Title: The Survivors Club
Author: Ben Sherwood
Pages: 400
Genre: Non-Fiction, Self Help
We all face difficult situations, but some people are resilient and some are not. Who is able to come out of tragedy or overcome a circumstance and survive? Survivors. Ben Sherwood describes survivors as those making the best of their remaining days no matter if it is 50 years after the situation or 3 days. They are overcomers, people who move on, walk forward with head held high. Sherwood interviews people who have overcome all different types of struggles, and obstacles and whom he considers to be survivors. At the end of the book the reader has the opportunity to see if he/she is a survivor and what are the strengths that she/he relies on to make it through tough times.
I LOVED this book. There is so much about The Survivors Club that appealed to me. It resolves mystery, gives explanations of ways the mind works, and brings psychology to the forefront of the study. I have always (well since Highschool) been interested why people survive when others don't. Some people go through hard times over and over and they aren't any worse for the ware, then other people seem to hit a slight speed bump and their whole world goes out the window. What is the difference between the two? How can someone survive the holocaust and then another person cannot cope with the death of a pet? The Survivors Club argues that it depends on resiliency, and if you are a survivor and good at coping or if you aren't. The most effective survivors reach deep within themselves and find the strength to live through it, whatever the 'it' may be.
I was captivated by each section and chapter of this book, I listened to it on audiobook (thanks to hatchette audio) and found myself looking forward to the next time I would have a chance to listen to the next chapter. At the end there is a survivor IQ test which is available for the reader to take online, I took it and it was an incredible portrayal of who I am. I had my husband look at it and he agreed that it was very accurate. If you reach the end and take the test and the results come back that you are not a survivor, there are things that you can do to learn how to start becoming one.
This wasn't my typical book, I am a fiction fanatic...but this was really worth my time. I think I may even have to grab a hard copy so that I can underline and re-read it- It is worth it for sure!
Giveaway:
I have 3 copies to give away. After you win you can let me know which format you'd be interested in (audio book or hardcover book). Sorry no PO boxes and only US and Canada residents please.
To enter the giveaway post a comment below through the 7th of March telling me who you have most admired for their survival mentality, or their ability to be positive no matter the circumstance.
6 comments:
I am far from egotistical, but honestly I'm impressed with my ability to stay positive and to survive!
My life seems to have had more twists and turns than a bad soap opera; including drug addiction, depression, mental illness, physical abuse, chronic illness, chronic pain etc. etc.
But I'm grateful to have a roof over my head and food in the cupboards.
I'm very grateful to God for giving me the strength to come through all adversity.
I'm grateful for every breath I take; I am a survivor and I would love to read this book; it sounds very inspiring!
Thanks so much for the chance.
nancyrobster@gmail.com
I totally heard this author interviewed on the Diane Rehm show! I was telling my parents all about it, it was such a fantastic interview, I put the book on my TBR list :) SO. I'd love a book!
a suvivor: my mom. She's had 2 cornea transplants (due to a botched cataract removal) and is getting ready for her second knee replacement. I think what I appriciate most about her is her attitude. She's gotten down, of course, but she bounces back with a desire to just LIVE and be ACTIVE and a part of things. She always finds a way to get the job done and I love that about her :)
Hi Bethany,
My brother Philippe. He survived so much, polio at a young age, he was sick for 2 years and thank God was able to walk and be allright, at between 11 and 16 he had 3 life threatening operations and survived. now for the last 15 years he has been fighting lymphatic cancer and still fighting. I miss him, he lives in Europe and I in the states because of my children....
If I do not win this book I will absolutely buy it.
Thank-you for the give away
I'm loving this book! Great review!
I have to honestly say that I am most impressed with myself. I had a really rough childhood. The circumstances could not have been much worse and I not only came out ahead, but came out somewhat normal! Unheard of. Close friends of mine have said more than once that I am driven when it comes to survival. It's weird too because I wig out over tiny things, but huge issues or problems I deal with fine.
My Dad...he had a dreadful childhood...finally given up for adoption at 13 to a family who loved and cared for him. Even though he had limited education and a stable home life...he made something of himself and is quite an honorable man!
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