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Ordinary Hero: The Power of Building Character One Step at a Time
Courageous. Inspirational. Witty. And miles from ordinary.
We never really know how we’ll react when life throws us a curveball, but Ordinary Hero shows us how to dig deep and persevere through each setback.
Blindsided by an incurable, progressive brain disease that impairs speech, vision, motor skills, coordination, and balance, Jay Armstrong bravely stares down his new reality, and through his determination to fight on, he continues to inspire countless people.
A father of three young children, a husband, and a high school English teacher, Jay was only 33 when diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy. Basic tasks quickly became anything but simple, yet this disease transformed an ordinary life into an extraordinary one. It forced Jay to hit the reset button and gave him a new, refreshing perspective on life.
In Jay’s unforgettable follow-up to Bedtime Stories for the Living, the award-winning author takes us on a journey as he shares stories about everything from accepting a life-changing medical diagnosis to standing in line at the food store to discovering why you should always wear deodorant. These creative, introspective, and heartfelt lessons teach us how to build character one day at a time.
Ordinary Hero will make you laugh and cry as it examines how fragile life is, how enduring adversities builds big character, and how wisdom is waiting for you in the pearls of your daily routine. These poignant reflections will encourage you to slow down, embrace uncertainty, and discover the unique power that resides within you.
Unmask your potential and read Ordinary Hero today!
We never really know how we’ll react when life throws us a curveball, but Ordinary Hero shows us how to dig deep and persevere through each setback.
Blindsided by an incurable, progressive brain disease that impairs speech, vision, motor skills, coordination, and balance, Jay Armstrong bravely stares down his new reality, and through his determination to fight on, he continues to inspire countless people.
A father of three young children, a husband, and a high school English teacher, Jay was only 33 when diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy. Basic tasks quickly became anything but simple, yet this disease transformed an ordinary life into an extraordinary one. It forced Jay to hit the reset button and gave him a new, refreshing perspective on life.
In Jay’s unforgettable follow-up to Bedtime Stories for the Living, the award-winning author takes us on a journey as he shares stories about everything from accepting a life-changing medical diagnosis to standing in line at the food store to discovering why you should always wear deodorant. These creative, introspective, and heartfelt lessons teach us how to build character one day at a time.
Ordinary Hero will make you laugh and cry as it examines how fragile life is, how enduring adversities builds big character, and how wisdom is waiting for you in the pearls of your daily routine. These poignant reflections will encourage you to slow down, embrace uncertainty, and discover the unique power that resides within you.
Unmask your potential and read Ordinary Hero today!
210 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2023
9 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Jay Armstrong
2 books56 followersDespite being diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, Jay Armstrong presses on. He lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his wife, their three kids, and their dog Maggie May. He makes dad jokes, frequents Target, and will only accept a cordial invitation from Oprah to join her book club. You can visit him at:
https://www.writeonfighton.org
https://www.jayarmstrongwrites.com
https://www.writeonfighton.org
https://www.jayarmstrongwrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 2, 2023
Jay Armstrong takes us on his journey after being diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy. He faced this, as this is what his life is now, and he chooses to continue living life. His stories are meaningful, heart felt, and the changes he lived with since his diagnosis. You don't know what you are capable of until you have to find the courage to move on from uncertainty. He dug deep, and found the person he is now,
Reading what the book was about, the last sentence is, Unmask your potential and read Ordinary Hero today! I learned many things by reading this book, I discovered insight in helping my grandson, with his medical diagnosis, One of my favorite stories, was the conversation with his son in the car. Ordinary Hero, is a reminder, that life is going to throw you curveballs, and when it does, dig down deep and find the courage to continue living life, and find the person you are now.
I received an ARC from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op.
Reading what the book was about, the last sentence is, Unmask your potential and read Ordinary Hero today! I learned many things by reading this book, I discovered insight in helping my grandson, with his medical diagnosis, One of my favorite stories, was the conversation with his son in the car. Ordinary Hero, is a reminder, that life is going to throw you curveballs, and when it does, dig down deep and find the courage to continue living life, and find the person you are now.
