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Greatfruit: How Cancer Led to Living a More Fruitful Life
How do you rebuild after life shatters?
Some stories of adversity do more than recount hardship. They reveal the strength, perspective, and determination that can transform a life.
In Greatfruit, Steve Garraty shares a deeply personal journey that begins with a life-altering cancer diagnosis and unfolds into a powerful exploration of resilience, faith, and personal growth. What starts as a battle for survival becomes a search for meaning, purpose, and a renewed understanding of what truly matters.
Through honest reflection and hard-earned insight, Garraty examines how moments of crisis can reshape the way we think about happiness, success, and the direction of our lives.
His story is not simply about illness. It is about the mindset required to face uncertainty, the courage to confront fear, and the determination to keep moving forward when the future feels unclear.
Part memoir and part motivational guide, Greatfruit offers inspiration for anyone navigating life’s unexpected challenges. It is a reminder that even in the most difficult seasons, growth is possible, hope can endure, and a stronger version of ourselves can emerge.
Let this story remind you what resilience looks like.
Some stories of adversity do more than recount hardship. They reveal the strength, perspective, and determination that can transform a life.
In Greatfruit, Steve Garraty shares a deeply personal journey that begins with a life-altering cancer diagnosis and unfolds into a powerful exploration of resilience, faith, and personal growth. What starts as a battle for survival becomes a search for meaning, purpose, and a renewed understanding of what truly matters.
Through honest reflection and hard-earned insight, Garraty examines how moments of crisis can reshape the way we think about happiness, success, and the direction of our lives.
His story is not simply about illness. It is about the mindset required to face uncertainty, the courage to confront fear, and the determination to keep moving forward when the future feels unclear.
Part memoir and part motivational guide, Greatfruit offers inspiration for anyone navigating life’s unexpected challenges. It is a reminder that even in the most difficult seasons, growth is possible, hope can endure, and a stronger version of ourselves can emerge.
Let this story remind you what resilience looks like.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2025
4 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Steve Garraty
1 book10 followersSteve Garraty was lucky to be graduating high school. He was partying and living a lifestyle that wasn’t sustainable. His priorities were upside down. He was running towards the edge of a cliff and unable to stop himself. Then God intervened. He heard the three dreaded words none of us ever want to hear: “You have cancer.”
After embarking on chemotherapy and a year of hell, as all his friends headed off to college, he beat the cancer. He went from victim to victor, from asking “Why me” to “Why not me?” He ended up not only surviving but thriving.
Today, Steve has been married for more than thirty years to his beautiful wife, Wendy. They have raised two incredible kids who have both graduated college and begun their own careers. Steve has had a successful career in sales and leadership. He’s hired more than 250 people in his career. He’s coached and developed more than a thousand sales contributors and sales leaders. He cares deeply about helping others and seeing others achieve success and accomplishing their goals.
He views cancer as being the best thing to ever happen to him. It changed everything…for the better! He grew from his experience. It set the foundation to be a better husband, father, friend, and leader. He writes to share his experience to help others alter their perspective and view the glass as full!
Steve resides in Tampa, Florida. He enjoys traveling, music, exercise, watching UGA football with his son, and spending as much time with family as possible.
After embarking on chemotherapy and a year of hell, as all his friends headed off to college, he beat the cancer. He went from victim to victor, from asking “Why me” to “Why not me?” He ended up not only surviving but thriving.
Today, Steve has been married for more than thirty years to his beautiful wife, Wendy. They have raised two incredible kids who have both graduated college and begun their own careers. Steve has had a successful career in sales and leadership. He’s hired more than 250 people in his career. He’s coached and developed more than a thousand sales contributors and sales leaders. He cares deeply about helping others and seeing others achieve success and accomplishing their goals.
He views cancer as being the best thing to ever happen to him. It changed everything…for the better! He grew from his experience. It set the foundation to be a better husband, father, friend, and leader. He writes to share his experience to help others alter their perspective and view the glass as full!
Steve resides in Tampa, Florida. He enjoys traveling, music, exercise, watching UGA football with his son, and spending as much time with family as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 9, 2025
In Greatfruit, Steve Garraty shares his personal story in such a raw and honest way it was hard to put down. It is not easy to open yourself up and reveal really personal, shameful hard truths that many would want to keep buried. As hard as some of those truths were to read about, it is real life and needed to be shared in order to understand how something as traumatic as Cancer could be viewed as a gift. His journey from rebellious teen to father, husband, and sales executive helps you appreciate and understand how attitude and how you choose to live each day truly impacts every part of your being. Interesting to hear how life’s biggest challenges can alter your spiritual and religious view. So many great lessons and reminders as to why attitude and faith are so important in living a Grateful life.
February 21, 2025
This book was such a great read! It’s so inspiring and really makes you think about life in a new way. Each chapter gave me something to reflect on, and I found myself not wanting to put it down. I’ll definitely be reading this one again. Highly recommend!
February 21, 2025
Great read and inspiring story. Shows how your perspective and mindset can shape a situation and help during adverse times. Highly recommend and beneficial to all and shows how we never truly know where the trials we are experiencing are going to lead us.
February 13, 2025
The word cancer makes most people cringe, but author Steve Garraty states that cancer was the best thing that ever happened to him and actually changed his life for the better. This is a must-read book- how to look at life's challenges from a glass half full perspective. The author chronicles his young adult's tortuous journey through cancer and chemotherapy, and gives deep perspective in how people can learn and grow through their own adversity. His advice can help others change perspective during their own life struggles.
March 11, 2025
A courageously insightful story of rebellion, illness, acceptance, and redemption, offering valuable life lessons for moving forward with positivity.
February 22, 2025
A Life-Changing Read – Breakfast Club Meets It’s a Wonderful Life:
Greatfruit is more than just a memoir—it's a transformational guide for anyone who has faced a major setback, tragedy, sickness, or hardship. Whether you're navigating grief, illness, or a personal crisis, this book will shift your perspective and show you how to turn life's toughest moments into growth and renewal.
In a way that feels like The Breakfast Club meets It’s a Wonderful Life, Greatfruit brings raw, honest storytelling with deep, reflective wisdom. It doesn’t just tell a story—it challenges you to rethink adversity, embrace resilience, and find purpose in your struggles. The short, engaging chapters make it hard to put down, and by the end, you’ll see your own challenges through a new and empowering lens.
This book is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Why me?”—and it answers with an uplifting, profound message: You can take what life gives you and make something truly meaningful from it. A must-read!
Greatfruit is more than just a memoir—it's a transformational guide for anyone who has faced a major setback, tragedy, sickness, or hardship. Whether you're navigating grief, illness, or a personal crisis, this book will shift your perspective and show you how to turn life's toughest moments into growth and renewal.
In a way that feels like The Breakfast Club meets It’s a Wonderful Life, Greatfruit brings raw, honest storytelling with deep, reflective wisdom. It doesn’t just tell a story—it challenges you to rethink adversity, embrace resilience, and find purpose in your struggles. The short, engaging chapters make it hard to put down, and by the end, you’ll see your own challenges through a new and empowering lens.
This book is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Why me?”—and it answers with an uplifting, profound message: You can take what life gives you and make something truly meaningful from it. A must-read!
February 25, 2025
Must read for anyone going through cancer, especially teens. It’s written simply, honestly, entertainingly, and raw. It beautifully connects his experience to us and does so in a genuine and sometimes a quite humorous way. He pays the “gift” in his experience forward.
February 21, 2025
This book truly spoke to me! Steve’s journey was so inspiring, and it really made me think about life in a whole new way. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you finish it. I felt motivated, encouraged, and even challenged to see things differently. A must-read for sure!
July 11, 2025
I really enjoyed Greatfruit by Steve Garraty. He offers an unfiltered and deeply personal account of his life, including how his battle with cancer ultimately shaped his perspective. It’s an inspiring story that highlights the power of mindset in navigating illness and other life challenges. As someone in a similar profession, I also appreciated his reflections on work-related challenges. A great read for anyone seeking a genuine, honest story—or simply some inspiration.
March 10, 2025
I found this book very inspirational. I was able to relate to so many of the people in this book from the authors experience as a teenager to his parents unconditional support during such a difficult time. Cancer sux but the author certainly made lemonade from lemons with his abrupt life changing challenge that made him the success he is today.
February 26, 2025
Great book about the struggles and successes with cancer and life. Good read that you won’t want to put down. Highly recommend!
August 3, 2025
The author displays a tremendous amount of courage by delivering an authentic, raw, and real account of his journey as a teen trying to navigate life in the 1980’s. As if those struggles weren’t enough, he receives a very serious diagnosis. Cancer. Unable to fully grasp the news or comprehend the challenges that lie ahead in the coming year, Steve Garraty provides a detailed account of his experiences and the lessons learned that would shape his extraordinary life. Lessons we can all apply to lead a more meaningful and purpose driven life.
March 7, 2025
This book is equal parts Breakfast Club and Its A Wonderful Life- i found myself loving the coming of age story combined with a shift in perspective on what life is really about. Never preachy, never victimized, Steve tells this story with accountability, optimism and humility. I actually can't wait to read it again!
