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Stronger
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Memoir & Autobiography (2014)The New York Times bestselling memoir of the 27-year-old Boston Marathon bombing survivor.
When Jeff Bauman woke up on Tuesday, April 16th, 2013 in the Boston Medical Center, groggy from a series of lifesaving surgeries and missing his legs, the first thing he did was try to speak. When he realized he couldn't, he asked for a pad and paper and wrote down seven words: Saw the guy. Looked right at me, setting off one of the biggest manhunts in the country's history.
Just thirty hours before, Jeff had been at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon cheering on his girlfriend, Erin, when the first bomb went off at his feet. As he was rushed to the hospital, he realized he was severely injured and that he might die, but he didn't know that a photograph of him in a wheelchair was circulating throughout the world, making him the human face of the Boston Marathon bombing victims, or that what he'd seen would give the Boston police their most important breakthrough.
In Stronger, Jeff describes the chaos and terror of the bombing itself and the ongoing FBI investigation in which he was a key witness. He takes us inside his grueling rehabilitation, and discusses his attempt to reconcile the world's admiration with his own guilt and frustration. . Brave, compassionate, and emotionally compelling, Jeff Bauman's story is not just his, but ours as well.
When Jeff Bauman woke up on Tuesday, April 16th, 2013 in the Boston Medical Center, groggy from a series of lifesaving surgeries and missing his legs, the first thing he did was try to speak. When he realized he couldn't, he asked for a pad and paper and wrote down seven words: Saw the guy. Looked right at me, setting off one of the biggest manhunts in the country's history.
Just thirty hours before, Jeff had been at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon cheering on his girlfriend, Erin, when the first bomb went off at his feet. As he was rushed to the hospital, he realized he was severely injured and that he might die, but he didn't know that a photograph of him in a wheelchair was circulating throughout the world, making him the human face of the Boston Marathon bombing victims, or that what he'd seen would give the Boston police their most important breakthrough.
In Stronger, Jeff describes the chaos and terror of the bombing itself and the ongoing FBI investigation in which he was a key witness. He takes us inside his grueling rehabilitation, and discusses his attempt to reconcile the world's admiration with his own guilt and frustration. . Brave, compassionate, and emotionally compelling, Jeff Bauman's story is not just his, but ours as well.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
179 people are currently reading
6253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 520 reviews
February 1, 2015
What an awesome, inspiring story! This is the story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary young joe, a college dropout working at Costco, who has a highly educated girlfriend with a well paying job. Jeff was largely raised by his divorced single mother in the Boston suburbs. He has a large extended, close-knit family and plenty of friends. What makes Jeff's life so extraordinary is that it turned on a dime on a Spring day in April, 2013. You see, Jeff was a spectator at the Boston Marathon near the finish line, cheering on his girlfriend who was running in the race. Jeff came face to face with one of the Boston Marathon bombers--Tamerlan Tsarnaev (and was the person who identified him), and lived to tell about it. But Jeff lost both his legs that day.
That's Jeff in the wheelchair (immediately after the bombing), and his rescuer in the cowboy hat (who later becomes a good friend) Carlos Arredondo...
Jeff's story touched me deeply. He showed so much courage and grace despite what happened to him. Of course he had moments of grief and pain and depression and even guilt, but largely, he was an upbeat, courageous guy who refused to be defeated.
Costco really stood behind Jeff...
Despite being unlucky enough to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, I felt that Jeff was also very fortunate. Fortunate enough to be employed by Costco (who according to Jeff had a fabulous employee health care plan); fortunate to have rescuers who were there for him immediately, saving his life (if not his legs); fortunate to have a very supportive family and friends; fortunate to have a fantastic boss who was there for him whenever he needed him; fortunate to have the city of Boston fall in love with him and rally around him; and most importantly, fortunate to have a girlfriend who stood by him the entire time, through many, many rough times.
Lots of people wanted to meet Jeff, the famous and not so famous. Here he has a bedside visit with the actor Bradley Cooper...
This book grabbed me from the opening chapter, and never let me go. Jeff does not shrink from talking about himself or his family (warts and all), and comes across as a very likable guy. I greatly admired his courage and his positive attitude. I was amazed by his lack of hatred for the bombers, and the empathy that he showed. Jeff sounds like an amazingly mature guy, and you know what? I think his girlfriend is very fortunate too. A recommended read for anyone--5 stars
That's Jeff in the wheelchair (immediately after the bombing), and his rescuer in the cowboy hat (who later becomes a good friend) Carlos Arredondo...
Jeff's story touched me deeply. He showed so much courage and grace despite what happened to him. Of course he had moments of grief and pain and depression and even guilt, but largely, he was an upbeat, courageous guy who refused to be defeated.
Costco really stood behind Jeff...
Despite being unlucky enough to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, I felt that Jeff was also very fortunate. Fortunate enough to be employed by Costco (who according to Jeff had a fabulous employee health care plan); fortunate to have rescuers who were there for him immediately, saving his life (if not his legs); fortunate to have a very supportive family and friends; fortunate to have a fantastic boss who was there for him whenever he needed him; fortunate to have the city of Boston fall in love with him and rally around him; and most importantly, fortunate to have a girlfriend who stood by him the entire time, through many, many rough times.
Lots of people wanted to meet Jeff, the famous and not so famous. Here he has a bedside visit with the actor Bradley Cooper...
