Soul Surfer : A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board

Rating:
Summary: "Inspiring"
Review: A very special young lady whose story is touching people all over. It's comforting to know that Bethany's "Ohana" is so big and that they look out for eachother. We on the mainland could learn from them. Get the book you'll be happy you did.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable true life story with some positive life lessons.
Review: I bought this for my grade school aged niece (it's a young adult readers book), but decided to read it first. Who can forget Bethany's story of getting her arm bit off by a huge shark? It was interesting to learn about her family. Both of her parents moved to Hawaii when they were young to follow their passion for surfing. They met up while working at the island's resorts, and raised their kids to surf as soon as they could. Bethany is a very accomplished surfer, with endorsements from surfing clothes and board manufacturers, and it's uplifting to know she is still surfing and still doing well in competitions after the accident. Bethany mentions that she is happy to do interviews (which she admits are tedious) as long as she can mention what Christ has done for her life.

Rating:
Summary: Don't Be Fooled
Review: I was browsing Borders on Kauai recently and overheard a couple of young teens ask about 'the Bethany Hamilton book.' I turned and followed as they were led to where "Soul Surfer" was located. After reading the flap, I decided this was a great Christmas gift for many of my young relatives on the mainland. A week went by, and I picked up one of the 5 copies I purchased: DON'T BE FOOLED! This book looks like is is for the 8-16 set but, it is for EVERYONE young and old. A quick, inspiring read that will take your mind off your own problems, and make you realize that God has a plan in everything, no matter what we think or how we feel in times of adversity.

Rating:
Summary: way too idealistic
Review: This is an all right book. Pretty quick read because of the font. But I didn't feel all that inspired after reading this like many other people. I think I was way too annoyed by some of the stuff in the book to feel inspired. I am a Christian and I even feel that God was brought up way too much. I mean, I understand that God helped her way through her injury but it does not need to be mentioned over and over again. I only read it because my dad wanted me to. And for people who are non-Christians, this could be an even more annoying read because it's all about God and the girl. Plus, she is way too naive. There's a lot of things she still has not learned about life. And it shows in some of the book. Sure, she's very big-hearted but she also needs to realize the reality of things. Maybe in time.. but I guess Hawaii is so separate from the rest of the U.S. that they don't realize all the horrible things going on in our country. Who knows? Not bad-mouthing Hawaii. They say ignorance is bliss.. too late for me but I guess not too late for Brittany.

Rating:
Summary: Makes you WANT to go in the water!
Review: You would think reading Bethany's account of her horrific experience would scare you out of the ocean-- but her strong sense of faith and inspirational message actually made me go out to the beach right after I read the book. The way the sea is described, the exhilaration she gets from her sport, it all makes you realize what a gift God has given us in his oceans. As a school librarian, I think this book is an excellent read for young athletes, young Christians, as well as adults.