I received an ARC from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op.
March 5, 2024
Ordinary Hero is a tale that is filled with perseverance, overcoming adversity, and anecdotes that are not only humorous but also offer a glimpse into what it means to be an ultimate inspiration to so many others. Jay Armstrong’s follow-up sequel to Bedtime Stories for the Living knocks it out of the park, yet again. For someone who has endured so much over the last decade, to be able to get back up time and time again (both metaphorically and literally), Jay’s Odyssey of living his best life comes forth in this witty, reflective, and impactful narrative. Not only does every chapter offer glimpses of what it means to adapt and overcome to such a debilitating disease, Jay doesn’t dwell or let grass grow when it comes to living his best life, refusing to let his condition define him. Ordinary Hero is an apt name for this book, and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone willing to press on through the darkness, grasping and achieving their fullest potential!
October 6, 2023
Jay Armstrong loves to tell stories. Jay also loves to teach. He is now combining these two loves into teaching us about life and how to make the most of it even if you are facing challenges. The challenges could be as simple as taking a wrong turn when you are late for an appointment or facing an incurable brain disease called cerebellar atrophy. Reading these stories from Jay brings me joy, brings me insight and helps me to better understand myself. A powerful book from a wonderful friend and a gifted storyteller.
December 5, 2023
Highly Recommended!
This is a fantastic read. Jay Armstrong has been knocked down a few times, but he keeps getting back up. Despite being diagnosed with an incurable brain disease, he bravely forges ahead and candidly shares with us from his unique perspective how he’s turned everyday setbacks into opportunities to build character and become stronger from each obstacle cleared. Jay’s resilience to live his best life in spite of it all is truly inspirational. This book is packed with powerful stories that will motivate you to get up, stop complaining and keep going!
This is a fantastic read. Jay Armstrong has been knocked down a few times, but he keeps getting back up. Despite being diagnosed with an incurable brain disease, he bravely forges ahead and candidly shares with us from his unique perspective how he’s turned everyday setbacks into opportunities to build character and become stronger from each obstacle cleared. Jay’s resilience to live his best life in spite of it all is truly inspirational. This book is packed with powerful stories that will motivate you to get up, stop complaining and keep going!
November 1, 2023
"Embark on Jay Armstrong's inspiring journey in 'Ordinary Hero,' where he transforms life's lemons into cake, celebrating resilience, strength, and character-building amidst an incurable disease. Discover the extraordinary power of finding humor and inspiration in even our darkest days."
November 29, 2023
You are an inspiration! Dealing with my own rare disease, you have truly helped me take a look at the questions posed in the book. I enjoy your "voice" in your writing & hope you continue! Writeonfighton!!
December 6, 2023
A wonderful, inspiring message from an ordinary hero! A witty and practical guide to overcome even the most difficult and life altering situations. It made me laugh and cry. It will encourage you to reassess your reaction to life in a deep way. I highly recommend it!!
October 3, 2023
Another winner by Jay Armstrong!!! I laughed I cried I absolutely loved it!!!!
November 1, 2023
Our Ordinary Hero Jay Armstrong is back with his sophomore collection of vignettes showing us how to suck-it-up-buttercup. With an open window view of his life, and the thoughts that swirl in his head, Jay invites readers into a show-don’t-tell manual on how to deal with adversity.
A stellar supporting cast includes Jay’s family, four-legged Maggie May, Clark Able, Sir Johnny Walker, and a girl with a dragon tattoo.
If you are looking to learn how resilience can enhance a life, look no further. Read Ordinary Hero.
A stellar supporting cast includes Jay’s family, four-legged Maggie May, Clark Able, Sir Johnny Walker, and a girl with a dragon tattoo.
If you are looking to learn how resilience can enhance a life, look no further. Read Ordinary Hero.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews