Rating: 
Summary: God let me live but didn't let the others die.
Review: And to the self-proclaimed agnostic survivor, maybe you need to work out some of your own problems with your ordeal before you accuse others of being arrogant.
And you need to become an intelligent adult before you turn on your 'puter again. That person was wasn't claiming to be a survivor. And only you know what a "Self proclaimed agnostic" is since agnostics don't have a licensing procedure. Please calm your hysteria!
Rating: 
Summary: Flight 232: One Plane Crash, Innumerable reverberations
Review: As a native of Denver, I am an avid fan of the teams of the Rocky Mountain Region, and I was quickly impressed when Jerry Schemmel assumed the microphone as the radio play-by-play man for the Denver Nuggets prior to the 1992-1993 season. In large part because of his talent and intelligence, he has not relinquished his post in a highly competitive industry. I was 16 years old when Jerry came to Denver, and when he arrived, I aspired to become a broadcaster with his knowledge and passion. Now, at age 25, I continue to work in pursuit of my broadcasting dreams. More importantly, however, after learning about his triumph, I seek to become the quality human being that Jerry Schemmel reveals in his book, "Chosen to Live".A precocious 29-year old Deputy Commissioner of the Continental Basketball Association ("CBA"), Jerry was diligently preparing for the 1989 CBA Draft aboard United Flight 232. The voice of legendary broadcaster Jim McKay resonated in the background, and his tedious discussion of horse racing was quickly interrupted by Captain Al Haynes, who described imminent trouble in the DC-10's second engine. An explosion had left the DC-10, travelling at 500 MPH at 36,000 feet, bereft of a viable second engine as well as hydraulic processes. From the time of Captain Haynes' first announcement until the DC-10 slammed into a cornfield in Sioux City, Iowa, Jerry Schemmel had 45 minutes to inventory his life. The wife he adored was safe in Denver, his family safe in their respective hometowns in the midwest. Jerry was sure that he was going to die---he had left a note in his briefcase describing where investigators could find his life insurance policy. How would his loved ones handle his death? Had he experienced a full life, despite, at that time, not becoming a father? Imagine slowly crashing to the earth with such thoughts racing through your brain. In vivid detail, Jerry describes the crash's impact, both physically in the Sioux City cornfield as well as emotionally, as Jerry was sent on a psychological roller coaster of anger, guilt, self-pity and depression until he found solace in his Faith. At the end of the book, you will undoubtedly do what I did---cry and tell your loved ones how much you love them, in the event you never see them again.
Rating: 
Summary: Nothing arrogant, but humble
Review: Great book, Jerry! I have passed it on to all my relatives and am afraid I have lost it forever. You are an inspiration to all and prove that faith can get you through anything. Thank you!
Rating: 
Summary: A sad story
Review: Having read this book and the reviews here, I think that one reviewer makes a good point. If god chose some passengers to live didn't he choose the rest to die? Why do christians have such a hard time with such an obvious concept? One reviewer accuses a reviewer of being an "Self proclaimed " agnostic not realizing A. He was talking about someone else and b. The term "self proclaimed agnostic" doesn't make any sense. Did he not get his agnostic certification? The F.A.A(federal agnostic adminestration) is going to be angry. Stephen Haynes, the pilot of united 232 is a "Self proclaimed agnostic" too. The real reason anybody survived this event is because a competent pilot got the plane on the ground the best way he could. If He had "Left it up to god" all the people on the plane would be dead. God is not a very good co-pilot.
Rating:
Summary: A sad story
Review: Having read this book and the reviews here, I think that one reviewer makes a good point. If god chose some passengers to live didn't he choose the rest to die? Why do christians have such a hard time with such an obvious concept? One reviewer accuses a reviewer of being an "Self proclaimed " agnostic not realizing A. He was talking about someone else and b. The term "self proclaimed agnostic" doesn't make any sense. Did he not get his agnostic certification? The F.A.A(federal agnostic adminestration) is going to be angry. Stephen Haynes, the pilot of united 232 is a "Self proclaimed agnostic" too. The real reason anybody survived this event is because a competent pilot got the plane on the ground the best way he could. If He had "Left it up to god" all the people on the plane would be dead. God is not a very good co-pilot.
Rating:
Summary: Chosen to die
Review: I have to agree with a former reviewer, what arragance. Where the less fortunate on the plane "Chosen to die" how would the relatives feel about that idea? Christians seem to think when they are in a crisis, it's all about them! You wheren't the only person on the plane my friend. As one agnostic who survived the crash pointed out,"I'm alive and alot of christians died" They need to realize that they don't have special protection from the visistudes of life.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book. Reminds us all to appreciate our lives.
Review: I recently read this book after seeing a story about it on the Wings Discovery Channel. This book is well written and details what has to be an experience that is etched not only in the mind of Jerry Schemmel, but everyone involved that day. My heart goes out the the families who lost loved ones and also my appreciation of all of those who survived the crash and what has to be an emotional aftermath. In a strange coincidence that I found out just today, the author goes to my church in Littleton, CO and I had a chance to tell him this morning I just finished the book and how much I appreciated his work. I'm also a lifelong fan of the Denver Nuggets, where the author is the on-air radio voice for the team. I was getting an adreneline rush just reading the book. What uncertainty, terror and fear that raced through that crippled passinger jet can only be understood by those who were there, and eventually those who survived. The book is very well written. The actions of the author prior, during and after the crash can only be painted in the mind by writing concisely with vivid accounts of that day. I remember that day well being at work and hearing someone come into my office to tell me of a terrible crash in Des Moines. My co-workers and I ran to a nearby television set to see the first pictures from ground level through the fence showing the plane coming in and breaking up. Much has been written previous to my review here. Apparently, the thought of Christians being arrogant is a bias of another reviewer. Christians are not here to question God. There is a time and reason for everything. While difficult near-death experiences happen to some people, it doesn't mean that God is not in control. I had a near-death experience and I believe having gone through that scenerio has made me stronger in my faith. Christians do not have all the answers, but I assure God does. A very good book. Five stars, easy.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book. Reminds us all to appreciate our lives.
Review: I recently read this book after seeing a story about it on the Wings Discovery Channel. This book is well written and details what has to be an experience that is etched not only in the mind of Jerry Schemmel, but everyone involved that day. My heart goes out the the families who lost loved ones and also my appreciation of all of those who survived the crash and what has to be an emotional aftermath. In a strange coincidence that I found out just today, the author goes to my church in Littleton, CO and I had a chance to tell him this morning I just finished the book and how much I appreciated his work. I'm also a lifelong fan of the Denver Nuggets, where the author is the on-air radio voice for the team. I was getting an adreneline rush just reading the book. What uncertainty, terror and fear that raced through that crippled passinger jet can only be understood by those who were there, and eventually those who survived. The book is very well written. The actions of the author prior, during and after the crash can only be painted in the mind by writing concisely with vivid accounts of that day. I remember that day well being at work and hearing someone come into my office to tell me of a terrible crash in Des Moines. My co-workers and I ran to a nearby television set to see the first pictures from ground level through the fence showing the plane coming in and breaking up. Much has been written previous to my review here. Apparently, the thought of Christians being arrogant is a bias of another reviewer. Christians are not here to question God. There is a time and reason for everything. While difficult near-death experiences happen to some people, it doesn't mean that God is not in control. I had a near-death experience and I believe having gone through that scenerio has made me stronger in my faith. Christians do not have all the answers, but I assure God does. A very good book. Five stars, easy.
Rating:
Summary: Important reading for people who cherish their relationships
Review: I recommend "Chosen to Live" by Jerry Schemmel for anyone who travels or to whom relationships are important. The story recounts the tragic crash of United Flight 232 in a cornfield in Iowa in 1989. The book is a poignant and powerful account of the human emotions experienced while facing one's own mortality during an impending disaster. It goes beyond the experience of the disaster itself as it explores the author's depression which results from survivor's guilt and how he eventually beat it with the help of a loving spouse. For anyone who cares about their relationships, the author's description of how he took inventory of his life in the face of death is among the most moving and thought provoking parts of the book. His conclusions about the status of his relationship with his wife and his contentment with their positive final communications gives an important perspective on how to live each day with those we love, just in case we never see them again.
Rating:
Summary: I loved the book.
Review: It is a wonderful and truthful account of a person surviving the horrible plane crash of United Flight 232. Jerry Schemmel shares his personal struggle. It is an inspiring book on human spirit. Thank You Jerry Schemmel.
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