Resolute: How We Humans Keep Finding Ways to Beat the Toughest Odds

by Benjamin Hall, Harper Influence (publisher)

An Instant New York Times Bestseller

The author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Saved tells the remarkable story of his harrowing recovery after surviving a deadly Russian missile attack in Ukraine, and shares the most profound lessons he learned about the power of resilience.

After suffering horrific, nearly-fatal injuries while covering the war in Ukraine in 2022, Benjamin Hall was told he’d need to spend two years in a hospital learning how to walk again. Instead, he made it home to his family in just six months. Sustained by his positive attitude and relentless will to keep moving forward, Hall impressed and inspired all those who followed his story and progress, with many wondering how they could bottle his seemingly superhuman resolve.

Now with a greater degree of perspective, Hall analyzes the psychological aftermath of the Russian missile attack that profoundly altered his life. A clear-eye work of journalism and personal meditation elevated by remarkable storytelling, Resolute is Hall’s probing inquiry into why he is alive and thriving today. As he confronts his own mortality, Hall analyzes the key factors that allowed him to survive the missile attack, endure multiple surgeries, adapt to new prosthetics, and cope with the psychological burdens of severe trauma.

Each chapter features powerful stories from Hall’s arduous recovery, interwoven with expert advice and insights from the extraordinary people he encountered along the way—doctors who heal broken bodies and damaged souls; therapists who push despairing patients to discover the depths of perseverance; scientists who have studied how the body and mind are sustained under unfathomable duress; and families who exhibit exceptional strength in the face of sudden tragedy.

Resolute is more than a survival story—it is a testament to the saving power of the human spirit. From embracing post-traumatic optimism to discovering untapped stores of tenacity, this book is a roadmap for those looking to discover and fortify their own powers of resilience and persevere against the odds. As Hall shares the vivid and inspiring account of his own survival, he implores us to consider that these reservoirs of strength and resolve are inherent to our humanity—and reside within each of us, too.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Adult, Biography, Biography Memoir

Audible Audio

Published March 18, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name.

Reviews

[Darya Silman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In RESOLUTE: HOW WE HUMANS KEEP FINDING WAYS TO BEAT THE TOUGHEST ODDS, Benjamin Hall elucidates the reasons for his miraculous survival and, just as magically, speedy recovery.

Saved: A War Reporter's Mission to Make It Home is the first book of a duology (at least, for now, it's a dualogy) that deals with the missile attack near Kyiv and evacuation from Ukraine; RESOLUTE is the second. The second book starts where the first finishes, aka at the Texas hospital. Doctors had to put Benjamin Hall back together, and their prognoses weren't bright. Nevertheless, despite all odds, the author returned to London in the summer of 2022. There, the new reality hit him the hardest, as he had to adjust to so many changes to function as normally as possible.

The book's main theme is resilience, the stepping stone, in the author's opinion, in our survival as a species. It was the resilience that helped him endure the unmedicated journey from Kyiv to Poland. His determination to build a new life, not rebuild an old one, helps him to get through lapses in his recovery. He not only survived but also got back to his previous job as a war correspondent, travelling to Israel after the Hamas attack. The author's interview with Israeli survivors, who reminded him of his own struggles, may possibly infuriate Palestine's supporters, though the author tried to stay neutral.

Naturally, the near-death experience bore thoughts about fate and faith. These two points are very dear to each individual: some of us are believers, some are atheists; some are fatalists, others think they firmly hold their future in their hands. Benjamin Hall believes God was with him in that bombed car because he was the lone survivor out of five people. Again, despite all odds, he could get out - he sat in the middle seat in the back! - before the second and third blasts turned the car into nothing. If God had been in that car, why wouldn't He have saved those other four people, wonderful people who deserved to live long and happy lives? Or why did he allow the car to be attacked? Or the war to start in the first place? I'm not starting a religious debate over here, but this particular author's point didn't make sense to me as an atheist.

All in all, RESOLUTE offers a philosophical yet deeply personal perspective on the recovery after a life-changing event.

[Stephanie Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book

This book is,a quick, fast read..
you can't put it down! Very inspiring look into resilience of the human experience... One definitely worth reading

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir follows the author's recovery after surviving a missile attack in Ukraine. This cost him his legs and an eye. The fact that he survived at all feels so miraculous. However, the real focus of the book isn't on what he lost, but more about the process of healing which included the importance of mindset. It was unshakable.

The author drew on his strengths which included his "why". In a nutshell this was his family, his internal fight, and never playing the victim card. He definitely had courage and tenacity for this new journey he and his family were on.

At times, the storytelling felt a bit repetitive. Not that he kept repeating himself, but in a particular pattern he adopted throughout. He'd reveal a huge obstacle and then it was always followed by a 'superhero' moment. While the constant use of this structure wore thin, the message behind the story was strong. And plus, he survived.

Overall, I liked this and his emphasis on how mindset and purpose can drive recovery. It was heart felt and inspiring. So 3.5 stars.

[Gena Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one

Not quite as good as the first book, Saved. I think I expected more about other people and how they are resolute, but it kept returning to the author, which made it redundant in lots of places. The last few chapters were by far the best. Overall, however, well worth the read.

[Robert Bernardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A MUST Read!
Benjamin Hall and two of his colleagues, who were reporting on the conflict in Ukraine, were hit by Russian missiles. While he survives, losing his right leg and foot, his colleagues are killed.

He shares his journey of recovery, detailing the challenges of dealing with significant trauma, adjusting to life with prosthetics, and his eventual return to Ukraine, a decision that resonates with him as a journalist. He expresses deep love and admiration for his wife and three daughters, who form his unwavering support system. Each of us possesses an innate resilience.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although one has to admire the focus that Hall brings to his recovery, it is harmful to locate "resilience" completely within the individual as he does rather than acknowledging that "beating the odds" is not due solely or even largely to one's own "will". One must take into account the myriad obstacles faced by those without the numerous privileges (white, male, educated, wealthy, public) that Hall has. He repeatedly indicates that anyone can choose to overcome impossible odds through personal strength of character. A very naive perspective.

[Randee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wise words.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Benjamin Hall's previous book was all about how he survived a rocket attack in Ukraine and how he made it home to his family, this follow up is all about what happens next. Recovery, he gradually learns, was the easy part.

The hard part is learning to accept the new normal.

As he navigates a world no longer designed for him, Hall reflects on the tenacity of the human spirit and what he's learned about himself, his family, and others who, like him, refuse to give up. While for the most part Hall experiences "Post Traumatic Optimism" where he refuses to let his circumstances defeat him, he doesn't shy away from his lowest points either. I was outraged on his behalf when hotels he was staying at twice (twice!) failed to give him an accessible room, forcing him to crawl just to take a shower.

As many memoirs end when the "crisis" ends, it was eye-opening to see the behind the scenes of what getting on with one's life actually means. I enjoyed Hall's personal stories more than his interviews, but I'm sure he can't help himself as he is a journalist at heart. The audiobook is narrated by the author and he did a wonderful job. It felt like a friend telling me about his life.

Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.

[Mariellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to put into words how much this book and Benjamin’s other book, SAVED, has meant to me. His writing is so clear and descriptive without getting too personal. His attitude and outlook is extremely positive. This book can help anyone facing a trial or a crisis, and I highly recommend it to any reader facing a challenge or not. His language is clean so it is suitable to encourage a young person to read for inspiration.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author was a reporter covering the Ukraine war when his car was hit by a bomb. He lost a leg, his other foot was all screwed up, he had all kinds of shrapnel and burns and pain. But he was 100% committed and knowing that he would survive and make it home to his wife and daughters, and against all odds, he did.

I wanted to read this to find out if I could learn anything from it. I don’t have a tenth of that spirit or determination, and I’m pretty darn sure if my leg got blown off, I’d be praying for a speedy death.

This kind of book is meant to be inspiring, and it is, but sometimes seeing other people with so much reason to live just makes me depressed. I can’t imagine ever feeling that much faith and love and hope, or wanting to live that badly. Is it just having a wife and kids, or are there other ways to love life that much? What am I missing?

The book didn’t really help me answer that. It seems like maybe you’ve just got it, or you don’t. But it was still worth a read.

Notes

P. 81
On a 10-hour train ride out of Ukraine with only one Advil for the seemingly unendurable pain, he realized the only weapon he had was his mind, so he befriended the pain. He reframed it as his body’s way of trying to get what it needed, and pain meant he was alive. He also realized it wouldn’t be like this forever. So he dug around inside himself and found a way to be grateful. That diminished the pain’s power over him and helped him get through.

P. 123
To get through anything, or to achieve greatness, we need a goal. But a goal isn’t enough. He wanted to get back to having a normal life with his family, but that wasn’t enough. “What really and truly motivated me was returning to my family as a better human being.” (emphasis the author’s) We need to aspire to achieve something high or great. That’s how we call up all of our greatest strengths and abilities.

