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justicepirate's review against another edition
3.0
While this was a fast read, it was not the best read, nor was it terrible.
Jen was born without legs and adopted by a caring family that raised her to live her best life and instilled a strong faith in God within her.
While her story is good, I felt she bragged a lot while being “surprised” why she was given attention by people in her life. I felt there was a lack of humility. I also feel she sounded sad at times but had to bring out a strong positive attitude because of her faith. This was throughout the book. For instance, she wondered if her birth parents gave her up due to her lack of legs and made it seem like she understood why it happened. It was flicked off like no big deal, while in reading her biological sister’s book “Off Balance” a few years ago, I felt great emotion of what her birth mom’s hardship in not seeing her child because her birth father did not want a child like that. I get that she was very loved by her adoptive parents, but I have met several adopted children, all who felt intense emotions of abandonment by their birth parents, and all raised in loving Christian homes as Jen was. I just feel much of this book was, “I am so great and my life is too. Look at what I have accomplished,” without sincerity.
I have read many autobiographies and got a good sense of their lives, but this one fell flat for me, though Jen seems delightful. I am happy for her.
Jen was born without legs and adopted by a caring family that raised her to live her best life and instilled a strong faith in God within her.
While her story is good, I felt she bragged a lot while being “surprised” why she was given attention by people in her life. I felt there was a lack of humility. I also feel she sounded sad at times but had to bring out a strong positive attitude because of her faith. This was throughout the book. For instance, she wondered if her birth parents gave her up due to her lack of legs and made it seem like she understood why it happened. It was flicked off like no big deal, while in reading her biological sister’s book “Off Balance” a few years ago, I felt great emotion of what her birth mom’s hardship in not seeing her child because her birth father did not want a child like that. I get that she was very loved by her adoptive parents, but I have met several adopted children, all who felt intense emotions of abandonment by their birth parents, and all raised in loving Christian homes as Jen was. I just feel much of this book was, “I am so great and my life is too. Look at what I have accomplished,” without sincerity.
I have read many autobiographies and got a good sense of their lives, but this one fell flat for me, though Jen seems delightful. I am happy for her.
aliciagriggs's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, I enjoyed this book and the message it seemed to put across- have a "can do attitude". I was tempted to put 3 stars because of some areas I didn't like (which I'll mention below) but in the end the parts that did inspire me, such as being kind to yourself and grateful for the small things you can do, was enough to make me put the rating I did. As someone who suffers from several chronic pain disabilities, as well as M.E, I've felt deflated and scared for my future. This book has given me hope and inspiration, and has helped me to try and look at things from a more positive angle. As a Christian, I really liked her linking things to God, and these parts stood out for me and has given me ideas of how to strengthen my bond with God.
The negatives:
I found this book lacked humility. I thought the VIP sections, where friends and family told readers how amazing Jen is, a little strange, slightly uncomfortable and cringey, and a bit unnecessary. It just seemed like a pat to her ego.
I feel unkind thinking and saying this, as she has overcome a lot, and as I say, I enjoy her general message, but I found this a little bit annoying throughout.
The plot seemed a little all over the place too. It would go back and forth, and sometimes the VIP bits didn't match up with who she was talking about. It was okay, but could have been better.
Another thing that I didn't like was she kept saying how compassionate, empathetic and sensitive to other's suffering she was, especially in regards to animal suffering. She mentioned several times how much she loved animals. But she then eats animals and their secretions, so no, she doesn't, and she most certainly doesn't have empathy, compassion, or sensitivity to their suffering. What she really meant is she loves pets. It's a very different thing, and it really irked me throughout that she kept saying this, thoughtlessly, but was then a hypocrite the next moment. Can't stand that, and it spoils a book for me.
However, I tried not to let it and I've tried to be fair in my rating because this book really did have some sentences that made me think. Some gems of thought that have picked me up.
The negatives:
I found this book lacked humility. I thought the VIP sections, where friends and family told readers how amazing Jen is, a little strange, slightly uncomfortable and cringey, and a bit unnecessary. It just seemed like a pat to her ego.
