No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life

by Kyle Maynard

He was born a congenital amputee, his arms ending at his elbows and his legs at his knees. But that didn’t stop Kyle Maynard from becoming a champion, on the wrestling mat and in his life.

No Excuses is the inspiring story of Kyle’s battle against the odds. You’ll learn about the family who supported him, the coach who trained him, and the faith that strengthened him to face the toughest fights.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Biography, Autobiography, Self Help, Memoir, Read For School

243 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kyle was a guest at my college last month, and I'd borrowed "No Excuses" from a teacher to get a better idea of his achievements and philosophy on life.

I enjoyed Kyle's message -- while some challenges can be more easily achieved (and others less so), the key to success is finding what one is good at and can achieve. He also emphasizes the importance of teachers and coaches, as these individuals often have the unique chance to guide a student through a challenge.

However, Kyle is also focused on his participation in football and wrestling. Neither are my particular interests (though I enjoy watching football), so I skimmed most of the sections that dealt with technique and training. And, because these sports were very important to Kyle, this is a good deal of the book!

Kyle Maynard is definitely an inspirational person. While he does not have the "movie version" of success, he is successful. Despite losing wrestling matches, suffering injuries, and other setbacks Kyle possesses great determination and refuses to allow these challenges to prevent progress.

[Joshua Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a freshman read at Bluefield College in 2010. We hosted Kyle Maynard on our campus in the spring semester. The book is a great inspiration about making no excuses. Often it is easy to put excuses in the way of pushing through to accomplish our goals. Kyle demonstrates through his daily life, that you can always give up. However, pushing though can lead to a life that we maybe never even dreamed of. I would recommend this book to all.

[Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is biography about the remarkable young life of author Kyle Maynard's journey to succeed in life. Difference is unlike 90+ % of children born, Kyle was born as a congenital amputee with no arms or legs. His parents didn't pamper him but challenged him to try everything to adapt and overcome. During grade school he loved football and played on teams designed for his age group. Unable to run he did what was called a bear run. Basically, using what he had available. Coaches place him at nose guard due to his quickness off the ball. Coaches also did not modify drills or conditioning for him. He wasn't given a free pass. They challenged and he rose to their expectation. By his eight grade year kids were much taller and heavier and he determined football was no longer good for him. By that time he was in his third year of wrestling under Coach Cliff Ramos. With weight classes while opponents were taller the weight would be the same. One major realization was he loved to wrestle but he needed greater strength to compete. His father developed a program using straps and modified techniques that built muscles. Wrestling during the early years was based on growth and learning and a lot of losing. By high school became pretty good it. Winning and losing. Wrestled JV first two year and varsity last two. He tells about the struggles and the hard fought matches throughout. Senior going to states. Throughout, you come to understand with his deep faith in God and an understand that his journey is much greater than the observed disabilities that people see. I suggest this book to all athletes who walk away from a practice whining about how hard it was. Put yourself in his place and keep going. Coaches this would be a great summer reading book. Someone wrestling will enjoy it.

[Nita V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of how Kyle persevered despite being born with partial limbs. As an occupational therapist, it was really great to see how dedicated his parents were to helping him optimize his function and well-being in life. As an OT, I really liked how his parents and I believe it was his father said to stop just feeding him. Because they knew he needed to learn how to take care of himself and how to feed himself. Kyle is also Christian and was good to read a little bit about his faith.
There are a lot of details about his wrestling matches and victories . I personallu did not find the details of wrestling matches overly interesting but others would. When I finish this book, I was actually able to give it to the son of someone I knew because that person son was a wrestler in his high school and apparently he enjoyed the book! :-)
Definitely have to google Kyle Maynnard
and look at some of the great things he has done such as climbing one of the world's highest mountains! He is inspiring and how he has been able to live his life and do what he wants, despite the perceived limitations that others might have for him!

[Kalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun, short read. This is a truly inspiring book. Reading about Kyle's life has helped shift my perspective and understand what it means to live a no excuses life. Strangely, it has also made me more irritated with others excuses (as well as my own excuses). We need to own up to our actions. If we truly want something, we need to make it happen and not make excuses to justify why we haven't accomplished something.

[David Wingert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book you may find inspirational is the autobiography "No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life" by Kyle Maynard. He was born without complete arms or legs and became a high school wrestling champion. He's not the greatest writer, but he has a great story to tell.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kyle was born with shortened arms & legs. But he persevered in life with his passion for wrestling and living a normal life. Enjoyed learning about his story that makes me appreciate small, but essential things I take for granted - especially living normally with a healthy body. The story also shows the importance of a family’s influence and having a faith/purpose in life.

[Erin Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book with an empowering message, however the audiobook version wasn’t very easy to follow. The narrator on the audible form of the book was very hard to listen to, and I could have probably read the physical book much faster since I had to stop several times due to the monotone issues.

[Lietke · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is about what you would expect from a 19 year old. Inspiration abundant in his story, but it turns a little redundant and one-note.

"Never Give Up" "No Excuses"

One of the most interesting things was him giving his all and still mentioning things where he did in fact quit, such as football.

[Georgi Valev · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has an incredible message behind the plain language of describing everyday struggles of a person born with congenital disability. Quick and motivating read for everyone who keeps finding reasons of why they didn't finish their tasks.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve interviewed Kyle twice over the years, and he was one of the most genuine, relatable, unpretentious and kind humans I’ve ever spoken with. This book would be perfect for teens, or really anyone who needs a boost in mental outlook.

[Michael Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty amazing story

[Cherrie Deavers · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Excuses is a book written by someone who could use legitimate excuses and doesn’t. We could all take a page from Kyle Maynard about the right way to handle life. A very good and fast read.

[Jilles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring story!

[Amal Djibo]

I really enjoyed this book I definitely recommend to anyone of any age!

[Leslienorvell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great message and inspiring story. Very simple read and Christian based. Good book for young teens but a little simple for adults.

[Fairport Public Library]

January 2008

Recommended by Kristin G

[Jim Archambeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book on the only limit on life is your mindset. Empowering story.

[Brad L. · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read about an inspiring, no quit athlete.

[Megan Polmear · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[El Guapo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational.
Unique.

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quite inspiring. It makes you think twice about feeling sorry for yourself. It's incredible what he was able to do. Would recommend!

[Hannah Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational book that, although not written at an especially complex level, shares a motivational story. Kyle Maynard acknowledges the challenges he faces in everyday life, but he does so in a way that doesn't make the reader feel sorry for him. He's an impressive individual who has adapted and conquered the challenges that life has thrown at him.

[Rhodkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you think it takes to be a world class athlete? Strong arms and legs? Well, I am here to tell you that you don't even need arms or legs, just a "never give up" attitude. In the book, No Excuses, by Kyle Maynard you learn how his disability called Quadramembral Phocomelia, which causes extremely limited growth of the extremities, was not something that limited him. Kyle looks like a normal person but he is missing his legs, from the knee down, and his arms, from the elbow down. His disability just made him want to work that much harder at achieving his goals. He also wanted to do it to show that he could perform like an able-bodied person. Kyle is still able to run, he just does it on his arms and legs; nevertheless he is able to keep up with others. And he can still do everything that a regular person can do, he just had to find alternative ways to do everyday activities. He drives, he eats and types like a normal person just with modifications to accommodate his disability. From a young age, Kyle learned to adapt and overcome the challenges that were placed in front of him in life and sports. Kyle had to overcome obstacles from the day he was born, and he had to learn to do everything differently for instance: eat, walk, and write. To eat, Kyle uses regular utensils but he balances them on his arm. To walk, he had to learn to balance on his legs and eventually learn to run on his arms and legs. To write, he had to learn to hold a pencil between his two arms. But because of his attitude and perseverance these posed as only a minor roadblocks in his goal of success. From a young age Kyle wanted to participate in sports, but due to his condition his parents were uneasy about signing their child up for athletics. They were afraid that Kyle could get hurt and because of an injury his condition would be worsened. For instance he wanted to participate in wrestling and having no arms or legs meant that he could not grab his able-bodied opponent. However because of his coach wanting Kyle to succeed, they worked out moves that Kyle could perform with other parts of his body. Because Kyle had a disability he had to learn to play sports differently and this did not phase him at all. He was so determined that he could be the best at any sport he, "wanted to strip his opponent of his confidence," he also wanted his opponent to feel like, "…he was the one who had the odds stacked against him." He overcame all of these challenges and became and amazing wrestler, and in the process came up with a few new wrestling moves. Through these challenges that Kyle faced you see how anything is possible, if you are willing to put in all the time and effort that is required to achieve that goal. Kyle did this and more, he surpassed what he thought he could do and ended up a world class athlete and person. Through his determination and his "no excuses" attitude Kyle became a champion in every aspect of life. Every piece of this book was phenomenal, and the way Kyle depicts all the scenes make the reader feel like they are watching a movie. You can see and hear everything he is talking about. After completing this book the word, inspirational, will come to your head, and every time you hear that word you will be reminded of Kyle Maynard and of this amazing journey.

[Chase Earhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, when you have nothing to do, and no inspiration, just thank God that it is Christmas time, so your Aunt can send you an amazing and inspirational book like this one. This book is very interesting, and has inspired me, and many others around the world to work harder, and do our best, no matter what happens. This book takes you on a journey through the amazing life of Kyle Maynard. He is the narrator if this amazing story. He takes us through each stage of his life, and how he overcomes pretty much every obstacle, and task that he faces, while having no arms, or legs.
As a child, he played games with other kids in his neighborhood, such as, street hockey, video games, football, and many other fun childhood games. That is very inspiring, because if a young boy can play all of these fun games, and sports, then there is no reason that you can’t play these games, and sports. I really like that his friends, and everyone around treats him like a normal kid. Really, he is normal, just specially made by God.
Some people feel uncomfortable when they are around him, so he gives them a smile to tell them that it is okay. That is very nice of him to do, instead of thinking that they are rude jerks. His grandma did everything with him, she was like a second mother to him, that is why they bonded so well together. If there was anyone that could make him feel better, or make him feel more comfortable around people, or any situation, it was his loving grandma.
As a teenager, Kyle played sports, mainly football, and wrestling, which he was very good, considering that he had no arms, or legs. In fact, he was pretty much better than most of the other teenagers that played against him. He also loved to play with his sisters, they were always there for him, they use to play ball, and give piggyback rides, it was fun for them. Kyle had won lots of medals in his school life, and continues to win medals to this day. Kyle even drives his very own truck, on his own.
If you’re like me, and love inspirational books, such as this one, I would definitely recommend this book to you. I give it five stars, such a great book to read.

[Holli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyle Maynard author of the book No Excuses is a story about a young boys struggle to fit in with school and society as a congenital amputee. When he was born he was born with his arms ending at his elbows and his legs ending at his knees. He had to learn how to overcome now daily challenges for him but not as a person that would be called “normal”. Also it tells of how is parents dealt with their sons conditions and why they always told him “no excuses”. It tells of a young man’s strength and how he earned his way into football team as a hardnosed defensive lineman. To then becoming a state wrestling champion. Who then faced a new barrier in life with is success from the federal government which prevented him from a future NCAA wrestling career.
While reading this book the young boy who struggled was himself. He was the congenital amputee who became an inspiring man today. The author authors point in this book was to tell someone that nothing is impossible to have “no excuses” that if you want something that much work for it and put you time and energy into it. As a personal opinion this book was an amazing book. The authored managed to fit every emotion he had into words so that you as a reader could feel them too. The way that he described everything that was happening to him you could imagine it you could almost feel the amount of pain he was going through and the excitement. Over all I would recommend this book to someone. It’s an inspiring book and anyone who likes books like that should most defiantly read this book.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Excuses
Kyle Maynard’s No Excuse is an autobiography about his life growing up with arms that end at the elbow and legs that end at the knee. It’s a disease that very few people called congenital amputation. He always did everything that the other kids in the neighborhood did and his dad modified toys to allow him to have as normal as a life as possible. Kyle was almost never complaining about his disease. When he first join football-his first sport- he was smaller than everybody but his coach and father helped him make it easier for him. Then he joined wrestling. His coach would give him one on one practice to help him find a style that worked for him. Even though he didn’t win a match for his first two years he never made any excuses.
The book is a very easy read but is very inspiring. He tells his story how he sees it all go down. Always going into detail on why it was a challenge and how he beat it. Over the course of this book you will find that as he grows up he continues to be thankful for what he has and to become a better citizen and team mate that helps other and not just himself. At the end he tells all his accomplishments and records he set and the major things he learned during his journey. This book is good for anybody who participates in sports of any kind or needs inspiration.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Excuses
Kyle Maynard’s No Excuse is an autobiography about his life growing up with arms that end at the elbow and legs that end at the knee. It’s a disease that very few people called congenital amputation. He always did everything that the other kids in the neighborhood did and his dad modified toys to allow him to have as normal as a life as possible. Kyle was almost never complaining about his disease. When he first join football-his first sport- he was smaller than everybody but his coach and father helped him make it easier for him. Then he joined wrestling. His coach would give him one on one practice to help him find a style that worked for him. Even though he didn’t win a match for his first two years he never made any excuses.
The book is a very easy read but is very inspiring. He tells his story how he sees it all go down. Always going into detail on why it was a challenge and how he beat it. Over the course of this book you will find that as he grows up he continues to be thankful for what he has and to become a better citizen and team mate that helps other and not just himself. At the end he tells all his accomplishments and records he set and the major things he learned during his journey. This book is good for anybody who participates in sports of any kind or needs inspiration.

[Jonathan Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book "No Excuses" there was a wrestler named Kyle Maynard, he was born with a condition known as congenital amputation. He has arms that end at the elbows and legs that ends at the knees. Since the age of 11 he has had a passion for wrestling. The story is about him and how he overcomes his problem and differences from normal people to wrestle. He grew up as an athlete. He played youth football and then turned his high school career into mainly wrestling. He was scared at first to do wrestling because everyone looked at him different, everyone thought he was doing it to make a point, he did it because he loved it. He was a competitor he was fierce as a tiger when it came to matches one on one. That is why he got a tattoo of a tiger on his right shoulder. He wrote a biography to show that anyone can overcome anything if they set their mind to it. He said wrestling helped him overcome and fight through many obstacles in his life. Anytime he had a problem he pushed through it without much trouble. He went on to place 12th in the 103 pound weight class in high school. Maynard also began weight training, and was awarded the title of GNC’s World’s Strongest Teen by bench pressing 23 repetitions of 240 lbs. The same year, he received the ESPN Espy Award for Best Athlete with A Disability in 2004. He pretty much proved to people anything can be done, they're no excuses.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about Kyle from a co-worker who was familiar with his story. In the past year, I also started going to a Crossfit gym and Kyle is a part of the national Crossfit community, so his name surfaced there and I became interested in reading his book. While there is a lot of specific detail related to wrestling in the book, the overall message is positive and worth reading. Kyle does his best to explain the situations and matches to those of us who are not familiar with the sport of wrestling, but I found myself getting bored when reading the details of his matches. As someone not familiar with the sport, I found it hard to visualize what he was writing about.

The remaining details in the book - about the rest of his life - I found fascinating. I had chills and was almost in tears when I read how his parents were treated by the doctors and hospital staff just after his mother delivered him in the hospital.

If you are looking for an inspirational story, this book is for you. Kyle is incredibly passionate and is able to find the positive in any situation. He is an incredible athlete. I would love to meet him in person one day.