resonate with anyone. You are such an inspiration, Amy! Thank you for sharing your story.

[Dani Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Amy when she came to speak at our women’s group, just before the 30th anniversary of the OKC bombing. Her story was beyond inspirational and I wanted to know more. From surviving a catastrophe to transforming her life completely, losing weight and going back to college, and becoming an Ironman… I didn’t want to stop listening. Hope IS a verb!

[Annie Oortman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chances don’t come around often, and even fewer people truly seize them. Amy Downs is one of those exceptional individuals. In “Hope is a Verb,” she shares her remarkable 25-year journey from surviving the Oklahoma City Bombing to becoming a credit-union CEO and finishing an Ironman triathlon. While trapped under the rubble for over six hours, she made a promise to God: if He let her live, she would improve her life in honor of Him and the lives lost in that tragic explosion. I found her candid vulnerability both refreshing and relatable. Definitely worth the read.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A ghostwriter? I like some parts, however, there were times I felt the author was giving herself more credit than she deserves. Sounded a bit arrogant and cocky.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 - Amy Downs is a powerful speaker, and her book adds more depth to her story; thoughtful, blunt, woven together well

[Ali Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it now! Incredibly humbling and inspiring.

[Rachel Fein · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring tale of tragedy and failure turned into hope and success. A must read for anyone depressed, anxious or just in need of a little inspiration.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woof- this hit close to home

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard Amy’s story on the What Was That Like podcast where she was interviewed by Scott Johnson. I decided to listen to the book. Her story is so inspiring and incredible. Hope is contagious.

[Jacquelyn]

Meeting Amy and going through her workshop on goal setting and then reading the book was inspiring! So many things happen in life and we can choose how to react.