P. 219
post-traumatic growth: trauma can cause us to see the world and ourselves differently, resulting in transformation
5 areas:
- “recognizing and embracing new opportunities
- forging stronger relationships with loved ones
- cultivating inner strength through the knowledge of having overcome tremendous hardships
- gaining a deeper appreciation of life
- discovering new depths of faith and spirituality.”

P. 220
“For example, in the same Harvard Business Review report, it was found that ‘people are often surprised by how well they have handled trauma.’ As a result, ‘they are left better equipped to tackle future challenges.’”

[Carol Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does a journalist who almost died doing his job reporting from a war zone adjust to living with a prosthetic leg as well as the emotional and physical recovery after his injuries? I read Benjamin Hall's first book, Saved, about his life before the devastating bombing which left him seriously injured and others with him who died. It was almost like an adventure story reading about his life beforehand and the dramatic rescue to get him back to US and eventually home to London with his family. This second book follows the first with vignettes into how his life has changed as a result and how he is dealing with life after the bombing. I watched him this week reporting on the election of the new pope (I follow him on Twitter) and can see that his journalistic career has changed but he is still able to give good insight into important matters in the world.

This is a very poignant book about a family man with an unusual job and how he is able to mix the two while adjusting to the limits that his injuries put upon him. It is not just about the physical injuries of course, but the emotional aspect and the spiritual side. He is not making excuses or complaining about his lot. Instead he is talking about being resolute and positive about his future. Instead of his rescue being the end of the story, he is talking about the new beginnings he is experiencing. To do this, he has visited with others who have had adversity in their lives and sees comparisons about how the human psyche can overcome such events.

The book is easy to read and has good insights into practicalities of living with a prosthetic limb particularly if things don't go well. I started reading this with compassion, but ended up feeling awed by his attitudes. News stories rarely give us follow ups to how life has become after a couple of years. This book does. I recommend it as an example of determination and resolve, with insight into something that hopefully most of us won't have to deal with.

[Sarah Ewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking yourself up after being bombed in Ukraine is never an easy task, especially on the world stage. Inspirational book by Benjamin Hall, FOX news war correspondent leads you down his path to finding himself again after his devastating injury. Far from slinking away from the realities of the world, Ben takes them on again.
He gets back at the job of journalism, interviewing Antony Blinken, Ukraine's president Zelenskyy, covering the Invictus Games and its athletes and travels to a devastated Israel's Nir Ox after the October 7, 2024 attacks.

All of the above while keeping a sense of perspective on life's moments:

"Not long ago, I went for a drive in London in my hand-controlled car. I parked by the sidewalk and opened the door to step out and get on with things. But just as I did, my right leg fell apart and broke off at the knee and spilled out of the car. One minute I was my new, independent self, running an errand on my own, resuming my somewhat normal life. The next I was stranded legless in my car with no way of reattaching my prosthetic. It wasn't a major problem: I was testing out a new prosthetic and it hadn't been properly attached during the trial, so all I would do was turn around and drive back home and wait for someone to get back so they could pass me a spare leg from the house. No big deal."

Note: I read the hardcover version, not Kindle.

[F. Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring book that includes multiple lessons for effectively surviving misfortunes. I found it to be a page-turner. It was redundant, but redundancy helps to drive home the lessons.

The story had some of what were called "holes" in my days as a journalist in 1968-1971, i.e., there were some surprising aspects that were not explained.

The author's father seems to be represented as a Scotsman who was a child in the Philippines when Japan invaded in World War 2. Then his father was in the US Army in Korea. Who was his father?

The author writes like an American. Is he a US citizen? Why does the author call London "home"? Does he carry multiple passports (handy for a war correspondent)?

How does a war correspondent manage to receive medical care for his Ukraine injuries in a US military hospital in Germany and then be flown aboard a US military airplane to an important military hospital in Texas where he is treated as well as any US military combat casualty could expect? Is he a US military veteran? His care at the skilled hands of US military medical personnel is a big surprise to me--and is a key aspect of the book that is unexplained. (Perhaps my questions were answered in his first book on his survival, Saved...perhaps there's an assumption that readers of Resolute have previously read Saved.)

These missing aspects of the author's survival leave me filled with curiosity.

Still, it's a wonderful story.

[Toni Esser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring life story from a person who was up close and personal that escaped deaths door and live to tell the world and inspire the world of his strength and determination through the struggle of surviving. Pretty much his words of inspiration are highlighted through almost the whole book.

Alicia and your children are just the hero’s in your story along with all the people who were part of your successful healing journey. God Bless them all 🙏

Thank you Ben for writing about your life story as a journalist who survived. You have given me hope, faith and the belief to know we can through anything.

We always need to know that every single one of us will have a storm come through our lives but we all need to know that there is no other way but to get through it.