This book grabbed me from the opening chapter, and never let me go. Jeff does not shrink from talking about himself or his family (warts and all), and comes across as a very likable guy. I greatly admired his courage and his positive attitude. I was amazed by his lack of hatred for the bombers, and the empathy that he showed. Jeff sounds like an amazingly mature guy, and you know what? I think his girlfriend is very fortunate too. A recommended read for anyone--5 stars
August 22, 2019
Jeff stood right next to an exploding bomb, and survived. This book is about how that day at the Boston Marathon transpired, and his journey through the following six months.
What happened to Jeff is unimaginable. Thank goodness he was able to resurrect a life from the tragedy. He's not an author, but he tells his story in an open, up-front manner. He lets us in on some of his feelings, behind the scenes, and that's important, 'cause Jeff isn't a 'feeling-sharing' kind of guy.
3 Stars = I liked the book. I'm glad I read it.
What happened to Jeff is unimaginable. Thank goodness he was able to resurrect a life from the tragedy. He's not an author, but he tells his story in an open, up-front manner. He lets us in on some of his feelings, behind the scenes, and that's important, 'cause Jeff isn't a 'feeling-sharing' kind of guy.
3 Stars = I liked the book. I'm glad I read it.
July 7, 2015
I have absolutely nothing against the author or the subject matter based on my rating of this book. I have a deep respect for Jeff and all of the people recovering from this attack and their families. I admire everyone who has persevered through this awful event, and I only wish Boston well.
I picked this book up, because I love memoirs and I also love running. I wanted to have an insight on the Boston Marathon, but I also wanted to get a deeper understanding of what it meant to be a part of an attack this huge. I originally thought that Jeff was an actual participant in the marathon. It turns out that he was actually a bystander there to cheer on his girlfriend, Erin. I hadn't followed the stories or anything, but I was kind of disappointed I wasn't hearing from an actual marathoner. I thought that hearing about an avid runner overcoming the loss of his legs would be something deeply inspirational. I also wanted to hear from another lover of running! Having something in common with the author was what I was most looking forward to.
Unfortunately, Jeff and I didn't really connect. He likes to talk sports. I was more interested in hearing about running and how him and his family came together in a crisis. What I wasn't expecting was all the talk about baseball. Man, did this guy love baseball. I'm totally cool with that, except I know almost nothing about it. I just felt disconnected from him. I also didn't really understand his relationship with his girlfriend. I wasn't a big fan of how he treated her. Yes, I understand losing your legs is a stressful situation (to say the least) and sometimes you're going to be angry about it. I'm not talking about him lashing out in frustration to her every once in a while. It was a consistent theme throughout the book, before the attack, after the attack, and after going through recovery. By all means, if that works for them, that's great! But it really didn't work for me reading about it.
One thing that I was truly impressed with however, was the fact that Jeff was so completely honest and true to himself. Never once did I get the feeling that he was trying to fake it for an audience or put on a show. He let it all out there, including his relationship troubles, his family dramas, and his inner demons. It takes a lot of balls to put all of that into a book, especially when your face is now plastered on every newscast and every Google search concerning the Boston Marathon. I tip my hat to Jeff. I admire him. This book just wasn't my cup of tea, is all.
I picked this book up, because I love memoirs and I also love running. I wanted to have an insight on the Boston Marathon, but I also wanted to get a deeper understanding of what it meant to be a part of an attack this huge. I originally thought that Jeff was an actual participant in the marathon. It turns out that he was actually a bystander there to cheer on his girlfriend, Erin. I hadn't followed the stories or anything, but I was kind of disappointed I wasn't hearing from an actual marathoner. I thought that hearing about an avid runner overcoming the loss of his legs would be something deeply inspirational. I also wanted to hear from another lover of running! Having something in common with the author was what I was most looking forward to.
Unfortunately, Jeff and I didn't really connect. He likes to talk sports. I was more interested in hearing about running and how him and his family came together in a crisis. What I wasn't expecting was all the talk about baseball. Man, did this guy love baseball. I'm totally cool with that, except I know almost nothing about it. I just felt disconnected from him. I also didn't really understand his relationship with his girlfriend. I wasn't a big fan of how he treated her. Yes, I understand losing your legs is a stressful situation (to say the least) and sometimes you're going to be angry about it. I'm not talking about him lashing out in frustration to her every once in a while. It was a consistent theme throughout the book, before the attack, after the attack, and after going through recovery. By all means, if that works for them, that's great! But it really didn't work for me reading about it.
One thing that I was truly impressed with however, was the fact that Jeff was so completely honest and true to himself. Never once did I get the feeling that he was trying to fake it for an audience or put on a show. He let it all out there, including his relationship troubles, his family dramas, and his inner demons. It takes a lot of balls to put all of that into a book, especially when your face is now plastered on every newscast and every Google search concerning the Boston Marathon. I tip my hat to Jeff. I admire him. This book just wasn't my cup of tea, is all.
April 25, 2014
I gave this book 5 stars, not because it had the best writing ever, or will be a literary classic. It's worth 5 stars because it is real. Jeff tells his story in such a real and raw way; it is powerful. Give this book a read; you won't regret it! Everyone has struggles in life, and this book follows one person through his. We all fall, and sometimes we keep falling until we find our strength again.