February 19, 2025
In 1986, while his high school classmates were having the time of their lives looking forward to their futures, Steve Garraty was entering into the fight of his life with cancer. Diagnosed with cancer, at just 18 years old, his future was on hold. Steve walks you through his heart wrenching depression and struggles to go on fighting. Today Steve considers the worst time in his life to be a blessing. He shares with you how God and the Rolling Stones helped him realize the importance of a positive mindset. In this book he provides steps that anyone can take and use to turn a challenging life into a Wonderful Life. I highly recommend this book. Once I started reading it I did not put it down until I was finished.
October 6, 2025
Wow! I remember that speech on 9/11. This was so full of emotion and grit. I listened to it in just a few days; anytime I could squeeze in the time. What a comeback from such a low place! Thank you for sharing so unashamedly from your heart!
March 11, 2025
In this life, perspective is everything, and Garraty brings that into his story and gains valuable, unexpected perspective in just his teenage years. Great read about how challenges push us to think bigger and find gratitude for what’s right in front of us, today and in the future. Read to feel inspired.
March 26, 2025
An honest portrait of coming of age while dealing with the scariest of life’s challenges.
Both sweet in its expressions of love and faith, but raw in its exploration of the fears and uncertainty a cancer diagnosis unveils.
A must-read for anyone who has a loved one with a health crisis, is facing one themself, or is looking for ways to seek resilience in the wake of any major obstacle.
Both sweet in its expressions of love and faith, but raw in its exploration of the fears and uncertainty a cancer diagnosis unveils.
A must-read for anyone who has a loved one with a health crisis, is facing one themself, or is looking for ways to seek resilience in the wake of any major obstacle.
February 26, 2025
Steve presents a personal experience that everyone who here’s the word “Cancer” from their doctor goes through in a positive and uplifting message. This is a really good book for all those facing cancer or supporting someone with cancer.
March 27, 2025
Greatfruit was very inspiring and entertaining. Although it is about the author’s struggle with cancer, at times it is laugh out loud funny. I could not put it down!
March 9, 2025
This was such a raw and real look at surviving cancer. Steve manages to infuse humor with the devastating experience of losing his hair, realizing he doesn't have energy to live his "old life". But at the same time, realizing that old life of alcohol and partying was destroying his relationship with his parents and eroding a bright future. He manages to reframe his cancer as a restart on life and a major wakeup call to beat this cancer so his new life is healthier, better, and happier. It's an uplifting story that is much needed in this uncertain and confusing time. It not only comforted me, but roused me to look at my own life in a grateful way!
February 12, 2025
I had the privilege of reading GreatFruit, a deeply personal and moving account written by Steve Garraty. His memoir takes us through his life-changing experience of being diagnosed with cancer at just 18 years old, and the powerful impact it had on him both physically and emotionally.
What stands out in GreatFruit is the raw honesty with which Steve shares his journey. From the initial shock of diagnosis to the challenges of treatment and recovery, his story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. The vulnerability he brings to each chapter is incredibly touching—there are moments of heartbreak, but also hope, strength, and most importantly growth.
The way Steve reflects on his battle with cancer not only highlights the medical side of his journey but also touches on the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. His reflections on how it changed his outlook on life, at such a young age, are incredibly inspiring.
GreatFruit is a book that will resonate with anyone who has faced life-altering challenges, and it’s a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful, real-life story of overcoming adversity. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to others. It’s a testament to the strength we all have within us, even in our darkest moments.
What stands out in GreatFruit is the raw honesty with which Steve shares his journey. From the initial shock of diagnosis to the challenges of treatment and recovery, his story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. The vulnerability he brings to each chapter is incredibly touching—there are moments of heartbreak, but also hope, strength, and most importantly growth.
The way Steve reflects on his battle with cancer not only highlights the medical side of his journey but also touches on the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. His reflections on how it changed his outlook on life, at such a young age, are incredibly inspiring.
GreatFruit is a book that will resonate with anyone who has faced life-altering challenges, and it’s a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful, real-life story of overcoming adversity. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to others. It’s a testament to the strength we all have within us, even in our darkest moments.
March 7, 2025
Very honest and sometimes raw account of a young man facing adversity. Provides insight into facing cancer as a teenager and the importance of family and real friends in tough times. Also describes how perspective and gratitude can promote survival for n dire circumstances and carry over into adulthood.
May 12, 2025
REVIEW: Greatfruit by Steve Garraty
The stories that capture our attention the most are the ones where someone has to overcome a sudden roadblock, succeeds, and gets stronger and better afterward. Think about any great fictional story, and you'll probably find a story like the one described above. Think about some of the most inspiring books ever written, and you'll see that pattern.
Greatfruit by Steve Garraty is another real story of someone (the author) who had to face cancer at a young age. It's the story of how battling cancer led him to become a better parent and friend, and live a more fruitful and wonderful life. His story is an example of how we can turn tragedies into triumphs.
🤔 My thoughts on this book
His experience going through hell and emerging as a better human will lift your soul and give you mental strength and a huge wave of positivity.
His battle against cancer demonstrates how powerful the mind really is. He shows repeatedly how thinking positively about the situation helped him beat cancer. His attitude toward the situation turned him into a warrior, and eventually, he won the war and became a version of himself that would have probably never emerged had he not had to face such a huge obstacle.
This makes you think, "Is a tragedy really necessary to become better?" My answer is, "No". But often, unless we go through a terrible experience, we don't change. Amid the tragedy of going through chemotherapy, the pain of his parents in seeing their son suffer, and discovering that most of the people he thought of as friends were not real friends, he recognized that there was an opportunity for growth.
"Why should I read this book❓"
If you are going through something unexpected, Greatfruit will be your greatest companion. If you are facing cancer or know someone who does, I kindly encourage you to gift them this book. Even if your life seems peaceful, this book is a reminder that unwanted events are part of life.
The stories that capture our attention the most are the ones where someone has to overcome a sudden roadblock, succeeds, and gets stronger and better afterward. Think about any great fictional story, and you'll probably find a story like the one described above. Think about some of the most inspiring books ever written, and you'll see that pattern.
Greatfruit by Steve Garraty is another real story of someone (the author) who had to face cancer at a young age. It's the story of how battling cancer led him to become a better parent and friend, and live a more fruitful and wonderful life. His story is an example of how we can turn tragedies into triumphs.
🤔 My thoughts on this book
His experience going through hell and emerging as a better human will lift your soul and give you mental strength and a huge wave of positivity.
His battle against cancer demonstrates how powerful the mind really is. He shows repeatedly how thinking positively about the situation helped him beat cancer. His attitude toward the situation turned him into a warrior, and eventually, he won the war and became a version of himself that would have probably never emerged had he not had to face such a huge obstacle.
This makes you think, "Is a tragedy really necessary to become better?" My answer is, "No". But often, unless we go through a terrible experience, we don't change. Amid the tragedy of going through chemotherapy, the pain of his parents in seeing their son suffer, and discovering that most of the people he thought of as friends were not real friends, he recognized that there was an opportunity for growth.
"Why should I read this book❓"
If you are going through something unexpected, Greatfruit will be your greatest companion. If you are facing cancer or know someone who does, I kindly encourage you to gift them this book. Even if your life seems peaceful, this book is a reminder that unwanted events are part of life.
February 24, 2025
Author Steve Garraty delivers a powerful and personal message of how he turned one of life's greatest challenges...a teenage cancer diagnosis...into a positive that helped him build a framework for the rest of his life. A quick yet worthwhile read that provides a helpful perspective we all would do well to keep in mind.
February 23, 2025
It's always amazing when someone can turn tragedy to triumph. And that's just what Steve Garraty has done with his life and with his book. In Greatfruit, Steve candidly reveals his personal journey of hardship and growth to share an uplifting message that can be applied to so many areas of life. The book is open and honest, inspiring and motivating, heartfelt and heartwarming. It was a true pleasure to read.
March 5, 2025
The book is very well written and chronicles the author's life-changing bout with cancer as a young man. Some if it's heavy; some of it is light-hearted. But certainly a good read for anyone trying to beat or help someone trying to beat cancer.
March 2, 2025
Greatfruit was an amazing read! I highly recommend this book because it was so inspiring and tells such an amazing story of overcoming something that felt so impossible. I will be telling all my friends and family about this book.
March 2, 2025
This book was a great read, and I finished it over a weekend. It was very inspiring and moving. Whether you are currently battling cancer, previously beaten cancer, or know someone affected by cancer, I would definitely recommend reading Steve's book.
February 27, 2025
Such a brutally honest look at a teen facing one of his biggest challenges/hurdles that he will ever face. It’s relatable, unlike some books that offer insight into someone battling cancer. This book is aimed at anyone going through something. We all go through grief and challenges in our lives and Steve gives his positive take on how to cope with these adversities while looking for those silver linings.
May 5, 2025
This book surprised me. It’s really well written and shares an amazing story of Persistence and Resilience. If you’re interested in a heartwarming story and some valuable life lessons from someone else’s struggle this is it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews