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Working It Out: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Hope
DESCRIPTION:
In 2006, Abby Rike lost the life she knew and loved when her husband and two young children were killed in a car accident. Devastated and numb, she shut down. For nearly three years she walked through life like a spectre, present in body only. As she descended, so did her health.
Fortunately, Abby was not alone. She had loving parents, supportive friends, and a...more
In 2006, Abby Rike lost the life she knew and loved when her husband and two young children were killed in a car accident. Devastated and numb, she shut down. For nearly three years she walked through life like a spectre, present in body only. As she descended, so did her health.
Fortunately, Abby was not alone. She had loving parents, supportive friends, and a...more
Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
May 4th 2011
by FaithWords
(first published April 13th 2011)
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The story of Abby Rike first caught my attention when I watched it unfold on the Biggest Loser television show. That was actually the first season that I watched the show, and Abby's story both broke my heart and inspired me. Her book was no different. I have to admit that by the end of chapter one I already had tears in my eyes, and by the end still more had been shed (and I think that my wife pretty much cried throughout the book!). Yet what I found to be a pleasant surprise about this book is...more
In 2006, in the blink of an eye... Abby's world went from having a loving husband, a beautiful three year old daughter, and a sweet 18 day old son... to losing it all to a devastating accident that would drop the strongest person to their knees. For nearly three years Abby went through the motions of "life" in almost a robotic manner. Although family and friends, as well as a strong faith surrounded her, Abby still had a deeper need inside her that had her turn to food for comfort.
In 2009 as sh...more
In 2009 as sh...more
Abby's story touched me when she was on Biggest Loser so when I saw her book at Border's going-out-of-business sale I thought I would pick it up. I really had no great expectations for it, but it was a very well written book and her story is absolutely haunting. The loss of her young family is just gut-wrenching. I actually found myself laying awake at night feeling so sad for the death of her beloved husband and wonderful children. I don't know how anyone can not just survive but thrive after t...more
This was a book I was kinda trying to avoid reading, since I knew how emotional it was going to be having been Mrs. Rike's student and having met her husband and daughter. The writing was amazing, especially since it incorporated letters. She was able to really portray the emotions she experienced and get the reader to feel the tragedy she went through. The only part I think she was a little weak on was explaining the transformation she went through after marrying Rick. I was able to be her stud...more
I had to skip chapters of this book because it was slow moving and boring. I thought it was going to be about her weight loss efforts, but really it is a memoir about losing her family in a car accident. She spends way too much time on how great her life was before the accident trying to make us understand what she lost. The story got more interesting when it got to the part where she started losing weight and being on Biggest Loser. It seemed to me like in the end she became a different person,...more
Very inspirational. I remembered her story from the Biggest Loser. It was certainly about more than just weight loss, and I appreciate how much of the backstory she gives. The focus of the book is not so much about biggest loser or weight loss as much as it is about finding a purpose again after a horrible tragedy. (Her husband, 6 yr old daughter, and 2 week old son were killed in a car wreck.) She discusses throughout the book how her faith in Christ helped her though all of it, which will like...more
A friend and fellow TBL fan gave me this book. I started watching BL the season AFTER Abby was on, so I did not know her story. Someone commented that she was too cheerful... hmmm that was an interesting comment, considering she talks about staying inside her house, keeps moving and switching jobs and loses most of her friends in the aftermath of the tragedy. I think she wrote this book from a place of healing and love and not a place of gnashing of teeth, although her journal entries (written i...more
Like her quote "What the caterpillar thinks is the end of the world, the butterfly knows is only the beginning." Anonymous
And that fits her story for sure. Great to hear someone's story 1sthand how they held fast to their faith.
Also liked p. 242 Finding the powerful person within you requires more than feeling. Sometimes you can't wait until you want to make a change; sometimes you just have to do it, and the feelings follow. More often than not, action preceeds feeling. I wanted to feel better,...more
And that fits her story for sure. Great to hear someone's story 1sthand how they held fast to their faith.
Also liked p. 242 Finding the powerful person within you requires more than feeling. Sometimes you can't wait until you want to make a change; sometimes you just have to do it, and the feelings follow. More often than not, action preceeds feeling. I wanted to feel better,...more
GoodReads needs a 4th category: "i started but will never finish this book." I can usually drag myself through a so-so book [i did it with Twilight!] but this book i can't imagine finishing. I am a Biggest Loser fan, and know Abby's story from the TV show, so when i saw this book, I thought I'd like it. But I found her telling of her story unrelatable. Her whole family is killed in a car accident [i'm not giving anything away; she shares this in the 1st chapter] and yet she continues to sound so...more
****Please note I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway*****
First, I have to say I was absolutely stoked when I won this book. This was the first book I had ever won as a giveaway and one that I really wanted.
I remember watching The Biggest Loser the season that Abby was on, and absolutely bawling when her interview aired, and she spoke about losing her family. I had the same thoughts as a lot of people in her life, "How do you manage to make it through the days after something like that h...more
First, I have to say I was absolutely stoked when I won this book. This was the first book I had ever won as a giveaway and one that I really wanted.
I remember watching The Biggest Loser the season that Abby was on, and absolutely bawling when her interview aired, and she spoke about losing her family. I had the same thoughts as a lot of people in her life, "How do you manage to make it through the days after something like that h...more
I love to watch Biggest Loser! We have things in common, but the show has changed and you hear less of the stories behind the people and more commercial type moments for products! Abby was the gal who lost her family in a car accident and this book chronicles her life since then and spends a few chapters on her weight loss journey! It was the rest of the story that was awesome and the weight loss journey was just the "rest of the story."
A beautiful story about over coming the hardest challenges in life with complete faith in God. Abby lost her husband, 2 week old baby and 6 yr old daughter in a car accident. Although her story is one of life shattering proportions her story before that was a love story and she shares letters they wrote and the love they shared. She went on to star in the weightloss show the Biggest Loser, where she reclaimed her self again!
I am a lucky First Reads winner of this book - looking forward to receiving it and writing a review!
Update - I just finished this book. I can't even imagine enduring what Abby Rike has, and t he fact that she has been able to not only survive but thrive is amazing. Don't expect to learn too much about "The Biggest Loser" as this was not the focal point of the book. Also, the author writes about her Christian faith heavily throughout the book, which may be inspirational to some readers, but a tur...more
Update - I just finished this book. I can't even imagine enduring what Abby Rike has, and t he fact that she has been able to not only survive but thrive is amazing. Don't expect to learn too much about "The Biggest Loser" as this was not the focal point of the book. Also, the author writes about her Christian faith heavily throughout the book, which may be inspirational to some readers, but a tur...more
Jan 24, 2012
Mary Showalter
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Recommended to Mary by:
Darla Barnes Smith
This book tells about the beautiful love the author and her husband, daughter, and son shared; then how she lost them in an horrific tragedy. While it grips the heart, it is not a depressing narrative. It is a story of the healing power of faith; A testimony of courage, answered prayers, and loyal friends and family; a beautiful story of survival and God's faithfulness.
I know Abby Rike personally and she is a phenomenal human being. I read her book and laughed and cried, and hugged my family a little (a LOT) tighter. Abby teaches us not to take anything for granted and shows us that there is always a brighter light, another open window. She's a beautiful, beautiful person and so is her inspirational (and incredible) story!
I gave this four stars just because of Abby's heart. Her story is one of trauma, loss, devastation, love, spirit and finally hope. She talks a little about her Biggest Loser experience and weight loss journey in this book, but it really is not about that. It's about having it all, losing it all and learning how to live again.
Abby has always been one of my favorite contestants on The Biggest Loser (yes, I watch The Biggest Loser) and I was looking forward to reading her book, even though I knew it would be depressing. It seems weird to say, but I really enjoyed reading it. Even though it got a little preachy/religious for me at the end, I'm glad she wrote it and I'm glad I read it.
Abby Rike is a true inspiration. After all she has been through, and reaching the lowest of the low points none of us wish to experience, she pulled herself up and chose to not just survive, but to live. I met Abby at our local Galesburg Healthy Woman event a few weeks ago and she has renewed my spirit to live and not just survive. Thanks Abby for all you do and for being that rock that we all know we can be! :)
Oh my word this was such a great story.....Abby is so incredibly inspirational and motivating!! Her story is absolutely heartbreaking, yet incredible. Be sure to have a box of kleenex handy because I cried from beginning to end!
I am thrilled to be the first to review this book. I picked it up at the library this morning and just finished it. At a time in my life when stress and worry is getting the best of me, at a time I needed to "feel," Abby's story was there for me. Here is a woman who lost it all and found a way to live another day. Bravo Abby, bravo.
I really enjoyed this book. Abby lost her family in a car accident and then wound up on the Biggest Loser. This book goes through her journey of meeting her husband and living through grief in her loss.
A wonderful book by a terrific lady! Abby shares her story--the good and the bad-- with all of us, and it's a story of love and courage in the midst of unspeakable tragedy. I highly recommend this book!
I loved this book. As a faithful Biggest Loser watcher I was riveted by her story. I couldn't wait to read more about her life and family! Well written and I love all the photos that were included.
One of the best books I have read. Grabs you right from the beginning. So glad I read it to the very end too. Loved her boldness to share her faith with everyone! Abby, thank you for sharing your story with all of us. May The Lord richly bless you.
Abby's story is such an amazing story, so beautifully written to have been so tragic. Great motivational read and one that I think everyone can connect with!!
This was a very inspirational book to read. A very sad story, but amazing to hear about the determination and faith that Abby had after her losses.
I loved this book. I didn't expect the faith based story but I loved it. Abby is such a breath of fresh air! True to her faith and true to herself with no excuses.
Her story is heart wrenching and soul moving, leaving you wanting to be a better person. This book left me feeling a renewed faith and hope.
Her story is heart wrenching and soul moving, leaving you wanting to be a better person. This book left me feeling a renewed faith and hope.
I found this book inspirational. Abby experienced the most unthinkable tragedy and was able to make it through with the most amazing outlook.
So inspirational and sad at the same time. Really good but made me cry a great deal! Totally worth it though.
What a great book!!! I'm still crying from reading the last chapter. It's real-life, with real pain, and real hope.
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Dec 23, 2011 11:54am