June 9, 2014
Jeff Bauman was standing near the finish line at the Boston Marathon in 2013 when he noticed a young man nearby who was acting strangely. Before Jeff could do anything else, a bomb exploded behind him. The next thing Jeff remembers is being down on the ground, unable to get up. When he looked down, he saw that his legs were blown off.
In the early days of the investigation, the police and FBI had no clues about the identity of the bombers. Jeff’s ability to describe the bomber to a police sketch artist led the authorities to positively identify Tamerlan Tsarnaev from security camera videos.
In this frank and poignant memoir, Jeff writes about his fight to survive and his daily struggle to reach a point where he can begin to live a productive life despite his disability.
Jeff has suffered excruciating pain, burns, and emotional trauma that few of us have ever experienced. Yet he is able to maintain his sense of humor and an optimistic, determined and hopeful attitude. His honest memoir gives the reader an appreciation of the extent of suffering endured by the survivors as well as the incredible life saving efforts performed by those involved in the survivors’ rescue and treatment. Jeff also describes the overwhelming generosity and compassion given by complete strangers. As he continues to progress, Jeff Bauman embodies the now famous phrase “Boston Strong”.
Thank you to Goodreads first reads and to Hachette Books for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of this unforgettable book.
In the early days of the investigation, the police and FBI had no clues about the identity of the bombers. Jeff’s ability to describe the bomber to a police sketch artist led the authorities to positively identify Tamerlan Tsarnaev from security camera videos.
In this frank and poignant memoir, Jeff writes about his fight to survive and his daily struggle to reach a point where he can begin to live a productive life despite his disability.
Jeff has suffered excruciating pain, burns, and emotional trauma that few of us have ever experienced. Yet he is able to maintain his sense of humor and an optimistic, determined and hopeful attitude. His honest memoir gives the reader an appreciation of the extent of suffering endured by the survivors as well as the incredible life saving efforts performed by those involved in the survivors’ rescue and treatment. Jeff also describes the overwhelming generosity and compassion given by complete strangers. As he continues to progress, Jeff Bauman embodies the now famous phrase “Boston Strong”.
Thank you to Goodreads first reads and to Hachette Books for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of this unforgettable book.
August 2, 2014
Book was given to me as a present. In my younger days, I ran Boston several times. Family thought I would like to read the story of Jeff Bauman, a Boston Marathon bombing victim. It is a first person account, with lots of help from Bret Witter. Tells of the bombing, his hospital care, and rehabilitation. All the ups and downs with losing two legs. At times I thought he was not a nice person due to the way he treated his girl friend, who stood by him and the stories of his alcohol excesses. I know the book is to be inspiring for his loss of his legs to working his new legs. I was underwhelmed by the story and Bauman as a person.
March 15, 2018
Wow. This book was so good. Everything that happened in this book makes it such a great read. You just can't put it down. I had to force myself to read like 10 pages a night, which killed me. If you need a biography, this is the one. Such a powerful book. Jeff is an inspiration to me. Never give up!
May 16, 2017
Random guy happens to be involved in famous event. Has nothing interesting, inspiring or insightful to say. But he can "write" a book to cash in.
August 7, 2014
I was riveted by the events surrounding the Boston Marathon bombings and Jeff Bauman became a symbol of the disaster and the spirit of hope for healing and reconciliation that followed. When I learned he had written a book about the experience, I was quick to read his account. About 2/3rds of the book is incredibly interesting and heart-wrenching. Jeff's descriptions of the the marathon experience, seeing the bomber and what happened during and after the explosions are vivid and jaw-dropping. Jeff's assistance in identifying one of the bombers and his long, painful recovery and rehabilitation from his severe injuries were inspiring.
In the final third of the book, I grew a little tired of his seemingly repetitive stories of public events and excessive drinking at local Boston watering holes. A small quibble. I would have loved to have read more about his strengthened relationship with his girlfriend and the life they were trying to create, his dreams for the future and what he was planning to do with his second chance at a life. The book covers about half a year's activity from April to the end of November 2013, so not much more could be expected.
Jeff's an inspiring fellow with a great future ahead of him. I am curious to see what he will do with the renewed life ahead of him.
In the final third of the book, I grew a little tired of his seemingly repetitive stories of public events and excessive drinking at local Boston watering holes. A small quibble. I would have loved to have read more about his strengthened relationship with his girlfriend and the life they were trying to create, his dreams for the future and what he was planning to do with his second chance at a life. The book covers about half a year's activity from April to the end of November 2013, so not much more could be expected.
Jeff's an inspiring fellow with a great future ahead of him. I am curious to see what he will do with the renewed life ahead of him.
May 10, 2015
This book had great potential and occasionally touched upon items of interest, but the overarching and inescapable thread that ran throughout this book was that of Jeff Bauman's entitled, naïve, spoiled disposition (not to mention his manipulative and abusive tendencies toward his girlfriend, Erin). If his popularity had been gauged by his character, rather than by his overhyped media portrayal, I doubt too many would give him the label of "hero."
December 30, 2017
I was slightly disappointed as I thought that Jeff Bauman was a marathon runner. As his narrative goes on I realised he was a spectator. However his story of recovering from such a horrific attack is very inspiring. I just wasn't interested in other parts of his personal life.
October 27, 2017
Powerful, inspirational yet simply told book. I only put it down to dry my tears. It’s about and written by Jeff Bauman whose "iconic” photo became the face of the bombing victims. An ordinary man who is transformed instantly and reluctantly into a national hero, due to a horrific event. The goodness he encounters is overwhelming at times, for him, and for this reader. He is really tested but learns every day that valuable lesson that it's best and healthier to focus on the good people that cross his path, rather than the evil or ugly hatred.
Bauman shares his journey to health; he struggles every day with pain and anxiety, but chooses to concentrate on the good in life in the midst of horror. He has fear and worry and doubt, but remains committed to his future: to be normal. Along the way, he discovers and reflects upon his "new normal".
Bauman is blessed innately with a good outlook on life. His supportive and loyal friends, a loving family and strong girlfriend, as well as the overwhelmingly generous support and kindness of strangers, sustained him. He was determined to walk again in a year, as he was told he could by reps from the Wounded Warrior Project,. "Bauman Strong " meant walking by the 2014 Boston Marathon.
Post-script: we went to the Sox game Sunday night, before the marathon. It was my first Sox game, and it was amazing. Before the game, there was a tribute to the victims of the bombings, and the police and first responders and medical teams. When Jeff walked onto the field, I cried, shouting "Jeff made it! He made it". I felt like a close friend had met his goal.
We were there last year, cheering our marathoner, who did well and never looked as happy as he did as he passed us at Mile 24. The day was one of extreme highs and lows, emotional, and filled with "what ifs". Like many, especially here in Northern New England, I was glued to the news. It was scary. We worried about our loved one in a city on lockdown. I cried a lot about the folks injured or who were killed. Reading this book was like an eye into the other side of the news. Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your story, and letting us know that you are fine, and that others who were so severely injured are doing their best to be fine, too. God bless you all.
It was also incredible to be back for this magical Marathon/Easter weekend. The spirit of this City is incredible, as is the outpouring of love and support from around the country and across the world.
Boston strong.
Bauman shares his journey to health; he struggles every day with pain and anxiety, but chooses to concentrate on the good in life in the midst of horror. He has fear and worry and doubt, but remains committed to his future: to be normal. Along the way, he discovers and reflects upon his "new normal".
Bauman is blessed innately with a good outlook on life. His supportive and loyal friends, a loving family and strong girlfriend, as well as the overwhelmingly generous support and kindness of strangers, sustained him. He was determined to walk again in a year, as he was told he could by reps from the Wounded Warrior Project,. "Bauman Strong " meant walking by the 2014 Boston Marathon.
Post-script: we went to the Sox game Sunday night, before the marathon. It was my first Sox game, and it was amazing. Before the game, there was a tribute to the victims of the bombings, and the police and first responders and medical teams. When Jeff walked onto the field, I cried, shouting "Jeff made it! He made it". I felt like a close friend had met his goal.
We were there last year, cheering our marathoner, who did well and never looked as happy as he did as he passed us at Mile 24. The day was one of extreme highs and lows, emotional, and filled with "what ifs". Like many, especially here in Northern New England, I was glued to the news. It was scary. We worried about our loved one in a city on lockdown. I cried a lot about the folks injured or who were killed. Reading this book was like an eye into the other side of the news. Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your story, and letting us know that you are fine, and that others who were so severely injured are doing their best to be fine, too. God bless you all.
It was also incredible to be back for this magical Marathon/Easter weekend. The spirit of this City is incredible, as is the outpouring of love and support from around the country and across the world.
Boston strong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2014
Wow. I am so very glad I got my hands on this book. The Marathon bombings and the manhunt that followed were a huge event in my life. Sadly, there are so many horrible, terrifying things that happen in our world every day, but the events of last April happened in my backyard, in places I love and visit, at an event my Dad used to be at every year (I love the picture of him and his running buddies by the time clock on Heartbreak Hill that he keeps under the glass blotter on his desk in Maine.) I have a yellow & blue marathon jacket from ten years ago that I wear in the spring. The marathon is a huge deal in New England. Patriots Day, everyone in Mass is off (we in NH are jealous), the Sox play in the morning and it's a celebration of our awesome city of Boston, that all of New England feels a part of. Those events, they didn't just hit home, they froze me. There were so many emotions and questions. It was a trauma.
And for Jeff Bauman to put this book out there, well, I hope he knows how much it helps heal at least this one person from New England (yes, I feel a small tie because I work right across the street from where he worked in NH, grew up in the town next to where his dad lives, and live in a town he mentions a visit to in the book.) I'm sure this young man is tired of hearing about how inspirational he is, about how his strength helped our city get through. But I'll be the ten billionth person to say it: he's an inspration. Bauman is THE MAN. He IS Boston Strong.
I cannot imagine what he has and what he continues to go through every day. I cannot imagine what his family has gone through. But I am so thankful that he has chosen to share his story, from the heart. I laughed a lot, cried even more, and my heart healed reading this book. Was it perfect, nope, but I betcha it was perfectly Bauman. I usually criticize books that are a little jumpy, but I didn't even care reading this. He hit what needed to be hit...those who were here when things were going on, know what he's talking about. Everything we heard or saw or wondered about. He got it all in here. And we got a glimpse of his wonderful love story. I am so happy for him and Erin, to make it through such an ordeal, to have each other to lean on. That is Boston Strong, too.
So thank you, Jeff Bauman. It's been an honor to spend the past few weeks with your words, your story. Keep moving forward. One day at a time. Every day, we get Stronger!
