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Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back
Josh Hamilton was the first player chosen in the first round of the 1999 baseball draft. He was destined to be one of those rare "high-character " superstars. But in 2001, working his way from the minors to the majors, all of the plans for Josh went off the rails in a moment of weakness. What followed was a 4-year nightmare of drugs and alcohol, estrangement from friends and family, and his eventual suspension from baseball. BEYOND BELIEF details the events that led up to the derailment. Josh explains how a young man destined for fame and wealth could allow his life to be taken over by drugs and alcohol. But it is also the memoir of a spiritual journey that breaks through pain and heartbreak and leads to the rebirth of his major-league career.Josh Hamilton makes no excuses and places no blame on anyone other than himself. He takes responsibility for his poor decisions and believes his story can help millions who battle the same demons. "I have been given a platform to tell my story" he says. "I pray every night I am a good messenger."
Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2008
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About the author
Josh Hamilton
27 books16 followersJosh Hamilton is an All-Star outfielder for the Texas Rangers. A native of Raleigh, N.C., he lives in Apex, N.C., with his wife, Katie, and their three daughters. "
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
July 15, 2009
This book is AWESOME. I guess because it mirrors my life in every aspect EXCEPT baseball, I never played past litttle league. But the drugs and the pain this guy went through I can TOTALLY relate to. And at the end when he is forced to go back home b/c his wife wont let him in and he has no where else to turn, and there he finds God again, thats some REAL stuff right there.
I had a little opiate addiction for a while after spinal injury and surgeries, I decided I liked the pain meds a little too much. It was tough, but I kicked it.
It's just great to read a book like this, it reminds me of why I kicked the habit and just how much it means to be free from that addiction, thus the five stars.
And the guy is an amazing MLB player now and a pretty darn good writer as well.
I had a little opiate addiction for a while after spinal injury and surgeries, I decided I liked the pain meds a little too much. It was tough, but I kicked it.
It's just great to read a book like this, it reminds me of why I kicked the habit and just how much it means to be free from that addiction, thus the five stars.
And the guy is an amazing MLB player now and a pretty darn good writer as well.
October 29, 2011
I absolutely ADORE the Texas Rangers and Josh Hamilton has been my favorite player now for two years. Up until 6 months or so ago, I had no idea Josh Hamilton was a recovering addict/alcoholic I only knew he was an openly Christian man who gave God all the glory. I remember being at my very first Rangers game. I was wearing a Texas Rangers shirt with HAMILTON across the back...I didn't even know who the guy was really, just that he was a Texas Rangers ballplayer. During that game with each 'at bat' the player up next has his favorite music (chosen by each player) played over the loud speakers. As a Christian myself and one who listens to Christian music, I recognized Josh's song as one that was played often on my Christian radio station at home and my interest in this ballplayer peaked. I wanted to find out all I could about this humble player who was giving God and Jesus Christ so much glory. Once I heard bits and pieces of his shady past I was even more intrigued, and thus purchased the Kindle Edition of Beyond Belief. What an amazing and candid sharing of his rise to glory and the tragedy of his fall to the pits of hell. This true man of God is right where he needs to be and this book inspired me. I cried, laughed and glorified in God's awesome mercy and grace AND in the power of Jesus Christ and how HE can change lives. Thank you Josh Hamilton and Tim Keown for writing this book. I loved it!!!
March 7, 2013
Beyond Belief is an autobiography about Josh Hamilton’s life and career as a baseball player. The book begins by describing his talents as a baseball player at a young age. His purpose is letting readers know that they can still achieve their dreams and goals even after they have struggled with problems like drug addictions. In the book, Hamilton talks about his talents, his pain, his struggle to get back in peak shape, and how he has finally turned his life around.
The book’s theme is that a person can overcome big problems and obstacles once they make up their mind to do it. In the book, he states that he made a decision early in his recovery that he could not rehabilitate his soul without being completely honest with himself. Hamilton is trying to tell readers that through the support of his family and belief in God, he was able to overcome his problems.
The book is written in first person and was very effective because it tells the reader his real story through his thoughts, memories and actions. He tells readers about the first time he used cocaine after he went to a strip club with a couple guys he had met at the tattoo shop. He said that “the experience was exciting, exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time.” Readers know exactly how he felt throughout his life from reading this book.
I really liked this book because I have had struggles in my life, and I have came back from them to do what I needed to do. I can relate to Josh Hamilton because I’m also a baseball player. I did not like that he left the rehabilitation center after being there only eight days when he was supposed to be there for thirty, but this could not be changed because that is what really happened. I liked how he went on to achieve his dream of playing major league baseball and stopped using drugs.
The book’s theme is that a person can overcome big problems and obstacles once they make up their mind to do it. In the book, he states that he made a decision early in his recovery that he could not rehabilitate his soul without being completely honest with himself. Hamilton is trying to tell readers that through the support of his family and belief in God, he was able to overcome his problems.
The book is written in first person and was very effective because it tells the reader his real story through his thoughts, memories and actions. He tells readers about the first time he used cocaine after he went to a strip club with a couple guys he had met at the tattoo shop. He said that “the experience was exciting, exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time.” Readers know exactly how he felt throughout his life from reading this book.
I really liked this book because I have had struggles in my life, and I have came back from them to do what I needed to do. I can relate to Josh Hamilton because I’m also a baseball player. I did not like that he left the rehabilitation center after being there only eight days when he was supposed to be there for thirty, but this could not be changed because that is what really happened. I liked how he went on to achieve his dream of playing major league baseball and stopped using drugs.
January 8, 2009
Fantastic book! Inspiring story. As a Christian myself, I am inspired by Josh's unashamed stand for Jesus and his willingness to use the platform he's been given to spread the gospel. I am a huge baseball fan, but this is a good read for anyone!
December 7, 2012
This book was incredible, and set a record for longest book i read in shortest amount of time (there probably is a record for that). I could not put it down, even when I was at my cousin's house for a sleepover. If you like baseball, this is a must-read book.
January 11, 2013
Beyond Belief by Josh Hamilton is an inspiring story about a once drug addict, Josh Hamilton, overcoming addiction and becoming one of baseball’s elites. Josh was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, and quickly became a baseball star. Growing up, Josh knew what he was going to be when he was older; a baseball player. Scouts were looking at Josh as early as the 7th grade, when he was throwing 80 mph, and hitting 300 foot homeruns. In 1999, the Tampa Bay Rays selected the teen sensation with the first overall pick of the draft. Josh received a record 4 million dollar signing bonus, at age 17. Josh was assigned to the Ray’s AA team, but after a few years, he was told he would be in the big show. Josh’s parents quit their jobs and went to every one of Josh’s game, and sometimes he even stayed with them in their rental house. For 17 years, Josh had never left his parents side. In August of 2000, an injury cost Josh’s season, which was followed by a motorcycle accident only six months later. Shortly after he came back from the motorcycle accident, a back injury cost Josh his 2002 season, then again in 2003. Already, Josh had missed 236 games in just 3 years. Away from baseball, and soon after that, unsupervised and away from his parents, Josh found himself hanging with the wrong crowd. He spent all of his time at a local tattoo parlor, and covered his whole body with ink. This lead to a drug and alcohol addiction that temporarily ruined Josh’s career. Drug test after drug test, Josh failed. In 2004, after failing multiple tests, Josh was suspended for the whole 2004 season. In 2006, Josh found himself at the steps of his Grandmother Mary Holt’s house. At the time, Josh weighed 180 pounds, 60 pounds lighter than normal, he truly looked like an addict. Holt took him in, and in a matter of weeks, Josh was back on his feet. He converted most of his energy to religion. He went under the guide of his god, and to this day he is still a religious person. After about six months, Josh was back working on his game and completely sober. In 2007, we was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, and finally made his long awaited Major League debut. After a successful rookie season, Josh was shipped to the Texas Rangers, and flourished. He dazzled at the 2008 Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium, hitting a record 28 home runs in one round. After five all star appearances, one MVP award, and two World Series Appearances, Josh has cemented himself as one of the most valuable players in the entire league.
Currently, Josh recently signed a 5 year, 125 million dollar contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He is married happily with two kids, a boy and a girl. He often speaks at rehab facilities around the country about how to get over addiction, specifically cocaine and alcohol. I would recommend this book to any sports fan, regardless if you're a fan of baseball or not. It is a true story of self-realization, and a great success story. This book will get you hooked as soon as you read the first page. I do warn you that if you are not comfortable with reading about drugs, and the repercussions of abusing them, this is not the book for you.
Currently, Josh recently signed a 5 year, 125 million dollar contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He is married happily with two kids, a boy and a girl. He often speaks at rehab facilities around the country about how to get over addiction, specifically cocaine and alcohol. I would recommend this book to any sports fan, regardless if you're a fan of baseball or not. It is a true story of self-realization, and a great success story. This book will get you hooked as soon as you read the first page. I do warn you that if you are not comfortable with reading about drugs, and the repercussions of abusing them, this is not the book for you.
December 8, 2011
At age 6 he could throw 50 miles an hour. At age 7 he hit a 364 foot home run. At age 8 he was kicked off his baseball team for being TOO good. Age age 9 he joined his brothers baseball team. Once when he pitched, he threw, hit a kid, and the next time the kid came to the plate he called for an automatic out. At age 18 he became the first high school kid to be the #1 pick in an MLB draft since A-Rod.
All his life, Josh Hamilton was destined for baseball greatness. It got taken away from him with a car wreck. He wasn't even injured in it, but because his parents were, they had to return to their home in North
Carolina. The fact that he was alone for the first time in his life changed his world. It all started with a tattoo.
The saying "with one comes another" is truthful about Josh Hamilton and tattoos. He got addicted to the feeling of ink in his arm so much, he got 26 over the next year. Because he showed up so much, the tattoo parlor owner began to trust him. So he introduced him to cocaine.
The next months were a whirlwind for Hamilton. He said he started to use it so much, he would snort up his sinuses some days, charred black from his addiction. The first time he snorted them out, he decided a tattoo would calm him down. And then comes my favorite part of the book. He realized how bad his world had become-"One of the last tattoos I got is on my right calf. I chose this one myself, but I don't know why. There was no rhyme or reason behind the choice, any more than the others. It's a picture of Jesus' face superimposed over the cross. He's on the same leg with the demon with no eyes. When I look at myself now, I see something I didn't see then. This was spiritual warfare, taking part on my body subconsciously. The soulless demon. The face of Jesus. The battle had begun." (Hamilton 87) I really like that part, because Josh realizes he has a choice. But does he follow the correct path? Sadly, no.
Another part of this book, is that he uses words like he actually talks. "Mamma, daddy, pals." They give me an idea of what he actually did mre vividly, because he writes the way he talks. Other words he uses are the words of an addict. "Stoned, snortin' powder, baggie, Marv, Leon and Croner (drug dealers)" They give me a better picture of what was going on in his head, and make the story more interesting.
My final favorite thing going on in the book is its theme. "Never give up, no matter how bad it can be." How does he bounce back though. Read it to find out.
All his life, Josh Hamilton was destined for baseball greatness. It got taken away from him with a car wreck. He wasn't even injured in it, but because his parents were, they had to return to their home in North
Carolina. The fact that he was alone for the first time in his life changed his world. It all started with a tattoo.
The saying "with one comes another" is truthful about Josh Hamilton and tattoos. He got addicted to the feeling of ink in his arm so much, he got 26 over the next year. Because he showed up so much, the tattoo parlor owner began to trust him. So he introduced him to cocaine.
The next months were a whirlwind for Hamilton. He said he started to use it so much, he would snort up his sinuses some days, charred black from his addiction. The first time he snorted them out, he decided a tattoo would calm him down. And then comes my favorite part of the book. He realized how bad his world had become-"One of the last tattoos I got is on my right calf. I chose this one myself, but I don't know why. There was no rhyme or reason behind the choice, any more than the others. It's a picture of Jesus' face superimposed over the cross. He's on the same leg with the demon with no eyes. When I look at myself now, I see something I didn't see then. This was spiritual warfare, taking part on my body subconsciously. The soulless demon. The face of Jesus. The battle had begun." (Hamilton 87) I really like that part, because Josh realizes he has a choice. But does he follow the correct path? Sadly, no.
Another part of this book, is that he uses words like he actually talks. "Mamma, daddy, pals." They give me an idea of what he actually did mre vividly, because he writes the way he talks. Other words he uses are the words of an addict. "Stoned, snortin' powder, baggie, Marv, Leon and Croner (drug dealers)" They give me a better picture of what was going on in his head, and make the story more interesting.
My final favorite thing going on in the book is its theme. "Never give up, no matter how bad it can be." How does he bounce back though. Read it to find out.
February 28, 2012
Hamilton wrote Beyond Belief with a cowriter, so it's hard to know what, if anything, he actually wrote of his story. Either way, Hamilton comes across as a bit pompous and strangely defensive of his parents. The early portions of the book, while engaging, were hard for me to read. All I could see in Hamilton was a jock who was still attached to his mother and father ("momma" and "daddy," to hear him tell it). Time and time again he defended his parents in places that I didn't think they needed defending. As the book goes on, though, it seemed to me that Hamilton is not pompous or still attached to his umbilical cord--I think he's naive. I think he's, um, simple. And I think he's sweet.
As Hamilton recounts his descent into cocaine addiction, the story becomes at times engrossing and appalling. It's rather like watching a car crash--you want to look away from the destruction, but you have to know how it comes out. You can't look away. At least with Hamilton's story anyone who follows baseball knows at least how it comes around. The self-destruction is evident, and (this is why I think he's simple and sweet) Hamilton doesn't hide any of it. He details the squarlor in which he was willing to find his drugs, his descent into crack, and the levels he sunk to in order to feed his demons. Hamilton also doesn't hide the fact that his faith in God is all that brought him through. At face value, Beyond Belief is the tale of Josh Hamilton's addiction, his efforts to throw away the natural baseball talent that God gave him, and his recovery from drugs and of his career. When it comes down to it, though, this is a tale of spiritual warfare. From his tattoos to his drug addiction to his reclaimed career to his two relapses, that's what Hamilton's story is. And, at the end of the day, that's what our stories are too.
As Hamilton recounts his descent into cocaine addiction, the story becomes at times engrossing and appalling. It's rather like watching a car crash--you want to look away from the destruction, but you have to know how it comes out. You can't look away. At least with Hamilton's story anyone who follows baseball knows at least how it comes around. The self-destruction is evident, and (this is why I think he's simple and sweet) Hamilton doesn't hide any of it. He details the squarlor in which he was willing to find his drugs, his descent into crack, and the levels he sunk to in order to feed his demons. Hamilton also doesn't hide the fact that his faith in God is all that brought him through. At face value, Beyond Belief is the tale of Josh Hamilton's addiction, his efforts to throw away the natural baseball talent that God gave him, and his recovery from drugs and of his career. When it comes down to it, though, this is a tale of spiritual warfare. From his tattoos to his drug addiction to his reclaimed career to his two relapses, that's what Hamilton's story is. And, at the end of the day, that's what our stories are too.
February 18, 2009
When reading this book, the emotions I felt were disappointing, when he let down his parent by making wrong decisions. I was encouraged when Josh Hamilton finely chose to come clean from drugs. I kept reading this book to find out how and when Josh would get well enough to be able to play baseball again. The part of the book that got my attention the most is when he started to get tattoos to fill his loneliness. Another part of the book that got my attention was when Josh tried many times to get clean from drugs and those programs failed. The only way that worked for him was to trust God and rely on God’s strength to get him off of drugs. My favorite quote from this book is from Katie, Josh wife, telling Josh, “God spoke to my soul and told me someday you’re going to be back playing baseball. Josh, there’s a bigger plan for you. When you come back, it’s going to be about more than baseball.” This quote actually comes true in his life. The character that was my favorite was Josh’s Grandma. She always had faith in him, even when he did not have faith in himself. Josh’s Grandma is the one person who helped him get well and also invested time in him. My least favorite character was Josh Hamilton at the beginning. He made many stupid decisions that got him in trouble. If this book was made into a movie I would have the actor be Matthew McConaughey to play the part as Josh Hamilton. The ending was easy to predict because I knew his story and have seen him play baseball for the Texas Rangers. I would recommend this book to any sport fans who are interested how a life can be changed. Josh Hamilton wrote this book to show how you can turn around your life, even in the worst of times.
July 25, 2012
Wow. Josh Hamilton's life was ROUGH! It was a hardship that he created, he blames no one else and instead of pointing fingers, he takes responsibility for his OWN actions. In a society where we pass blame like it is a potato with the surface temperature of the sun with a tiny eyeball eating alien larva inside it is nice to see someone own up to his mistakes.
Now, as far as the book goes, it is short and very easy to read. However there is no real sense of a time line, the book is mostly linear but it tends to repeat itself quite a bit. I found myself, several times, flipping back to make sure I wasn't reading the same passage twice. The majority of the book is spent on his downward spiral into crackdom, with a little intro and a short 60 or so page ending discussing his reemergence into our national pastime.
Josh has made an impossible comeback, but what seems more impossible and almost as astonishing is his families enormous capacity to forgive. I don't think I would have that in me...Great book, if you're a baseball fan, read it. If you love stories that end happily and maybe with some tears, buy it. If you're spiritual and believe in healing through faith and the works of God, then get it. If you can not connect with any of the above then don't. I loved the book...
Now, as far as the book goes, it is short and very easy to read. However there is no real sense of a time line, the book is mostly linear but it tends to repeat itself quite a bit. I found myself, several times, flipping back to make sure I wasn't reading the same passage twice. The majority of the book is spent on his downward spiral into crackdom, with a little intro and a short 60 or so page ending discussing his reemergence into our national pastime.
Josh has made an impossible comeback, but what seems more impossible and almost as astonishing is his families enormous capacity to forgive. I don't think I would have that in me...Great book, if you're a baseball fan, read it. If you love stories that end happily and maybe with some tears, buy it. If you're spiritual and believe in healing through faith and the works of God, then get it. If you can not connect with any of the above then don't. I loved the book...
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October 20, 2014I really enjoyed the book “Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back” by Josh Hamilton and Tim Keown. I am a huge baseball fan and a huge fan of Josh Hamilton. I loved getting to know more about one of my favorite players to ever play the game.
In this book I enjoyed reading Josh’s little league stories. It made me laugh at how talented he was even as a young child and still dominating in competition. Josh Hamilton was a natural at the game and surprised everyone who laid eyes on him play ball. Josh was so good he ended up getting drafted straight out of high school.
Josh Hamilton was the next big thing in baseball. Josh received a huge signing bonus. With a lot of money and freedom comes a lot of temptation. Josh started to abuse alcohol and illegal drugs. Throughout the process of abusing drugs and alcohol he hurt many people close to him and fans of his.
Josh went through numerous drug treatment rehabilitation centers to try to get back to baseball but none really seemed to work. Josh ended up hitting rock bottom with not even a place to stay.
Now, most stories of great athletes finding drugs end in a tragedy. But wait till you read the story of Josh Hamilton. Josh went through hell and back. With no way he should’ve made it back.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new favorite book.
In this book I enjoyed reading Josh’s little league stories. It made me laugh at how talented he was even as a young child and still dominating in competition. Josh Hamilton was a natural at the game and surprised everyone who laid eyes on him play ball. Josh was so good he ended up getting drafted straight out of high school.
Josh Hamilton was the next big thing in baseball. Josh received a huge signing bonus. With a lot of money and freedom comes a lot of temptation. Josh started to abuse alcohol and illegal drugs. Throughout the process of abusing drugs and alcohol he hurt many people close to him and fans of his.
Josh went through numerous drug treatment rehabilitation centers to try to get back to baseball but none really seemed to work. Josh ended up hitting rock bottom with not even a place to stay.
Now, most stories of great athletes finding drugs end in a tragedy. But wait till you read the story of Josh Hamilton. Josh went through hell and back. With no way he should’ve made it back.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new favorite book.
March 16, 2014
I absolutely loved this book, Josh Hamilton, and everything he believes in. I received this book as a gift from a family member because they knew that I had liked other Christian based, autobiographies by athletes. When I began reading this book, I had heard before that Josh Hamilton had previously been a drug addict and had left baseball for quite some time, however, I did not know that he descended into becoming a cocaine addict and that it got to the point where his wife would not let him into his own house and that he made it to rock bottom before he accepted Christ as his savior. This story is an awesome account for how someone took it for granted that many things in life came easy for him starting with him being able to throw a baseball 70 miles an hour at age twelve then God humbling him by showing him that he can not handle life on his own in turn showing Josh that he needed Christ in his life, and with God's help he rebuilds his life entirely and makes his mark to spread God's Word throughout the country with his talent in baseball.
February 4, 2009
I love baseball, but I have to admit that baseball autobiographies are often not the greatest, most well-written books. This one is different. The first part of the book was not so good, as Josh talks a lot about how great a player he was as a kid. So much so that I'm thinking, "Oh, no, another boring 'I'm thankful that the Lord made me such a great player' story." But once he gets into the truly harrowing tale of his slide into drug addiction, this become a can't-put-it down story of tragedy and redemption.
Josh pulls no punches in telling just how bad it got before he found strength in his faith in God and, with help from his family, pulled himself out of the pit of drug addiction. This is a frightening but ultimately uplifting book that many people would benefit from reading. Thanks for telling your story, Josh, and for sharing your faith in a way that is both realistic and compelling.
Josh pulls no punches in telling just how bad it got before he found strength in his faith in God and, with help from his family, pulled himself out of the pit of drug addiction. This is a frightening but ultimately uplifting book that many people would benefit from reading. Thanks for telling your story, Josh, and for sharing your faith in a way that is both realistic and compelling.
December 9, 2013
I really liked this book. This book was a very good read, because, it talks about his struggles with drugs and finds a way to end the addiction. This book is about Josh Hamilton's Drug Addiction that affected him from 2002 to 2005. He started his baseball career in 1999 when he was drafted to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for 3.95 million dollars. He had the rookie season of his life by winning the minor league MVP. But in 2002 he started to pull away from his baseball career by getting addicted to cocaine. He started getting suspensions because he failed to pass the drug test the MLB does every year. He started to eat less and started to lose weight and muscle. But in 2005, while staying at his grandmother's house, he had a dream that gave him a wake-up call. After the dream he starts to gain weight and muscle. He comes back to play baseball for the Cincinnati Reds.
March 30, 2009
I absolutely loved this book. There was so much about it that was inspiring. Anyone who loves baseball really should read this book. Anyone who is struggling with a major obstacle in their life could possibly benefit from reading the book as well. Josh Hamilton is a truly gifted baseball player and after reading all the things that he went through or put himself through, and ultimately overcame despite the long road it took to get there, he is a testament that anyone can rise above their circumstances. All the stories that were covered in the media during the 2008 baseball season barely scratched the surface of what he went through. This book has a whole lot more detail and I was in awe of how he was able to overcome so much. This is one of the best books I have ever read.
July 6, 2011
What led me to read this book was that 1) Sports have always been and will always be a huge part of my life and 2) addiction fascinates me. I don't know what it is that makes me interested in addiction but I want to learn how the mind of an addict works. If I could go back to school I would want to be an addiction specialist/counselor. This was a great book. Josh grew up as a very sincere level headed young boy who just wanted to play ball. After making a few bad choices his life began spiralling out of control. He works incredibly hard to become sober and I found myself really feeling his pain. Even if you aren't interested in sports this a great book about a young man's journey to free himself of his inner demons and his addictions.
August 12, 2011
Josh Hamilton chronicles how he went from a phenom first round draft pick (at the tender age of 18), to a tattooed, drug-addicted individual so hopelessly addicted, that he traded his wife's wedding ring for drugs. Hamilton's spiral into drug dependency in which he lost virtually everything dear to him, was especially hard for me to read. Yet, even when he reached rock bottom, the message that faith and God's redemptive power was able to overcome Hamilton's addiction, repair his marriage, and restore his baseball career, is a reminder that no difficulty or circumstance in our lives is beyond God's control...if we have the faith to turn it over to Him.
March 15, 2009
Inspirational story of a number 1 baseball draft pick who went off into the world of cocaine and crack, but made his way back into major league baseball. (In 2008, he set a record in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game in old Yankee Stadium.) Although it was really "written" by ESPN's Tim Keown, it reads very smoothly as if produced by one hand. An especially good read for anyone trying to break an addiction - of any kind.
April 3, 2012
What a wonderful feel-good book. To hear the honesty in the story by Josh and feel as if you were just sitting talking to him. The voice of this man comes out clearly and honestly. I love this book. Continue to stay strong and believe in yourself as you strive to be the best person you can be is a clear, strong message.
May 5, 2019
Wow, this book has become one of my favorite books of all time! I cannot but well up a few times from reading Beyond Belief.
God, Family, Baseball. Read the book and you'll understand.
God, Family, Baseball. Read the book and you'll understand.
August 5, 2011
AWESOME. I loved reading Josh's story.
July 30, 2012
Loved this book and love this player. I like the way he was so honest in telling his story. Just about anyone can surely learn something for his story. I know I did.
June 30, 2012
I read this in 7 hours. Very well written. My favorite Ranger!
July 24, 2012
If you like baseball or are in drug addiction/recovery, you will love this book.I loved this book and this is coming from someone who hates to read. And baseball is boring. real talk. 10/10
January 17, 2017
Josh Hamilton Beyond Belief
By: Josh Hamilton and Tim Keown
From whose point of view is the novel written?
This book is written in First person. This point of view is effective to the novel because it helps explain the character (Josh Hamilton) and the whole book easier. It also helps you understand the hard falls and exciting moments that Josh had in his life.
List three characters and explain them.
Josh Hamilton- Josh is a gifted baseball player from birth who played baseball since he could walk all the way to now. Josh lived in North Carolina all of his young life and grew up playing baseball at West Raleigh and eventually graduated high school at Athens Drive High School. His professional career teams are the Reds, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, and back to the Texas Rangers.
Tony Hamilton- Tony hamilton is the father of two kids, Josh Hamilton and Jason Hamilton. When he was young, he married Linda Hamilton. Tony played baseball as a kid and ended up growing up and teaching and coaching his kids how to play baseball.
Linda Hamilton- Linda Hamilton is the father of two kids, Josh Hamilton and Jason Hamilton. Linda is slightly older than Tony but also got married to him at a young age. Linda did not have much of a sporty career but still supports Josh and his baseball skills today.
Main conflict or challenge in the novel.
The main conflict or challenge in the novel is when he battled his addiction to drugs. He used Cocaine and Alcohol. This is the main challenge in the novel because he had to try and fight his addiction, get recovered to play baseball, and support his family. He has a Wife named Katie Hamilton and three kids, Michaela Grace Hamilton, Stella Faith Hamilton, and Sierra Hamilton.
Climax of the novel.
The Climax in the novel is when Josh finally stopped his addictiveness and got back to playing baseball and back supporting his wife and kids. This is the climax of the story because without him coming back into baseball, he would not have a baseball career. And thinking about it, Josh might of still been using and living on the streets or with his grandma and could possibly become a drug dealer. He would not be the same person as he is today if he did not stop and never came back into baseball.
How the main conflict or challenge is resolved by the end of the novel.
The main conflict is solved in the end because he came back into baseball. The challenge he had was addiction, and getting back into baseball helped his addiction and his continuation of using drugs. In the middle of the novel, Josh is using drugs and is going into clubs and drinking and consistently getting tattoo’s. By the end of the novel, he is no longer using drugs, no longer going into bars and getting drunk, and no longer getting tattoos. He is playing baseball and with his family none stop by the end of the novel.
Name three literary devices.
Three literary devices that is used to help make this novel is flashbacks, irony, and foreshadowing. Flashbacks is used as a literary device because the whole book is a flashback. Josh flashes back to his childhood days all the way up to his adulthood days. Irony is a literary device in the story because in the beginning of the novel, Josh always talked about how he was a good kid that was scared to do anything bad when he was in high school. He said that he did not even go to his senior year prom because he did not want to mess up his baseball career because he knew that he was going professional. And Foreshadowing is used as a literary device because he used allusions and stuff like that to show his tragedy threw out his life and his professional baseball career.
State the theme.
The theme of the story is life may give you a obstacle course here and there but do not let any obstacle course get in your way from achieving your dream.
Choose two quotes from the story and explain them.
One quote in the book is “I sat at the edge of my bed, and starting crying asking God for forgiveness and for him to give me the strength to getting back into baseball.” This quote is significant in the novel because that was the start to the turning point in the novel and he ends up getting the strength and power and playing baseball again. Another quote in the book is “I stood in the batter’s box, looking around and hearing everybody cheering “Josh, Josh, Josh!!!!!!”, and out of nowhere, I started crying like a baby.” This Quote is significant in the novel because he realizes that he has finally passed the hardest obstacle ever in his life and he has finally made it to the end, the best part.
Explain why you would or would not recommend this book to others
I would highly recommend this book because this book gives you inspiration to follow your dreams and do not let anything get in your way. And if you are a sporty type of person, this book is a great book to learn about what it is like as a kid to major league baseball players. Even if you do not like sports, this book is a great book and it inspires you to always follow your heart.
By: Josh Hamilton and Tim Keown
From whose point of view is the novel written?
This book is written in First person. This point of view is effective to the novel because it helps explain the character (Josh Hamilton) and the whole book easier. It also helps you understand the hard falls and exciting moments that Josh had in his life.
List three characters and explain them.
Josh Hamilton- Josh is a gifted baseball player from birth who played baseball since he could walk all the way to now. Josh lived in North Carolina all of his young life and grew up playing baseball at West Raleigh and eventually graduated high school at Athens Drive High School. His professional career teams are the Reds, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, and back to the Texas Rangers.
Tony Hamilton- Tony hamilton is the father of two kids, Josh Hamilton and Jason Hamilton. When he was young, he married Linda Hamilton. Tony played baseball as a kid and ended up growing up and teaching and coaching his kids how to play baseball.
Linda Hamilton- Linda Hamilton is the father of two kids, Josh Hamilton and Jason Hamilton. Linda is slightly older than Tony but also got married to him at a young age. Linda did not have much of a sporty career but still supports Josh and his baseball skills today.
Main conflict or challenge in the novel.
The main conflict or challenge in the novel is when he battled his addiction to drugs. He used Cocaine and Alcohol. This is the main challenge in the novel because he had to try and fight his addiction, get recovered to play baseball, and support his family. He has a Wife named Katie Hamilton and three kids, Michaela Grace Hamilton, Stella Faith Hamilton, and Sierra Hamilton.
Climax of the novel.
The Climax in the novel is when Josh finally stopped his addictiveness and got back to playing baseball and back supporting his wife and kids. This is the climax of the story because without him coming back into baseball, he would not have a baseball career. And thinking about it, Josh might of still been using and living on the streets or with his grandma and could possibly become a drug dealer. He would not be the same person as he is today if he did not stop and never came back into baseball.
How the main conflict or challenge is resolved by the end of the novel.
The main conflict is solved in the end because he came back into baseball. The challenge he had was addiction, and getting back into baseball helped his addiction and his continuation of using drugs. In the middle of the novel, Josh is using drugs and is going into clubs and drinking and consistently getting tattoo’s. By the end of the novel, he is no longer using drugs, no longer going into bars and getting drunk, and no longer getting tattoos. He is playing baseball and with his family none stop by the end of the novel.
Name three literary devices.
Three literary devices that is used to help make this novel is flashbacks, irony, and foreshadowing. Flashbacks is used as a literary device because the whole book is a flashback. Josh flashes back to his childhood days all the way up to his adulthood days. Irony is a literary device in the story because in the beginning of the novel, Josh always talked about how he was a good kid that was scared to do anything bad when he was in high school. He said that he did not even go to his senior year prom because he did not want to mess up his baseball career because he knew that he was going professional. And Foreshadowing is used as a literary device because he used allusions and stuff like that to show his tragedy threw out his life and his professional baseball career.
State the theme.
The theme of the story is life may give you a obstacle course here and there but do not let any obstacle course get in your way from achieving your dream.
Choose two quotes from the story and explain them.
One quote in the book is “I sat at the edge of my bed, and starting crying asking God for forgiveness and for him to give me the strength to getting back into baseball.” This quote is significant in the novel because that was the start to the turning point in the novel and he ends up getting the strength and power and playing baseball again. Another quote in the book is “I stood in the batter’s box, looking around and hearing everybody cheering “Josh, Josh, Josh!!!!!!”, and out of nowhere, I started crying like a baby.” This Quote is significant in the novel because he realizes that he has finally passed the hardest obstacle ever in his life and he has finally made it to the end, the best part.
Explain why you would or would not recommend this book to others
I would highly recommend this book because this book gives you inspiration to follow your dreams and do not let anything get in your way. And if you are a sporty type of person, this book is a great book to learn about what it is like as a kid to major league baseball players. Even if you do not like sports, this book is a great book and it inspires you to always follow your heart.
October 15, 2015
Baseball fan or not, this biography from major leaguer, Josh Hamilton himself, is the book I recommend. This book was recommended to me, not being a Texas Rangers fan I was very hesitant in reading the book. I extremely regret that decision. This story is about a 4 million dollar man who got addicted to drugs and alcohol and found his way back on his feet through Jesus Christ.
Josh Hamilton wrote this biography to tell his story for the millions of addicts in the world, showing them that there is a way out of addiction, and his way was through Christ. Hamilton said in the book “drugs had taken over my life and soul.” Josh told his story to show that there is much more to life than drugs and alcohol, and forgiveness is the most important thing in his life today. The courage that Josh showed in this book is amazing. This man never quit.
The theme of the book was forgiveness, easily shown by Josh Hamilton and his wife, Katie. During one of the many times Josh told his story to the press, he said, “Forgiveness is the root of my story. I was forgiven, therefor I needed to forgive.” Throughout his journey Josh encountered many people that had the same problem he did. Josh told them to keep working hard and signed an item for them, but after they left he said a short prayer in his mind to God asking for forgiveness, on behalf of the person he just met. God was a major factor in the story of Josh Hamilton. Josh made a statement in the book when “I prayed to God to take me away from this hellish life.” This quote shows the effort of Hamilton reaching out to God for his forgiveness.
The style of the story was fasted paced narration going through each week of Hamilton’s career from the first months describing his addiction, to blasting homeruns in the Homerun Derby when he fully recovered. Through his narration, Josh revealed that he faced many challenges, not only addiction, but loneliness and poverty. When his wife got a restraining order and took all the money, he was left on his own. Josh made this style effective by making it feel like the reader was right next to him every day of his life. The reader was fighting the same challenges as him, battling the addiction along side of him. The effectiveness of this style sent me on an emotional roller coaster throughout the book. The author did this by giving direct quotes from the heart and very descriptive situations he was in. From the book, Hamilton said “There were nights I went to sleep in strange places, praying I wouldn’t wake up.” I felt sorrow and disappointment when he over dosed in the trailer park from too much alcohol and drugs. This made me very unhappy knowing the potential this character has as a human being. The ups of the roller coaster happened when Josh was happy I was happy. For example, later in the book Hamilton was crushing homeruns left and right, and as the reader I was smiling ear-to-ear feeling the excitement Hamilton did after every homerun. This style affected me because it felt as if I was next to Josh on the streets doing drugs and in the dugout playing baseball.
I enjoyed this book because it was a great story about a top athlete overcoming a huge obstacle in his life and never giving up until he could say “I made it”. I cannot relate to Josh through the drugs and alcohol, but I can through the love of the game for baseball. “No matter what I did to myself, no matter how much I punished my body, the fame wouldn’t leave it.” Expressing his love for the game through this quote, as an athlete loving the game as much as him. I could relate how he missed the game on his drug suspension, as I miss the game from injury. My favorite part of the book, and thing I liked the most, was how much courage Josh Hamilton had throughout the story. When he had the courage to look in the mirror and say to himself “I look at myself, I see what I couldn’t see then.” This was the turning point of the book when Hamilton realized he was an addict. The last outstanding part of this book was the forgiveness Josh’s wife had for him. “You’re going to be back playing baseball. Josh, there’s a bigger plan for you.” Through this quote the reader understands that Josh’s wife has fully forgiven Josh of his addiction habits.
I do recommend this to book to everyone, not just addicts, because Josh taught me that forgiveness is key, and everyone can do more of it. I hope you will like reading “Beyond Belief” as much as I did, seeing that forgiveness is the key to life.
Josh Hamilton wrote this biography to tell his story for the millions of addicts in the world, showing them that there is a way out of addiction, and his way was through Christ. Hamilton said in the book “drugs had taken over my life and soul.” Josh told his story to show that there is much more to life than drugs and alcohol, and forgiveness is the most important thing in his life today. The courage that Josh showed in this book is amazing. This man never quit.
The theme of the book was forgiveness, easily shown by Josh Hamilton and his wife, Katie. During one of the many times Josh told his story to the press, he said, “Forgiveness is the root of my story. I was forgiven, therefor I needed to forgive.” Throughout his journey Josh encountered many people that had the same problem he did. Josh told them to keep working hard and signed an item for them, but after they left he said a short prayer in his mind to God asking for forgiveness, on behalf of the person he just met. God was a major factor in the story of Josh Hamilton. Josh made a statement in the book when “I prayed to God to take me away from this hellish life.” This quote shows the effort of Hamilton reaching out to God for his forgiveness.
The style of the story was fasted paced narration going through each week of Hamilton’s career from the first months describing his addiction, to blasting homeruns in the Homerun Derby when he fully recovered. Through his narration, Josh revealed that he faced many challenges, not only addiction, but loneliness and poverty. When his wife got a restraining order and took all the money, he was left on his own. Josh made this style effective by making it feel like the reader was right next to him every day of his life. The reader was fighting the same challenges as him, battling the addiction along side of him. The effectiveness of this style sent me on an emotional roller coaster throughout the book. The author did this by giving direct quotes from the heart and very descriptive situations he was in. From the book, Hamilton said “There were nights I went to sleep in strange places, praying I wouldn’t wake up.” I felt sorrow and disappointment when he over dosed in the trailer park from too much alcohol and drugs. This made me very unhappy knowing the potential this character has as a human being. The ups of the roller coaster happened when Josh was happy I was happy. For example, later in the book Hamilton was crushing homeruns left and right, and as the reader I was smiling ear-to-ear feeling the excitement Hamilton did after every homerun. This style affected me because it felt as if I was next to Josh on the streets doing drugs and in the dugout playing baseball.
I enjoyed this book because it was a great story about a top athlete overcoming a huge obstacle in his life and never giving up until he could say “I made it”. I cannot relate to Josh through the drugs and alcohol, but I can through the love of the game for baseball. “No matter what I did to myself, no matter how much I punished my body, the fame wouldn’t leave it.” Expressing his love for the game through this quote, as an athlete loving the game as much as him. I could relate how he missed the game on his drug suspension, as I miss the game from injury. My favorite part of the book, and thing I liked the most, was how much courage Josh Hamilton had throughout the story. When he had the courage to look in the mirror and say to himself “I look at myself, I see what I couldn’t see then.” This was the turning point of the book when Hamilton realized he was an addict. The last outstanding part of this book was the forgiveness Josh’s wife had for him. “You’re going to be back playing baseball. Josh, there’s a bigger plan for you.” Through this quote the reader understands that Josh’s wife has fully forgiven Josh of his addiction habits.
I do recommend this to book to everyone, not just addicts, because Josh taught me that forgiveness is key, and everyone can do more of it. I hope you will like reading “Beyond Belief” as much as I did, seeing that forgiveness is the key to life.
October 24, 2012
Finding Strength
There is no way to describe Beyond Belief in just a few words. This book not only is really informational on Josh Hamilton’s life, but it is also a really inspirational piece of work. I really enjoyed this book and I thought of reading it again immediately even though I clearly knew what happened. Josh Hamilton came out of high school and was the number one overall draft pick in the Major Leagues because of his unquestioned character, but his career was put on lay away due to cocaine addiction.
Because Hamilton wrote the book himself, the reader learns all about what was going through his mind while he was making his decisions, and to me, that is what sets this book apart from any others. To actually know what he was thinking during his rough years made me realize how easy it is to take the wrong path and to live for the devil. As Hamilton says in Chapter 13, “Humble yourself before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”(163). Even though the devil might take you over like Josh was, he found the strength through God to fight and overcome him. That bible passage, James 4:7, is what Josh used to get his life back on track and become who he is today. He still faces temptations, but Josh always repeats the passage to get through. Josh believes in God so much and asks him for help a lot which is extremely marvelous and I can relate to that. I often look towards God to help me with my problems and for help in my sporting events. I always thank him and believe very much in God. The main thing to take from this is that even if you go down the wrong path there is always the opportunity to switch over with the inner strength of yourself.
When Josh started his sobriety, he didn’t really care if it led him back to baseball. He was doing this for himself and god first, then for his family, and then baseball. To be serious, he never thought he would ever play baseball again in his life after all the using. The thought of it was unreal to him because of what he did to his body with the drugs. Josh got reinstated by the MLB and didn’t have to sit out 60 games due to failed drug tests under one condition; if he would fail another drug test, he was banned from the league. In the very first chapter of the book, Hamilton says, “My ability drew more attention to me, but I always put pressure on myself to go beyond people’s expectations” (12). When he was back playing, he was the “feel good story” of the league and everybody didn’t think he would last. They thought this because his story was all over and there was “no way to overcome the addiction he had.” Even though nobody thought he could do it, he made it into the majors in his first full year back and was a success right away. He overcame the doubters and even his own expectations. Even though his problems were way worse than mine, I had to overcome a lot of doubters too. My freshman year in high school, with my dad as the coach, I was starting at second base on varsity and nobody thought I belonged there. “He’s only playing varsity because he is the coach’s son” is what many of the parents and even some of the players were saying. But I proved everyone wrong, like Josh. I was the leading hitter on our team and was first team all conference. That feeling that you get when you prove somebody wrong is one of the greatest that you ever feel. Overcoming doubters is what it is all about whether it is parents talking or having an addiction, it will always be awesome afterwards.
This book appeals to people that prefer sports over school. As Hamilton says, “I wasn’t a bad student, but given the choice between playing ball and memorizing parts of speech, I wanted the ball“(10). If you can relate to this quote and say that this is exactly me, read the book as soon as you can. When I picked up the book, I asked myself what I was doing because I wasn’t a reader at all to be honest. But after reading this book and getting into it so much I feel like there are many stories out there like this that I want to read. Not only will this book suck you in and make you want to keep reading, it also is very inspiring and full of facts. I would recommend, and I have been telling people, that they need to get their hands on and read this book.
