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More Than My Scars: The Power of Perseverance, Unrelenting Faith, and Deciding What Defines You
The first thing you will notice when you meet Kechi Okwuchi is her scars. One of just two survivors of a devastating plane crash that killed more than 100 people, 16-year-old Kechi was left with third-degree burns over 65 percent of her body. More Than My Scars is her incredible story. A story of not just surviving impossible odds but thriving in a world that is too often caught up with how we look on the outside rather than seeing that our true value is within.
Now in her early 30s, Kechi has spent the last 16 years refusing to be defined by her trauma. Follow her as she decides for herself what role her scars will play in her life before society decides for her. Her strong sense of identity, rooted in seeing herself the way God sees her, has allowed her to live authentically in a world that constantly seeks to define us by its ever-changing (and ever-shallow) standards. Kechi's story will inspire you to love and accept yourself as you are and confidently present your true self to the world.
Now in her early 30s, Kechi has spent the last 16 years refusing to be defined by her trauma. Follow her as she decides for herself what role her scars will play in her life before society decides for her. Her strong sense of identity, rooted in seeing herself the way God sees her, has allowed her to live authentically in a world that constantly seeks to define us by its ever-changing (and ever-shallow) standards. Kechi's story will inspire you to love and accept yourself as you are and confidently present your true self to the world.
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Published May 3, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 19, 2022
On December 10, 2005, a passenger plane crashed in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Over a hundred people died. The author, Ms Okwuchi, was one of 2 survivors. She was 16 years old. Beautiful, mostly carefree, with only ordinary worries like her grades and life post high school. Then, she fell out of the sky. Against all odds, she survived.
This isn't a misery memoir. It is a powerful story about a young woman reclaiming her life. She details her experiences emerging from a coma after the crash to present day. It's full of love, loss, endurance, wavering faith and grace. Ms Okwuchi tells this story in a matter of fact way, without vanity or sensationalism and with surprising humour.
In the hazy days of healing, she clings to her mother's voice. She examines the strips of skin hanging off her arm in one passage with fascination: "Why is my skin doing that? Skin shouldn't do that". In another she dreams of a barbecue because with fresh burns, she smells like barbecue. Ms Okwuchi's conversational tone makes reading this book feel like speaking to a friend. I was moved to laughter, moved to tears. I highlighted several passages of sentences that were perfectly formed.
For example, this, on staying alive: "The machines kept my body bound to this world, but me, I was the one in charge of keeping my essence, my soul, bound to my body".
During her long hospital stays, there is some repetition and stasis but this effect is to be expected, being put in Ms Okwuchi's shoes even as she grew restless with being cooped up.
An ordinary and predictable life ended for Ms Okwuchi on December 10, 2005. She is "redefined - body, mind and soul". She insists that "there is nothing special" about her, making an important distinction between the person she is and the things that have happened to her. And yet, it takes enormous grit to fashion the life Ms Okwuchi is building for herself, bolstered by the encouragement of her loved ones and her faith. She utterly fails to convince that she is not inspiring.
What an inspiring story, what an incredible life. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. In the meantime, this book about the things that really matter, about how "everyone has scars...some just aren't as visible", will stay with me for a long time.
This isn't a misery memoir. It is a powerful story about a young woman reclaiming her life. She details her experiences emerging from a coma after the crash to present day. It's full of love, loss, endurance, wavering faith and grace. Ms Okwuchi tells this story in a matter of fact way, without vanity or sensationalism and with surprising humour.
In the hazy days of healing, she clings to her mother's voice. She examines the strips of skin hanging off her arm in one passage with fascination: "Why is my skin doing that? Skin shouldn't do that". In another she dreams of a barbecue because with fresh burns, she smells like barbecue. Ms Okwuchi's conversational tone makes reading this book feel like speaking to a friend. I was moved to laughter, moved to tears. I highlighted several passages of sentences that were perfectly formed.
For example, this, on staying alive: "The machines kept my body bound to this world, but me, I was the one in charge of keeping my essence, my soul, bound to my body".
During her long hospital stays, there is some repetition and stasis but this effect is to be expected, being put in Ms Okwuchi's shoes even as she grew restless with being cooped up.
An ordinary and predictable life ended for Ms Okwuchi on December 10, 2005. She is "redefined - body, mind and soul". She insists that "there is nothing special" about her, making an important distinction between the person she is and the things that have happened to her. And yet, it takes enormous grit to fashion the life Ms Okwuchi is building for herself, bolstered by the encouragement of her loved ones and her faith. She utterly fails to convince that she is not inspiring.
What an inspiring story, what an incredible life. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. In the meantime, this book about the things that really matter, about how "everyone has scars...some just aren't as visible", will stay with me for a long time.
May 14, 2022
Since I saw Ketchi Okwuchi on America's Got Talent, I was interested to hear her story. Her attitude despite experiencing such a traumatic event is inspiring and helped me with perspective on a health crisis I'm currently going through.