I feel unkind thinking and saying this, as she has overcome a lot, and as I say, I enjoy her general message, but I found this a little bit annoying throughout.
The plot seemed a little all over the place too. It would go back and forth, and sometimes the VIP bits didn't match up with who she was talking about. It was okay, but could have been better.
Another thing that I didn't like was she kept saying how compassionate, empathetic and sensitive to other's suffering she was, especially in regards to animal suffering. She mentioned several times how much she loved animals. But she then eats animals and their secretions, so no, she doesn't, and she most certainly doesn't have empathy, compassion, or sensitivity to their suffering. What she really meant is she loves pets. It's a very different thing, and it really irked me throughout that she kept saying this, thoughtlessly, but was then a hypocrite the next moment. Can't stand that, and it spoils a book for me.
However, I tried not to let it and I've tried to be fair in my rating because this book really did have some sentences that made me think. Some gems of thought that have picked me up.
jacklynruth's review against another edition
4.0
Very positive story about Jen Bricker the girl born without legs who is now a widely acclaimed acrobat star.
doublearon4321's review against another edition
5.0
Hands down this is the best book I've read all year! What a brilliant read to start the new year, very inspiring.
michellef's review against another edition
5.0
`Everything Is Possible` is an autobiography on the life of and written by author Jen Bricker. Jen Bricker was born without legs, yet she is an inspiration to others.
When Jen was born her parents left her in the hospital, giving her up for adoption. They weren't sure they could take care of her. In her loving, adoptive home there was only one rule, `Never say `can't`. She never gave up and is presently a motivational speaker, an author, and an aerialist. Jen has traveled internationally with Britney Spears's Circus Tour.
I decided to review this book because of the cover, and because of Nick Vujicic, born without limbs, who wrote the forward. I have also reviewed two of Nick's books: (1) Love Without Limits (review link) and (2) Life Without Limits (Amazon link).
Jen Bricker's book, `Everything Is Possible`, is her story of God working out His plan for her life. The author's purpose in writing this book is to inspire others. The book begins from when Jen was just a baby, next is her adoption to a loving family, and finally her endless possibilities. She does not call her uniqueness a disability or a handicap. Instead, she calls it a `gift` from God. Jen's thesis is, `I want everyone who reads this book to realize on simple, amazing truth: You are significant.
Reading Jen's book, and seeing the many colorful photos, made it seem I was a part of her life, for a bit. She is very strong and outgoing and seems to have a very loving family.
I received this book from Baker Publishing
When Jen was born her parents left her in the hospital, giving her up for adoption. They weren't sure they could take care of her. In her loving, adoptive home there was only one rule, `Never say `can't`. She never gave up and is presently a motivational speaker, an author, and an aerialist. Jen has traveled internationally with Britney Spears's Circus Tour.
I decided to review this book because of the cover, and because of Nick Vujicic, born without limbs, who wrote the forward. I have also reviewed two of Nick's books: (1) Love Without Limits (review link) and (2) Life Without Limits (Amazon link).
Jen Bricker's book, `Everything Is Possible`, is her story of God working out His plan for her life. The author's purpose in writing this book is to inspire others. The book begins from when Jen was just a baby, next is her adoption to a loving family, and finally her endless possibilities. She does not call her uniqueness a disability or a handicap. Instead, she calls it a `gift` from God. Jen's thesis is, `I want everyone who reads this book to realize on simple, amazing truth: You are significant.
Reading Jen's book, and seeing the many colorful photos, made it seem I was a part of her life, for a bit. She is very strong and outgoing and seems to have a very loving family.
I received this book from Baker Publishing
mrsbishopreads's review against another edition
4.0
Jen is no ordinary lady- born without legs and abandoned at birth, she has lead an amazing life that sometimes seems surreal.
Her beautiful outlook on everything that has happened to her and her positivity, despite her challenges, is infectious! She states again and again how God has shown himself to her in every situation and she dares the world to treat her differently. Given the opportunity to be born with legs, she chooses her situation every time. She celebrates her uniqueness and doesn’t let anything stop her from reaching her dreams.