There is no way to describe Beyond Belief in just a few words. This book not only is really informational on Josh Hamilton’s life, but it is also a really inspirational piece of work. I really enjoyed this book and I thought of reading it again immediately even though I clearly knew what happened. Josh Hamilton came out of high school and was the number one overall draft pick in the Major Leagues because of his unquestioned character, but his career was put on lay away due to cocaine addiction.
Because Hamilton wrote the book himself, the reader learns all about what was going through his mind while he was making his decisions, and to me, that is what sets this book apart from any others. To actually know what he was thinking during his rough years made me realize how easy it is to take the wrong path and to live for the devil. As Hamilton says in Chapter 13, “Humble yourself before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”(163). Even though the devil might take you over like Josh was, he found the strength through God to fight and overcome him. That bible passage, James 4:7, is what Josh used to get his life back on track and become who he is today. He still faces temptations, but Josh always repeats the passage to get through. Josh believes in God so much and asks him for help a lot which is extremely marvelous and I can relate to that. I often look towards God to help me with my problems and for help in my sporting events. I always thank him and believe very much in God. The main thing to take from this is that even if you go down the wrong path there is always the opportunity to switch over with the inner strength of yourself.
When Josh started his sobriety, he didn’t really care if it led him back to baseball. He was doing this for himself and god first, then for his family, and then baseball. To be serious, he never thought he would ever play baseball again in his life after all the using. The thought of it was unreal to him because of what he did to his body with the drugs. Josh got reinstated by the MLB and didn’t have to sit out 60 games due to failed drug tests under one condition; if he would fail another drug test, he was banned from the league. In the very first chapter of the book, Hamilton says, “My ability drew more attention to me, but I always put pressure on myself to go beyond people’s expectations” (12). When he was back playing, he was the “feel good story” of the league and everybody didn’t think he would last. They thought this because his story was all over and there was “no way to overcome the addiction he had.” Even though nobody thought he could do it, he made it into the majors in his first full year back and was a success right away. He overcame the doubters and even his own expectations. Even though his problems were way worse than mine, I had to overcome a lot of doubters too. My freshman year in high school, with my dad as the coach, I was starting at second base on varsity and nobody thought I belonged there. “He’s only playing varsity because he is the coach’s son” is what many of the parents and even some of the players were saying. But I proved everyone wrong, like Josh. I was the leading hitter on our team and was first team all conference. That feeling that you get when you prove somebody wrong is one of the greatest that you ever feel. Overcoming doubters is what it is all about whether it is parents talking or having an addiction, it will always be awesome afterwards.
This book appeals to people that prefer sports over school. As Hamilton says, “I wasn’t a bad student, but given the choice between playing ball and memorizing parts of speech, I wanted the ball“(10). If you can relate to this quote and say that this is exactly me, read the book as soon as you can. When I picked up the book, I asked myself what I was doing because I wasn’t a reader at all to be honest. But after reading this book and getting into it so much I feel like there are many stories out there like this that I want to read. Not only will this book suck you in and make you want to keep reading, it also is very inspiring and full of facts. I would recommend, and I have been telling people, that they need to get their hands on and read this book.
November 18, 2015
In the book "Beyond Belief", Josh Hamilton shares his personal story and battle with drugs and alcohol to overcoming his demons in becoming one of the most successful Major League Baseball players.
Josh Hamilton was the typical hard working athletic. Since he was a little boy his dream was to become a Major League Baseball player. Josh always wanted to play baseball every chance he got. He wrote a note to his parents describing his dream. Back then people just said it was a dream, but he believed it with all his heart.
Everyone has changing moments in their lives and Josh's changing moment was a 2001 car accident that severely injured his back. The doctor prescribed medicine for his pain. He stayed at home with his family to recover and that is when he felt alone and started hanging out with the wrong people.
In my opinion this book teaches many life learning lessons. The first lesson is not do drugs, especially when you are in a dark time in your life. Drugs are toxic and dangerous for any person. Josh Hamilton starting hanging around the wrong crowds after the car crash, and that crowd introduced him to alcohol and his first line of cocaine. Drugs make you lose focus on your goals and dedication towards a goal. He was controlled by demons until he turned his life over to God. After two years of not picking up a baseball he was given a second chance. “God has given me the ability and talent, and now I’ve taken that talent and I’ve worked hard and developed it.” God has a plan for all of us, we just have to trust Him.
This book has wide audience and many connections. The main audience is sports and baseball fans. Sports fans would definitely enjoy this book. His story is inspiring to me because I can relate to his big dream of becoming a Major League Baseball player. The two things that are important to both Josh and I are baseball and our parents. A second audience can be a person that is struggling with drugs and alcohol. His story shares what drugs did to him and almost destroyed his life. Drugs are used a way out for people having problems, but it is not the answer. Drugs destroy lives and a person’s goals. Josh's is an example of how a person can get help and change their lives for the better.
A key quote from Josh Hamilton is, “The key is staying humble about everything that happens, whatever it may be, and keeping those priorities in order.” are similar connections Josh Hamilton and Jackie Robinson. Josh was drafted to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as the first round 1999 pick. He was fast, a homerun hitter and dedicated player with big dreams. The movie "41" the story of Jackie Robison relates to big dreams in playing baseball. Jackie was also fast and moved up thru the Triple A team to the Majors quickly. Jackie did not struggle with substance abuse; his demon was his controlling his temper on the baseball field from racial comments. Both have strong male characters both are biographies and contain personal adversity.
This book has many life lessons for athletics or anyone who has dream in life. We all have struggles maybe not ones that are controlled by drugs and alcohol. They can be in school or grades; "a lot of bottoms" but you have to believe in Him and work hard to get out of the struggles. Josh was a good person that just made bad choices and I learned a lot from his challenges. One of my favorite quotes is 'I'm proof that hope is never lost'.
A couple of reasons that a person might not want to read this book is because they don't like baseball or sports related books. Another reason is that the reader might not like Josh Hamilton or the baseball team. The final reason a person won't picked this book to read is because it talks about God, and how He changed his life.
Overall I rate 'Beyond Belief' a 4 star book. The book is a great book and very inspiring. It gives me the strength to come back from struggles and work hard to see my dreams come true. He talks openly about his drug use and what happened and I see how drugs destroy lives. This book captured my attention and is one of my favorite stories about one of my favorite players in the MLB.
Josh Hamilton was the typical hard working athletic. Since he was a little boy his dream was to become a Major League Baseball player. Josh always wanted to play baseball every chance he got. He wrote a note to his parents describing his dream. Back then people just said it was a dream, but he believed it with all his heart.
Everyone has changing moments in their lives and Josh's changing moment was a 2001 car accident that severely injured his back. The doctor prescribed medicine for his pain. He stayed at home with his family to recover and that is when he felt alone and started hanging out with the wrong people.
In my opinion this book teaches many life learning lessons. The first lesson is not do drugs, especially when you are in a dark time in your life. Drugs are toxic and dangerous for any person. Josh Hamilton starting hanging around the wrong crowds after the car crash, and that crowd introduced him to alcohol and his first line of cocaine. Drugs make you lose focus on your goals and dedication towards a goal. He was controlled by demons until he turned his life over to God. After two years of not picking up a baseball he was given a second chance. “God has given me the ability and talent, and now I’ve taken that talent and I’ve worked hard and developed it.” God has a plan for all of us, we just have to trust Him.
This book has wide audience and many connections. The main audience is sports and baseball fans. Sports fans would definitely enjoy this book. His story is inspiring to me because I can relate to his big dream of becoming a Major League Baseball player. The two things that are important to both Josh and I are baseball and our parents. A second audience can be a person that is struggling with drugs and alcohol. His story shares what drugs did to him and almost destroyed his life. Drugs are used a way out for people having problems, but it is not the answer. Drugs destroy lives and a person’s goals. Josh's is an example of how a person can get help and change their lives for the better.
A key quote from Josh Hamilton is, “The key is staying humble about everything that happens, whatever it may be, and keeping those priorities in order.” are similar connections Josh Hamilton and Jackie Robinson. Josh was drafted to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as the first round 1999 pick. He was fast, a homerun hitter and dedicated player with big dreams. The movie "41" the story of Jackie Robison relates to big dreams in playing baseball. Jackie was also fast and moved up thru the Triple A team to the Majors quickly. Jackie did not struggle with substance abuse; his demon was his controlling his temper on the baseball field from racial comments. Both have strong male characters both are biographies and contain personal adversity.
This book has many life lessons for athletics or anyone who has dream in life. We all have struggles maybe not ones that are controlled by drugs and alcohol. They can be in school or grades; "a lot of bottoms" but you have to believe in Him and work hard to get out of the struggles. Josh was a good person that just made bad choices and I learned a lot from his challenges. One of my favorite quotes is 'I'm proof that hope is never lost'.
A couple of reasons that a person might not want to read this book is because they don't like baseball or sports related books. Another reason is that the reader might not like Josh Hamilton or the baseball team. The final reason a person won't picked this book to read is because it talks about God, and how He changed his life.
Overall I rate 'Beyond Belief' a 4 star book. The book is a great book and very inspiring. It gives me the strength to come back from struggles and work hard to see my dreams come true. He talks openly about his drug use and what happened and I see how drugs destroy lives. This book captured my attention and is one of my favorite stories about one of my favorite players in the MLB.
Read
January 30, 2011. . .Josh Hamilton was the first pick in the first round of the 1999 major league baseball draft at the age of 18. He signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for about $4 million. As a teenager, you would think that this was the greatest thing that could ever happen to him. For a short period of time, it was. Josh's parents were there for him all the time. As a high school baseball play, Josh always had his parents at his games. They even traveled with him from their home town of Raleigh, North Carolina to Florida to continue the tradition of them always being at his games. Then something happened; Josh and his parents were driving home from the field one night, when they got into a car accident. This resulted in Josh's parents moving back to North Carolina for medical treatments. Josh Hamilton's career took a downward spiral.
. . .Josh was always a home-body. All throughout high school, he barely went out with friends because he did not want to jeopardize his baseball career. After his parents left, he was on his own for the first time. Josh did not use his new freedom for the good. He began hanging out with the wrong people and his life drastically changed. He started hanging out in a tattoo parlor, constantly sitting in the chair with the ink going into his skin. For him, the chair was an escape; he could not think about his career and life seemed easier for those few hours. He describes this situation: "with my eyes closed and the ink taking shape under my skin, the world got smaller." Hours and hours sitting in the chair led to nights. One night, when the tattoo parlor was closing, Josh should have gone home but instead he made a huge mistake by going out. He started experimenting with alcohol because he never did it before. One drink led to another, and that led to drugs. After one time of using, Josh was an addict. His addiction was first cocaine, then crack. His baseball career was down the toilet because of all of his drug-abuse suspensions. After four straight years of drug abuse and spending nights where no young adult should even consider hanging out in, Josh surrendered to his abuse after completely hitting rock bottom. He started turning his life around and staying clean. He finally realized that he not only had his life to think about but also his wife and two daughters. Josh Hamilton was allowed back into the major leagues, proving to everyone how strong he is. In 2008, Josh was invited to take part in the major league baseball all star game and the home run derby. During the home run derby, Josh hit 28 home runs in the first round; this was a record. He over came his addiction and he has been sober since 2005. Josh Hamilton is now playing for the Texas Rangers, where he has been very successful thanks to his teammates and mentors.
. . .I enjoyed reading this book very much. Josh Hamilton is my favorite baseball player, mainly because of his story. He is an inspiration to everyone. For someone to be that close to death because of an addiction, and then come back and play a major role in major league baseball is unbelievable. I enjoyed this book so much because it was real. He was not looking for any sympathy because he knew he was wrong. i recommend this book to anyone that likes an inspiring story. Josh Hamilton is one of the best players in baseball right now. In the 2010 world series, Josh was given the Most Valuable Player award. This showed everyone that if you do not give up, and work at what you love to do, anything is possible. Josh Hamilton is an inspiration to all and I hope more people are willing to listen to his story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2012
Beyond Belief by Josh Hamilton is a fantastic read for all sports fans, biography lovers, and anybody who is just looking for a great story. Throughout the course of this breathtaking novel, you follow the tale of Josh Hamilton- the child prodigy, the first overall pick, the recovered drug addict, and MLB superstar. The story starts off describing Josh's childhood baseball play in Raleigh, North Carolina. From a very young age, he always played up with his brother and his friends. Not only did he play with these kids who ranged from 2-3 years older than he was, but he excelled. Batting with absurd numbers of home runs and pitching gems like nobody had ever seen before. His success continued throughout his older little league years and into his intermediate baseball career. However, not until high school, did Josh ever realize how talented he could actually be if he kept his work ethic up. From essentially the second Josh's his high school career began he was a superstar. He attracted scouts from not only the travel baseball programs around his town, but from out of town leagues, national development camps, and countless regional all-star teams. He continued to take gigantic strides in high school and as a result, by the time his junior and senior seasons rolled around he was not only attracting college scouts, but scouts from professional baseball clubs. Finally, on June 2nd 1999, Josh was selected first overall in the MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Sadly, this was the beginning of a rough road for Hamilton. Just like almost all players coming out of High school straight into the majors, he reported to A league baseball. One night after one of their games, Josh went out with his teammates, but little did the underage Hamilton know what the true affects of what happens when you consume too my alcohol. Josh had a little bit too much to drink that night and it truly did cost him, that night he ventured to the tattoo shop with some of his buddies from the team. There not only did he purchase his first tattoo, but he purchased his first gram of cocaine. From there on, Hamilton covered himself up in tattoo after tattoo and drug after drug. "Depression. Disappointment. Discouragement. Whatever lousy feeling you could imagine, I was feeling it." (80) Josh endured months of hardships and everything just continued to get worse for him. Throughout this battle he was suspended from Major League baseball 4 times, one more and he would have been banned for life. But, one day everything changed for him. Josh went to the one person who stilled believed in him deep down, his grandmother. His grandmother slowly but surely, with the help of the bible, turned Josh's life back on track. With the help of his grandmother Josh was able to not only restore virtually all his trusts, but his family life, his relationship, and of course, his baseball career. Today, Josh is living the dream he always wanted, playing baseball for the Texas Rangers. In the passed couple years he has shined brightly, leading them into multiple playoff appearances and capturing the most valuable player award in the year 2010. This book was fantastic overall and I admire him for putting out this story to share with us all. Go Josh!
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