Book Review: Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

"She lost her arm in a shark attack and nearly died, but she never lost her faith. Now a major motion picture, Soul Surfer is the moving story of Bethany Hamilton's triumphant return to the competitive surfing and has continued to be a beacon of inspiration to all who hear it."

"They say Bethany Hamilton has saltwater in her veins. How else could one explain the passion that drives her to surf? Or that nothing- not even the loss other arm- could come between her and the waves? That Halloween Morning in Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany responded to the shark's stealth attack with the calm of a teenage girl with God on her side, resolutely pushing aside her pain and panic while being rescued and brought back to shore. 'When can I surf again?' was the first thing Bethany asked after her emergency surgery, leaving no doubt that her spirit and determination were part of a greater story- a tale of personal empowerment and spiritual grit that show the body is no more essential to surfing, perhaps even less so, than the soul."

MY RATING: 10/10

There was no way I could base my rating on the characters or events this time. Since this book is full of true events and people, my usual, "I would have changed this event." isn't really possible. I might have changed the order that Bethany told the story, but it is her story, it's something she has to live with the rest of her life. I was shocked to think that she was a little younger than me when she wrote this amazes me :D.

Her story held me captive and i watched the movie 3 times in 2 days.

1) with my besties

2) my baby sister (ok she's ten now but w/e)

3) with my whole family. I literally made them stop whatever they were doing and watch this inspiring movie.

And before some says is the movie as good as the book or vice versa. I would say absolutely! In the book i felt closer to Bethany and God. While in the movie I could understand the terms of surfers way better (i just couldn't wrap my head around it sometimes).

I hope that you all have enjoyed this read :D

THANK YOU BETHANY FOR BEING A TRUE ROLE MODEL!

Sincerely, Sidny

Spoiler: Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton

This book is a blessing to us all.... in my opinion. Bethany makes me personally believe in everything more than before... like my personal pep talk. My faith, my family, my friends and myself all have a more meaningful purpose. I'm also happy to learn about other peoples experiences.

I love how Bethany thought about the the accident would affect everyone, not just herself. She never seemed to be 'woe is me'. She is a superb optimist.

Alan and Holt were amazing. To be there when it happened and still get in the water, it amazes me.

The whole thing affected not only friends and family, but really the whole community. Maybe both in a good way and a bad way. I'm sure more people come now and they have an optimist in Bethany. The bad way.. I'm sure lots we're afraid of the water... I know I would be.

Not only does Bethany inspire confidence and optimistic, she also shows faith. Faith that is almost extinct in the 21st century.

She has inspired me to live everyday like it's my last. And to have a closer relationship with God.

FAVOURITE LINES AND MOMENTS:

♥PG. XV

"What does God have in store for me? I really don't know, but I do know one thing for sure: the adventure has only started."

♥PG. 46

"So I guess that makes me the star competitor of the family- not that it gets me out of doing my chores at home."

♥PG. 54

"Here's what I think: you make your own adventure in life. And I truly believe that if you open your eyes to your surroundings, there's a lot of neat stuff to be found practically anywhere one earth. For me, the grass is never greener outside Hawaii."

♥PG.79

" I remember most clearly what the Kauai paramedic said to me: He spoke softly and held my hand as we were pulling out of the Tunnels parking lot. He whispered in my ear, 'God will never leave you or forsake you.'

He was right."

♥PG. 123

"Life is full of what-ifs. You can't let it hold you back. You can't let it hold you back.. If you do, you're not really leaving at all. just going through the motions with no meaning."

♥PG.133

"I believe in God

I don't mean that I believe in Him like a person might believe in, say, gravity or the sun coming up in the morning. Those are just facts that don't mean anything. I mean I really believe in God."

♥PG. 209

"I was just say what's in my heart hopefully my mouth cooperates."

♥PG.236

"The best part of the day: They got to see our glorious sunset on the beach. What I like to think of God painting his story board on the sky!"

Sincerely, Sidny