I listened to the book on audio, which was narrated by Kechi. I recommend this for those who may be struggling with trusting in God's goodness amid a difficult situation or those who just want to be inspired by someone who is an overcomer.
I listened to the book on audio, which was narrated by Kechi. I recommend this for those who may be struggling with trusting in God's goodness amid a difficult situation or those who just want to be inspired by someone who is an overcomer.
March 9, 2025
Wow, just wow! That was some hard-core stuff. It was such an emotional book! Her life after the crash was so hard, yet she pulled through. She is so strong and I know this book will change many hearts!❤️🥰
April 23, 2022
I had not heard about Kechi Okwuchi before I read this book. I hadn’t heard about the plane crash or the circumstances surrounding it, nor had I seen her on America’s Got Talent, so it was with a clean slate that I began reading this book and wow, Kechi’s story blew me away.
I’m glad I read the book before going to search the videos of her AGT appearances.
Not only is More Than My Scars the journey of healing for Kechi as a severely burned victim, but her road to survival and recovery both in body, mind, and spirit. Her faith journey is relatable and real. I loved reading about the relationship between her and her mother. Wow! What a gift. I can’t imagine either living through this as a mother or child. It’s simply remarkable in itself, aside from her journey on AGT.
This autobiography was hard to put down. It is stunningly honest and memorable. Highly recommended.
The book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. My opinion is my own.
I’m glad I read the book before going to search the videos of her AGT appearances.
Not only is More Than My Scars the journey of healing for Kechi as a severely burned victim, but her road to survival and recovery both in body, mind, and spirit. Her faith journey is relatable and real. I loved reading about the relationship between her and her mother. Wow! What a gift. I can’t imagine either living through this as a mother or child. It’s simply remarkable in itself, aside from her journey on AGT.
This autobiography was hard to put down. It is stunningly honest and memorable. Highly recommended.
The book was provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. My opinion is my own.
May 1, 2022
I don't understand why this book doesn't have more reviews on Goodreads???
Either way, this book is without a doubt, a new all time favorite book of mine.
I didn't cry sobbing, but I did tear up and felt every word of this book.
I suppose my only "critique" is that I wish this was longer. But for what we were given helped me remember that being alive in an of itself is a gift. Even if we're "ordinary" that's okay.
And I send all of my love to Kechi. <3
Either way, this book is without a doubt, a new all time favorite book of mine.
I didn't cry sobbing, but I did tear up and felt every word of this book.
I suppose my only "critique" is that I wish this was longer. But for what we were given helped me remember that being alive in an of itself is a gift. Even if we're "ordinary" that's okay.
And I send all of my love to Kechi. <3
April 20, 2022
Empowering Story-Incredible Writer-A MUST READ!
I loved watching Kechi on America's Got Talent. Her voice is amazing. When I heard she was writing a book I pre-ordered and knew it would be good. I heard her speak once and her beautiful perspective changed mine in a good way! Needless to say, it's hard to read about the crash and what she went through. She is such a great writer that you can visualize what's going on through her words. Come to find out, she wanted to be a writer even when she was younger. The ups and downs of her healing journey to the highs of America's Got Talent and her successes are powerful. This is an inspiring book-a definite must read!
I loved watching Kechi on America's Got Talent. Her voice is amazing. When I heard she was writing a book I pre-ordered and knew it would be good. I heard her speak once and her beautiful perspective changed mine in a good way! Needless to say, it's hard to read about the crash and what she went through. She is such a great writer that you can visualize what's going on through her words. Come to find out, she wanted to be a writer even when she was younger. The ups and downs of her healing journey to the highs of America's Got Talent and her successes are powerful. This is an inspiring book-a definite must read!
April 4, 2022
Kechi’s story is incredible. I loved the honesty about being in the hospital and facing all of the pain she had. I am so thankful she wrote her story for people to read!
Also loved her on Americas Got Talent. So thankful to have received a review copy of this book 💗
You’re incredible Kechi!
Also loved her on Americas Got Talent. So thankful to have received a review copy of this book 💗
You’re incredible Kechi!
April 17, 2022
Riveting. Raw. Honest.
A testament that life is uncertain and even in its uncertainty, we always have a choice—to welcome the unexplained parts with open arms hoping for the best or to sink helplessly in the tide of fear. Hope holds us together. Let’s always give hope a chance.
I also learnt another important lesson: to never give up on the ones clinging to us for their last strand of hope.
From Kechi’s story, they are the ones who inspire us to live…who give us courage to push one last time…and another last time until we begin to crawl, walk and soar on our own.
I struggled to read this book because I lost my childhood friends in that crash. I remembered how my 16 year old self crawled in darkness and cried because I couldn’t fathom death, especially when it involved young people. I always thought death happened to old people. But after a while, I knew I needed to read this book—to know. I’m grateful for the information that was sacredly shared. I hold my angels a little lighter in my memory knowing that Kechi’s light shines for all of them.
And ohhhh, what a glorious beam of light!
A testament that life is uncertain and even in its uncertainty, we always have a choice—to welcome the unexplained parts with open arms hoping for the best or to sink helplessly in the tide of fear. Hope holds us together. Let’s always give hope a chance.
I also learnt another important lesson: to never give up on the ones clinging to us for their last strand of hope.
From Kechi’s story, they are the ones who inspire us to live…who give us courage to push one last time…and another last time until we begin to crawl, walk and soar on our own.
I struggled to read this book because I lost my childhood friends in that crash. I remembered how my 16 year old self crawled in darkness and cried because I couldn’t fathom death, especially when it involved young people. I always thought death happened to old people. But after a while, I knew I needed to read this book—to know. I’m grateful for the information that was sacredly shared. I hold my angels a little lighter in my memory knowing that Kechi’s light shines for all of them.
And ohhhh, what a glorious beam of light!
May 6, 2022
I received a softcover copy from nuts about books for my review.
The story is inspiring and well-written.
I hadn't known about this plane crash and was unfamiliar with this young lady beforehand.
So much that I learned about burn victims and the treatment needed to bring them back closer to full health.
I found it difficult to connect with her as a person but loved how God used this event to bring her into his heart.
at the close of the read I felt like the story wasn't over, that it was kinda written too soon?
There are dreams that she relates and I am never quite sure what to do with dreams, and wish there had been more of God's word included.
The story is inspiring and well-written.
I hadn't known about this plane crash and was unfamiliar with this young lady beforehand.
So much that I learned about burn victims and the treatment needed to bring them back closer to full health.
I found it difficult to connect with her as a person but loved how God used this event to bring her into his heart.
at the close of the read I felt like the story wasn't over, that it was kinda written too soon?
There are dreams that she relates and I am never quite sure what to do with dreams, and wish there had been more of God's word included.
September 30, 2022
It’s an incredible survival story. I think it will hard to listen to this book if you do not believe in organized religion or monotheism. Because there is a lot of praying to God & talking to God. Quite a miracle what she went through and I think hearing her story gives you a greater appreciation for the little things in life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2022
More Than My Scars
This story shows how much you have gone through but with the Lords help you became a strong woman of faith.
You let people see the hardships of pain healing and confusion and more and through that how God has pulled you though so you can continue on your spiritual journey to help others. Awesome!
God Bless
This story shows how much you have gone through but with the Lords help you became a strong woman of faith.
You let people see the hardships of pain healing and confusion and more and through that how God has pulled you though so you can continue on your spiritual journey to help others. Awesome!
God Bless
May 3, 2022
I did not watch Kechi on AGT. And that is just a small part of her story, even in the book. I appreciated her transparency about her doubts about her faith and the amount of pain she's been through. What a journey!
August 2, 2022
Kechi is an excellent writer and told her story in an engaging and moving way. I loved her touch of humor and the down-to-earth tone and how well she captured what she was feeling during each aspect of her recovery. She has a beautiful mindset toward healing that so many will benefit from reading.
I was especially touched by the part in which she talks about how she felt like she was required to do something world-changing in order to somehow explain why she'd survived. I loved the reminder that life in of itself is a gift and simply living is something extraordinary. She has a great mindset on life and suffering that many will benefit from.
I was especially touched by the part in which she talks about how she felt like she was required to do something world-changing in order to somehow explain why she'd survived. I loved the reminder that life in of itself is a gift and simply living is something extraordinary. She has a great mindset on life and suffering that many will benefit from.
November 24, 2022
I am so proud of Kechi in all her accomplishments!! I was a physical therapist at Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston at the time she was a patient! She is such an inspiration to other burn survivors on how to accept and move forward after such horrible trauma!
December 5, 2022
Kechi is a talented writer that went through something so terrible. You get a picture of who Kechi was before the plane crash, but the after is the part that will touch your heart and inspire you to overcome any challenge you may face.
June 4, 2023
I loved hearing Kechi sing when she was on America’s Got Talent. I just HAD to buy her book when I saw it at Mardel. What an inspiration! God definitely showed up in every moment of Kechi’s miraculous story of survival, perseverance, and surrendered faith.
December 21, 2022
An inspiring story!
January 17, 2025
Beautiful story of a brave and beautiful young lady.
May 5, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Thanks to Publisher’s Weekly for the chance to read Kechi Okwuchi’s inspirational memoir. As one of two survivors, Kechi describes her harrowing recovery and the importance of her mom along with her faith as she fought to survive and truly comes of age
Thanks to Publisher’s Weekly for the chance to read Kechi Okwuchi’s inspirational memoir. As one of two survivors, Kechi describes her harrowing recovery and the importance of her mom along with her faith as she fought to survive and truly comes of age
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews