by Steve Gleason, Jeff Duncan
Published
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Language
English
Publisher
Random House Audio
Kindle
$14.99
Hardcover
$20.76
Paperback
$29.77
Audiobook
$17.72
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From NFL player Steve Gleason, a powerful, inspiring memoir of love, heartbreak, resilience, family, and remarkable triumph in the face of ALS "Gleason is a symbol of resilience, hope and optimism.”— The New York Times " Steve Gleason has changed the world."–Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner "An extraordinary book... A Life Impossible will change the way people cope, think, and live."–Mike Lupica, co-author with James Patterson of 12 Months to Live In 2011, three years after leaving the NFL, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal disease that takes away the ability to move, talk, and breathe. Doctors gave him three years to live.
He was thirty-three years old. As Steve says, he is now ten years past his expiration date. His memoir is the chronicle of a remarkable life, one filled with optimism and joy, despite the trauma and pain and despair he has experienced.
Writing using eye-tracking technology, Gleason covers his pre-ALS life through the highs and lows of his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, where he made one of the most memorable plays in Saints history, leading to a victory in the first post-Katrina home game, uplifting the city, making him a hero, and reflected in a nine-foot bronze statue outside the Superdome. Then came his heartbreaking diagnosis. Gleason lost all muscle function, he now uses Stephen Hawking-like technology to communicate, and breathes with the help of a ventilator.
This book captures Gleason and his wife Michel’s unmatched resilience as they reinvent their lives, refuse to succumb to despair, and face his disease realistically and existentially. This unsparing portrait argues that a person's true strength does not reside solely in one’s body but also in the ability to face unfathomable adversity and still be able to love and treasure life.
In the heart of adversity, there lies a kind of beauty that transcends understanding. "A Life Impossible: Living with ALS" invites readers into a narrative of courage and transformation in the face of Lou Gehrig's disease. It unravels the delicate tapestry of a life altered by ALS, yet enriched with profound insights and unexpected solace.
As the author navigates the unpredictable tides of their journey, each page illuminates the surprising revelations and enduring hope that emerge within the fragility of existence.
Discovering inner peace amid the physical challenges of ALS offers unexpected wisdom and strength. Embracing vulnerability allows a deeper connection with oneself and those around you. Life's fragility can reveal profound insights often overlooked in times of certainty.
A Life Impossible: Living with ALS is a poignant exploration of resilience and acceptance amid adversity. The author shares a deeply personal journey inviting readers to witness both struggle and triumph. Through candid reflections the narrative unveils moments of profound introspection and growth.
Battling the relentless progression of ALS the author's experiences reveal the tangled complexities of living with such an implacable condition. Each chapter serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. This inspiring memoir delves into the duality of life with ALS drowning in physical limitations yet soaring with newfound wisdom.
Reimagining everyday moments the author paints vivid scenes of unexpected joys and enduring hope. Ultimately the story becomes a profound meditation on what it means to live fully within constraints. A Life Impossible opens the door to an enriched understanding of life love and loss.
Readers are prompted to transcend their own life's challenges guided by the author's vivid storytelling and unwavering spirit. Each word a reminder of life's infinite possibilities even when clouded by uncertainty.
This book meticulously combines raw honesty with a deeply empathetic voice offering unparalleled insight into living with ALS Its narrative is both intensely personal and universally relatable The author's poignant storytelling invites readers into a deeply immersive experience creating a unique connection that endures beyond the pages resonating with diverse audiences A Life Impossible not only enlightens but also inspires It empowers readers to confront their own vulnerabilities and embrace life with a renewed sense of purpose and perspective.
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Based on 153 ratings
Gleason is beyond inspirational. He has truly experienced the full spectrum of what life can be, the highest highs and crushing lows. He doesn't sugar coat anything and is very real about the struggles, but also has a consistent message of love and hope. I love this book.
This is my type of book. Might not be for everybody . ALS is a bitch of a disease (condition)? How he and his wife have moved through this and come out connected is amazing. Steve O thanks for sharing this and opening up my eyes to your world .
Riveting, visceral storytelling. I couldn’t put it down. I’m familiar with Steve and Michel’s story but I’ve never had an experience like this reading a memoir. Somehow this book moved me beyond words, beyond my mind, like speaking to my soul. It is so masterfully crafted, it’s hard to believe he wrote it with his eyes. The level of vulnerability and real raw truth Steve and Michel are willing to share is heartbreaking and powerful. I’m left stunned and inspired, to live my life differently, and so grateful and hopeful that art like this can help us triumph through these crazy times we’re living in… wow.
This book is life changing! I read the book and my husband listened to it on audible. it was extremely impactful for the both of us. Makes you think about how petty the things we complain about are. Steve Gleason is our hero!
An instant favorite. The documentary Gleason was the most "real" thing I have ever watched, and this book is somehow even more "real". I have been a fan of Steve's for years (go cougs!). My 3 year old son's middle name is Gleason, because I wanted him to be named after what I consider a true hero: someone who willingly goes through extreme sacrifice for the betterment of others. I and others in my family couldn't put it down. An incredible story. Hope it hits #1, it deserves to be read by everyone.
I couldn’t put this book down. Steve’s struggle with ALS is both heartbreaking and inspiring it’s a fantastic read thank you Gleason family for sharing your story
Just finished this book. One of the big things, of many, that I found that hit me hard was how relatable Steve's story is. And thinking that can be so crazy to me. I think this because I feel so guilty to think I could relate to your experiences because they are in no way comparable to mine. But that's one of the important messages I think you're trying to share. Every human goes through pain, struggles and challenges in their lives. And to them they can be extremely difficult to navigate and work through. The timing of your book landing in my life couldn't have been better timing. I've found myself in deep introspection of my life. Thinking about my successes, my failures, and ongoing struggles in my life with myself and with my relationships. I can't describe in words how grateful I am that you were able to share your innermost self to the world. I'll be able to use many of your messages as tools in my life to understand myself, love myself as well as others around me with more depth and compassion. Your book is life altering in the most amazing way. I'm unable to show in text how much I appreciate your words. I wish I could give more then 5 stars.
As a New Orleans Saints Fan from Day One (and before,) Steve’s recounting (any recounting) of the blocked punt that supercharged the determination of fellow New Orleanians to recover from the utter devastation of New Orleans never fails to give me chills. As a person who has dealt with disability (Cerebral Palsy) since thirty-six hours after birth, grown up in New Orleans, gone to college, been employed by Exxonmobil (and recognized as Employee of the Year,) married a beautiful woman who still loves me passionately after forty years, I appreciate Steve’s brutal honesty about the momentous obstacles a disability can place in the lives of the person immediately challenged as well as the lives of loved ones and friends. I especially appreciate that Steve does not shy away from the effects a progressive loss of abilities can have on the psyches and attitudes of all people involved. Though CP is not progressive, as ALS is, I have lost many physical abilities during the past few years and the resulting frustrations have been expelled primarily on the person who should least bear the brunt - my passionate and compassionate wife. I’m thankful that this book gave me something I was hoping to find - tips on how to manage my frustrations. Managing my frustrations when venting to my wife is so important in maintaining a healthy marriage that I am now intent on finding way to improve. As far as the philosophy of how to live out my life is concerned, it has been basically the same since I reached adulthood. I have never put it into words as succinct as Steve’s “No White Flags” or “Laugh and smile while I cry and die,” but I decided long ago to enjoy and be grateful my life to the end. Like Steve, my hope is to be grateful for my life even during the process of death. Thank you, Steve, for the validation. I should also mention that Jeff Duncan is a favorite sportswriter of mine. With him, it’s not just about the names and numbers, wins and losses, or scores and standings. Humanity and personalities are also illuminated. Thank you, Jeff, for illuminating the courage in each us via the story found within Steve and Michel Gleason. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in living a fruitful life, especially if they have a Dumb Jock attitude. ;-)