A now famous aerialist, performer, and speaker- she is out inspiring others to be the best version of themselves. To take what God has given us, whether the world thinks it’s normal or not, to use it for good.
We all have something about ourselves that we want to change. Whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional. But, maybe, just maybe we can use that thing that we thought was a burden to encourage others.
I urge you to gift this book to a struggling friend. Someone who needs a little encouragement or motivation. I think it would be especially good for a young woman trying to find her place in the world. Struggling because she thinks she’s different. Jen’s story and and ever-encouraging words will have you embracing what makes you different, ready to face whatever situation may arise. And facing it with a renewed faith and strength you might not know you even had!
Her beautiful outlook on everything that has happened to her and her positivity, despite her challenges, is infectious! She states again and again how God has shown himself to her in every situation and she dares the world to treat her differently. Given the opportunity to be born with legs, she chooses her situation every time. She celebrates her uniqueness and doesn’t let anything stop her from reaching her dreams.
A now famous aerialist, performer, and speaker- she is out inspiring others to be the best version of themselves. To take what God has given us, whether the world thinks it’s normal or not, to use it for good.
We all have something about ourselves that we want to change. Whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional. But, maybe, just maybe we can use that thing that we thought was a burden to encourage others.
I urge you to gift this book to a struggling friend. Someone who needs a little encouragement or motivation. I think it would be especially good for a young woman trying to find her place in the world. Struggling because she thinks she’s different. Jen’s story and and ever-encouraging words will have you embracing what makes you different, ready to face whatever situation may arise. And facing it with a renewed faith and strength you might not know you even had!
msutton7613's review against another edition
2.0
I hated to rate this book because the Jen Bricker, herself sounds like an amazing woman who have conquered the world without any legs. She has done things that people with legs never will be able to attain. She has an amazing story and loved how she gave it all to God BUT.....I couldn't get over the tone of ego throughout the book. It was also written kind of teenagerish so that made me stumble. I read LOTS of non-fiction books but I just couldn't make myself read this book. I finally finished it but I wouldn't recommend it.
katotokizi's review against another edition
2.0
Unfortunately I had to quit reading because it ended up with too much talk about God (which probably makes sense because of "finding the faith" in the title) that it felt like it was all about it. Though, Jen is a fantastic individual who shows that the only thing that is one obstacle is yourself.
alangmaack's review against another edition
4.0
I want to introduce you to Jen Bricker. She is a woman who has learned how to embrace life. To look forward to the future and not get stuck by the things that might seem to stand in her way.
Bricker has learned how to move through life with a different set of eyes. Rather than seeing obstacles and things she couldn't do, Bricker embraced the challenge. She saw each moment of her life as an opportunity to do her best.
The thing that inspires me most about Bricker is that she truly believes Everything is Possible. Which is why it became the title of her book! She's a woman who doesn't understand the word no. In a really good way. She's willing to put in the work to figure out how to do life in a way that works for her. That makes sense.
Pushing through the difficult is something we all face in life. Bricker encourages us to push through and follow our dreams. To not let someone else stand in our way.
When you believe in yourself and the gifts God has given you, you can do anything!
You are responsible for what you do with your life. Will you be the person God wants you to be or a lesser version of yourself? ~Jen Bricker
This book is for you if you are struggling with life. If you need encouragement to push through the difficulties of life. If you're looking for inspiration.
To see more of my review, visit: http://betheproof.org/legacyliving/everything-possible-jen-bricker
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own!
msutton7613's review against another edition
2.0
I hated to rate this book because the Jen Bricker, herself sounds like an amazing woman who have conquered the world without any legs. She has done things that people with legs never will be able to attain. She has an amazing story and loved how she gave it all to God BUT.....I couldn't get over the tone of ego throughout the book. It was also written kind of teenagerish so that made me stumble. I read LOTS of non-fiction books but I just couldn't make myself read this book. I finally finished it but I wouldn't recommend it.