And for Jeff Bauman to put this book out there, well, I hope he knows how much it helps heal at least this one person from New England (yes, I feel a small tie because I work right across the street from where he worked in NH, grew up in the town next to where his dad lives, and live in a town he mentions a visit to in the book.) I'm sure this young man is tired of hearing about how inspirational he is, about how his strength helped our city get through. But I'll be the ten billionth person to say it: he's an inspration. Bauman is THE MAN. He IS Boston Strong.
I cannot imagine what he has and what he continues to go through every day. I cannot imagine what his family has gone through. But I am so thankful that he has chosen to share his story, from the heart. I laughed a lot, cried even more, and my heart healed reading this book. Was it perfect, nope, but I betcha it was perfectly Bauman. I usually criticize books that are a little jumpy, but I didn't even care reading this. He hit what needed to be hit...those who were here when things were going on, know what he's talking about. Everything we heard or saw or wondered about. He got it all in here. And we got a glimpse of his wonderful love story. I am so happy for him and Erin, to make it through such an ordeal, to have each other to lean on. That is Boston Strong, too.
So thank you, Jeff Bauman. It's been an honor to spend the past few weeks with your words, your story. Keep moving forward. One day at a time. Every day, we get Stronger!
December 2, 2021
The author has poor insight and lacks positive characteristics making him completely unlikable to me. It’s poorly written, and also, his mention of Israel bombings by terrorists really displayed his ignorance on the topic (which was a completely irrelevant remark to make, anyway). The way he mistreated his girlfriend bothered me, along with his spoiled and entitled sense of self. He often criticized and minimized others’ feelings, because he didn’t like to express his own. He was codependent, and showed little to no regard for those he was dependent on, and frequently mistreated them.
I skipped several pages that just talked sports. Again, another irrelevant aspect.
I commend his resilience for overcoming what he went through, but this book lacks any interesting perspective or insight into the bombing.
I skipped several pages that just talked sports. Again, another irrelevant aspect.
I commend his resilience for overcoming what he went through, but this book lacks any interesting perspective or insight into the bombing.
August 5, 2015
Very interesting book to listen to. It was interesting to hear his side of the story and what happened after the bombing. Good as an audiobook.
October 11, 2017
Not the best writing but it's such an inspiring story! Can't wait to watch the movie!
December 4, 2017
To people who thought this book was about running and marathons...really?
I gave 5 stars because it felt like the book Jeff needed to write and in a way that made him feel comfortable to do so.
I gave 5 stars because it felt like the book Jeff needed to write and in a way that made him feel comfortable to do so.
August 3, 2018
“You work and work, you get a little better everyday, more together, stronger, and then one day something happens, and you believe.”
A very moving and inspiring story of Jeff Bauman, a 27 years old man who was attending the 2013 Boston marathon to support his girlfriend ,who was running in the race, but ended up losing both his legs that day. His life changes completely after the horrible incident.
In this book, Jeff tells us the story of how what didn’t kill him really made him stronger. He talks about how hard and frustrating it is knowing that you have to spend the rest of your life getting used to living with a big part of your body missing. He talks about the physical and emotional roller coaster he was forced to ride by losing both his legs.
I was really impressed and inspired but the courage and bravery he has shown throughout his recovery journey. I was moved by how despite being the hurt person in the room he still tried to put a smile on everyone’s faces. What really amazed me was his feelings towards the bombers, he never felt angry or hateful towards them, he only felt sorry for them and have to be really strong to experience such peaceful and unharmful feelings towards the people who took so much from you by making you live without your own legs.
Can someone be this kind hearted? Yes, this book proved it to me.
I would definitely recommend this book. It’s STRONG.
A very moving and inspiring story of Jeff Bauman, a 27 years old man who was attending the 2013 Boston marathon to support his girlfriend ,who was running in the race, but ended up losing both his legs that day. His life changes completely after the horrible incident.
In this book, Jeff tells us the story of how what didn’t kill him really made him stronger. He talks about how hard and frustrating it is knowing that you have to spend the rest of your life getting used to living with a big part of your body missing. He talks about the physical and emotional roller coaster he was forced to ride by losing both his legs.
I was really impressed and inspired but the courage and bravery he has shown throughout his recovery journey. I was moved by how despite being the hurt person in the room he still tried to put a smile on everyone’s faces. What really amazed me was his feelings towards the bombers, he never felt angry or hateful towards them, he only felt sorry for them and have to be really strong to experience such peaceful and unharmful feelings towards the people who took so much from you by making you live without your own legs.
Can someone be this kind hearted? Yes, this book proved it to me.
I would definitely recommend this book. It’s STRONG.
October 16, 2017
This is the incredible story of Jeff Bauman's life after the Boston Marathon bombing. It is by far the best book I have read this year. The book doesn't focus on the bombing and the bombers. It's more about Jeff and his struggles. To the public eye Jeff remained extremely confident and happy, but he actually got frustrated and mad at times. He has an amazing family and his girlfriend, Erin, was truly a blessing to him. He's funny and takes things one day at a time. He did have long term goals, but realized that he may have been pushing himself. You never really feel bad for him. He is truly an amazing person and an inspiration to others. He stayed humble throughout his ordeal. I look forward to the movie and hope it stays true to the book.
August 8, 2016
It took me way longer than I thought it would to finish this and it's weird rating this book because it's a biography. Jeff Bauman really did lose his legs to a bomber in the Boston marathon. He really did look the bomber in the eye and almost die from loss of blood. But besides all the controversy and etc, at times it was so boring and frustrating. I was interested in reading about the tragedy. I wanted to know more about how the police conducted the manhunt to find the terrorist. I was more interested in the action and plot than I was about Jeff texting his girlfriend to come over to his room. Seriously, Jeff narrates himself as such a strange, ego-driven person. He captions his own photos with, "Bauman out!" He refers to himself as the "handsome boyfriend". He included a chain of text messages between him and Erin which consist of Erin saying she's tired and wants to stay the night at her parents instead of driving all the way up to see him, and Jeff responding that his "legs hurt". He has such love for Erin that I don't really understand, because he started the first chapter stating that they were broken up. The way that he treats Erin, sometimes without regarding what she's going through at the time of the trauma, is super frustrating, and I ended up rolling my eyes at him way too many times. I read this because of the upcoming movie adaption starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Tatiana Maslany, and I now sorely hope that they do more justice in storytelling than Jeff Bauman did with his own life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2017
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway and enjoyed reading it. It was well written and well balanced between the tragedy of the bombing and strength of both the city of Boston and Jeff Bauman personally. Jeff shared his struggles as well as his success. Yes, he is stronger but that strength did not come without great effort on his part and abundant support from both his family and his city. His perspective on being the "face" of this tragedy was especially interesting to me. It has been a blessing, giving him the opportunity to encourage others and give back to the community that has given him so much support, and a burden as he is pulled to make numerous public appearances that require him to show only the strong side and at times leave him feeling used. This book is an inspiration for us all as we see how Jeff accepts what life brings his way and allows it to make him stronger.
June 30, 2014
I've been to many races-- mostly as a runner but sometimes as an observer. When you are an observer, you are solely focused ahead, watching people achieve dreams. That is just what Jeff Bauman was doing at the Boston Marathon until he took his eyes off the finish line for a moment and locked them with the bombers. Mere seconds later he had lost both legs in the blast.
This story was an inspiring, truthful look at the event and his recovery. The writing is simplistically candid. I felt like it was sharing a beer and burger with him as he relayed his message.
And, yes, despite his wishes, he is a true hero in this story.
This story was an inspiring, truthful look at the event and his recovery. The writing is simplistically candid. I felt like it was sharing a beer and burger with him as he relayed his message.
And, yes, despite his wishes, he is a true hero in this story.
February 20, 2019
I chose to read this to better understand the experience of a friend who recently lost his leg. Of course the circumstances of his motorcycle accident were quite different than this author’s, but I did learn a lot about the emotions and recovery efforts he’ll likely endure as an amputee.
April 27, 2023
I loved this book. It is an amazing book. Jeff talks honestly about what happened to him during the Boston Marathon bombing and after. He is an inspiration to many.
December 5, 2017
My rating of 2 stars reflects what I thought of the book and takes absolutely nothing away from the fact that Jeff Bauman is an amazing fighter, and having to recover from losing both legs in such a way is something I would never wish upon anyone.
That being said - while I enjoyed the first 40-50% of the book, particularly in the recovery phase I felt that Bauman was being overly unreasonable at times, especially in his treatment of his then girlfriend. Having spent the second quarter of the book describing how much he needs and cannot live without her, he then goes on to treat her in a way that I don't imagine people treating someone they actually love. I looked him up after finishing the book and was disappointed to find that while they eventually married, it ended in a divorce and I feel slightly "cheated" in the amount of time I'd invested reading about how much he loves and values her. As pointed out by another reviewer on this page, in his circumstances it would have been perfectly reasonable to have bouts of frustration - and I would have sympathised with that - but taking it all out on her, never bothering to apologise afterwards (or at least, describing the fight but not the reconciliation afterwards in the book) and holding her hostage to "my legs hurt" - there was only so much of that I could stand reading about.
Then there was another phase towards the end of the book lamenting the loss of control he had over public appearances, with his newfound "fame". He seemed happy enough to appear for the Sox and the Bruins, having discussed throughout his book his love of sports, but had issues with appearing in support of the hospital that treated him or the company who donated top-of-the-range artificial legs to him. While having a degree of control over what sorts of appearances he makes is totally understandable, I felt a sense of resentment in his tone that he isn't being allowed to pick-and-choose as freely as he'd have liked.
Credit to Bauman for being sufficiently honest with his book: He accepts at times that he had hurt his girlfriend, reiterates the fact that he loves her, and confesses that she had had it difficult during his recovery. Overall an easy read.
That being said - while I enjoyed the first 40-50% of the book, particularly in the recovery phase I felt that Bauman was being overly unreasonable at times, especially in his treatment of his then girlfriend. Having spent the second quarter of the book describing how much he needs and cannot live without her, he then goes on to treat her in a way that I don't imagine people treating someone they actually love. I looked him up after finishing the book and was disappointed to find that while they eventually married, it ended in a divorce and I feel slightly "cheated" in the amount of time I'd invested reading about how much he loves and values her. As pointed out by another reviewer on this page, in his circumstances it would have been perfectly reasonable to have bouts of frustration - and I would have sympathised with that - but taking it all out on her, never bothering to apologise afterwards (or at least, describing the fight but not the reconciliation afterwards in the book) and holding her hostage to "my legs hurt" - there was only so much of that I could stand reading about.
Then there was another phase towards the end of the book lamenting the loss of control he had over public appearances, with his newfound "fame". He seemed happy enough to appear for the Sox and the Bruins, having discussed throughout his book his love of sports, but had issues with appearing in support of the hospital that treated him or the company who donated top-of-the-range artificial legs to him. While having a degree of control over what sorts of appearances he makes is totally understandable, I felt a sense of resentment in his tone that he isn't being allowed to pick-and-choose as freely as he'd have liked.
Credit to Bauman for being sufficiently honest with his book: He accepts at times that he had hurt his girlfriend, reiterates the fact that he loves her, and confesses that she had had it difficult during his recovery. Overall an easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2014
If I could mark this book a '10', I would. "Stronger" is the true story of Jeff Bauman. Jeff is the first person's picture we saw on the internet after the Boston Marathon bombing. He lost both legs to the bomb blast & was the first to identify Tamerlan Tsaraev as the bomber. Prior to the bombing Jeff was a normal, everyday individual just like the rest of us. After the bombing, however, Jeff's optimism and hope made him the hero he is today. What is amazing is his view towards the remaining bomber. He is a compassionate person.
Jeff had a strong support system. His family, his girlfriend and friends came to him in his hour of need. Erin, his girlfriend in particular, was awesome. His was not an easy struggle because the pain was so intense. He doesn't hide this fact but how he works through it will inspire you.
The company he worked for, Costco, really was amazing. The support they provided; the care packages that were sent weekly from home office; the great medical plan that management ensured employees had [despite the Board's recommendation to scale back]; and lastly, allowing Kevin Horst, his manager's manager time off to support Jeff's needs was unbelievable. Costco should rename their company moniker to be " The Company with a Heart". I encourage everyone to shop at Costco because they really are an incredible company. And Kevin Horst, himself, should be commended as well....what a kind and wonderful person.
Jeff tells some other stories of people who faced challenges that we did not know about. To read about this people really puts things in perspective about your own life. He describes the brave policemen who caught the bombers and the gunfight that ensued. I had no idea of how that enfolded and Jeff does an excellent job describing the event and the courage of the police.
This is a wonderful book. A motivational book. It is written very well and moves along at a good pace. You cannot read this book and not admire and respect Jeff Baumen. Jeff Baumen is not an ordinary, normal man...he is an inspiration to everyone.
Jeff had a strong support system. His family, his girlfriend and friends came to him in his hour of need. Erin, his girlfriend in particular, was awesome. His was not an easy struggle because the pain was so intense. He doesn't hide this fact but how he works through it will inspire you.
The company he worked for, Costco, really was amazing. The support they provided; the care packages that were sent weekly from home office; the great medical plan that management ensured employees had [despite the Board's recommendation to scale back]; and lastly, allowing Kevin Horst, his manager's manager time off to support Jeff's needs was unbelievable. Costco should rename their company moniker to be " The Company with a Heart". I encourage everyone to shop at Costco because they really are an incredible company. And Kevin Horst, himself, should be commended as well....what a kind and wonderful person.
Jeff tells some other stories of people who faced challenges that we did not know about. To read about this people really puts things in perspective about your own life. He describes the brave policemen who caught the bombers and the gunfight that ensued. I had no idea of how that enfolded and Jeff does an excellent job describing the event and the courage of the police.
This is a wonderful book. A motivational book. It is written very well and moves along at a good pace. You cannot read this book and not admire and respect Jeff Baumen. Jeff Baumen is not an ordinary, normal man...he is an inspiration to everyone.
June 14, 2014
I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check!
I am not a big news watcher. I try to keep up on current events, so I knew about the bombing at the Boston Marathon, but I didn't watch the news broadcasts as they occurred nor did I see the (now famous) picture of Jeff Bauman being wheeled away from the bomb site. So, this whole book was a revelation and learning experience for me.
In a straight forward and honest manner, Jeff describes his life, what happened to him that tragic afternoon, and then how he and his family picked up the pieces of their lives and began to move on. He also describes what happened at the shootout between Tsarnaev and the police from the officers' point of view (he heard multiple first hand accounts from the men who were there). He details the trauma to his body and mind- some of it is very graphic, but that's how he experienced it.
I think this was a very intimate memoir. In addition to sharing his inner most thoughts and emotions, he doesn't try to make the people in his life look better than they really are. For example, the portrait he paints of his mother is very unflattering. She tends to drink to excess and then vent her emotions while under the influence. Apparently she has behaved this way Jeff's entire life, so he doesn't think much of it. It's very dysfunctional, at best, and alcoholic, at worst. But, it's real and not something that he had to share with the world. Jeff chose to share it as part of the larger picture of his life.
At multiple points in the book, Jeff denies that he's a hero, but he is. He's demonstrated the resiliency of the human spirit and sheer determination to move on with his life by learning to walk with his new legs a mere six months after the bombing. I sincerely hope that his life continues to move forward and that he finds more peace than is detailed in his memoir. He deserves that, at least.
I am not a big news watcher. I try to keep up on current events, so I knew about the bombing at the Boston Marathon, but I didn't watch the news broadcasts as they occurred nor did I see the (now famous) picture of Jeff Bauman being wheeled away from the bomb site. So, this whole book was a revelation and learning experience for me.
In a straight forward and honest manner, Jeff describes his life, what happened to him that tragic afternoon, and then how he and his family picked up the pieces of their lives and began to move on. He also describes what happened at the shootout between Tsarnaev and the police from the officers' point of view (he heard multiple first hand accounts from the men who were there). He details the trauma to his body and mind- some of it is very graphic, but that's how he experienced it.
I think this was a very intimate memoir. In addition to sharing his inner most thoughts and emotions, he doesn't try to make the people in his life look better than they really are. For example, the portrait he paints of his mother is very unflattering. She tends to drink to excess and then vent her emotions while under the influence. Apparently she has behaved this way Jeff's entire life, so he doesn't think much of it. It's very dysfunctional, at best, and alcoholic, at worst. But, it's real and not something that he had to share with the world. Jeff chose to share it as part of the larger picture of his life.
At multiple points in the book, Jeff denies that he's a hero, but he is. He's demonstrated the resiliency of the human spirit and sheer determination to move on with his life by learning to walk with his new legs a mere six months after the bombing. I sincerely hope that his life continues to move forward and that he finds more peace than is detailed in his memoir. He deserves that, at least.
August 31, 2015
NOTE: I did not finish this book. I got maybe 30-40 pages into it before I got irritated/upset enough and stopped reading.
I wanted to like this book. I really, REALLY wanted to like this book. I'm 50% upset with myself for not liking it and 50% upset with the book.
The prologue of this book was fantastic, I loved it. I was thrilled to keep reading and get into the meat of this book. Turned the page, and got a face-full of Jeff Bauman describing the type of man he is. And as a twenty-something female runner who lived and dated around Boston (I think this is what really turned me off) during this time frame, I was just not impressed. I did not like the way he treated his girlfriend (who I closely identified with). As soon as I found myself thinking "The hell is she doing with him?" I knew I was done. And damn do I feel peculiar for saying that because this story is about Jeff Bauman and his inspiring story of recovery.
There was a major difference in what I was expecting and what this book is actually about. This book is about Jeff Bauman's personal history and his struggle to recover. I was looking for more of an event-by-event factual compilation from the bombs going off, the man-hunt, and the way Boston as a city came together.
I wanted to like this book. I really, REALLY wanted to like this book. I'm 50% upset with myself for not liking it and 50% upset with the book.
The prologue of this book was fantastic, I loved it. I was thrilled to keep reading and get into the meat of this book. Turned the page, and got a face-full of Jeff Bauman describing the type of man he is. And as a twenty-something female runner who lived and dated around Boston (I think this is what really turned me off) during this time frame, I was just not impressed. I did not like the way he treated his girlfriend (who I closely identified with). As soon as I found myself thinking "The hell is she doing with him?" I knew I was done. And damn do I feel peculiar for saying that because this story is about Jeff Bauman and his inspiring story of recovery.
There was a major difference in what I was expecting and what this book is actually about. This book is about Jeff Bauman's personal history and his struggle to recover. I was looking for more of an event-by-event factual compilation from the bombs going off, the man-hunt, and the way Boston as a city came together.
May 28, 2014
Of course this story is a five star tale, but often in autobiographies, memoirs and biographies the writing can let down a beautiful story. Not the case here! This story is raw and real, and often darkly humorous. Jeff suffers from the physical and mental issues from losing his legs, but cherishes his life, family and girlfriend all the more. We find out more about Jeff and his awesome family, and he becomes so much more than just an iconic image that came from this tragedy.
I really loved the writing. At once it was personal and informative, never straying away from Jeff and how he was coping. It's still early days in his recovery, but it was great to read of all those helping and sending their support. A great read, sad at times but ultimately uplifting. Highly recommended, I bought my copy at Target, so hopefully available in a bookstore near you ;)
I really loved the writing. At once it was personal and informative, never straying away from Jeff and how he was coping. It's still early days in his recovery, but it was great to read of all those helping and sending their support. A great read, sad at times but ultimately uplifting. Highly recommended, I bought my copy at Target, so hopefully available in a bookstore near you ;)
January 8, 2018
4.5/5.
This book was incredibly moving. Hearing his story and how this event affected him and those around him was amazing to hear. The author is honest about what he and his family were going through during this time which made me really connect with Bauman because he doesn't sugarcoat anything. He keeps his sense of humour throughout the book which made me smile from time-to-time even though this book covered such dark subject matter.
In the end this book was amazing and I recommend that everyone should pick it up. I am doing my Masters in orthotics and prosthetics and getting to hear from his perspective about what he was feeling when getting his prostheses and how he was learning to adjust to them was something that I found to be very valuable and something that I will hold on to as I enter the work force in the summer.
This book was incredibly moving. Hearing his story and how this event affected him and those around him was amazing to hear. The author is honest about what he and his family were going through during this time which made me really connect with Bauman because he doesn't sugarcoat anything. He keeps his sense of humour throughout the book which made me smile from time-to-time even though this book covered such dark subject matter.
In the end this book was amazing and I recommend that everyone should pick it up. I am doing my Masters in orthotics and prosthetics and getting to hear from his perspective about what he was feeling when getting his prostheses and how he was learning to adjust to them was something that I found to be very valuable and something that I will hold on to as I enter the work force in the summer.
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