Excellent read. Much more educated on lives of our real hero’s fighting for our country.

[Kevin Derouin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to ever complain about anything again after reading this book and seeing what Benjamin Hall experienced and endured. A very inspiring and heart warming book on the human depths of inspiration and resilience. As Ben Hall said numerous times, we humans have it within us to bounce back from despair and ultimately hopeless situations. It’s all mental fortitude and attitude in overcoming any and all obstacles that are put in front of us. We all can do it with self discipline and that mentality that we can overcome anything.

A great read that will make one literally inhuman if you aren’t touched and moved by Benjamin Hall’s story!!!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 stars. Audiobook, read by the author. Benjamin Hall was a news correspondent reporting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine during the early days of the conflict. He was the sole survivor of a rocket attack on the car he was in with four others in a small town outside Kiev. This book tells of his recovery, rehabilitation, and return to life after the harrowing experience that left him grievously wounded. Love of family and friends, tremendous support from his work and medical teams, and a will to keep moving forward all contributed to his drive to survive.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I really wanted to love this book. I enjoyed the chapters when Mr. Hall talked about the struggles he faced physically, emotionally, and mentally. He had wonderful descriptions about pain and how it will take a person down. Other than this, it became repetitive and droned on for me. The last chapter, his letter to his yet unborn child, was a repeat of all he had written throughout the whole book!!! I was thrilled when I finished this! Good effort but not my cup of tea, (as they say!)

[Delana Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Hall was an early journalist casualty in Kiev during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He lost a leg and a foot - and had to reinvent himself to carry on with his life as a father and a reporter. During his difficult recovery, he pondered the human will to survive. He learned about how to lean into pain to see what he could learn to bear. His book is an investigation of that human condition and how we can use the drive to live and to thrive to become a better version of ourselves. Good life lessons for everyone here.

[William Schram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resolute is a book about Benjamin Hall's recovery and challenges as a survivor of a missile strike. It's a beautiful and poignant book. Hall's doctors said it would take him two years to start walking again, but he beat the odds and was up and about in six months.

The book is a bit short, but that isn't a demerit. Hall discusses his trials and conquests with a candid attitude. He attributes his achievements to his family. Some of his descriptions are visceral, but it isn't too bad.

I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.

[Mark Carmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resolute by Benjamin Hall is a profoundly moving testament to human resilience and the will to survive against the most harrowing odds. I found the book both heartbreaking and inspiring. Hall’s firsthand account of surviving a deadly missile attack and losing parts of his body is raw and honest, but what truly struck me is his relentless determination and optimism as he navigates the long, painful road to recovery.

[Rebecca Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second book almost as much as Benjamin Hall’s “Saved”. The power of the human spirit is in full display in Hall’s amazing display of the will to live and recover from devastating injuries. I recall seeing the news report of his ordeal early in the Ukrainian war along with the faces of his two colleagues lost.

[Candy Heinrikson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to Hall’s previous book, “Saved”. This was one of the best books I have ever read. As a war correspondent, this man was severely injured by a bomb in UkraIne. That is the premise of the first book. This one reveals how resilient he is to adapting to his new life and how grateful he is. He is an inspiration for all of us no matter how difficult the adversity is.

[Jan Reatherford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw Benjamin Hall on a TV blurb and wanted to know more about his recovery. As most books of this nature it’s not a page turner but is full of remarkable accomplishments under the most horrific conditions. His commitment to his family, America, and war correspondent journalism is remarkable and seems genuine.

[Carlos Serrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring

This book shares the author's experiences and accounts that demonstrate how one can advance despite adversities. Believing, being resilient, and pressing forward to one’s core values are essential. Good read!

[maria perales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very touching

I was so immersed in this story that I hurried every night to continue reading it. It is so from the heart that I found it breathtaking. Benjamin has nerves of steel and the softest heart. You cannot help but be inspired to be as resolute as him.

[Linda Yelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Benjamin Hall was hurt by a missile in Ukraine and suffered life changing injuries. This book details how he overcame the changes in his life and how relates to others who have gone through traumatic situations.

[Ginger Robins mercaldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing Story

The story of how Ben put himself back together, piece by piece. He shared his story honestly. We learn from him how we all have it within ourselves and deal with the obstacles of every day life and emerge better, stronger, and more resolute.

[William Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resoute

Benjamin Hall relies how his injury changed his life. I can testify that major changes occurred in my life after a heart bypass surgery. This book is a MUST read for everyone.

[Susan Srnovrsnik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book, especially if you had experienced any kind of physical amputation. There were two major points that stuck with me. First, life is about adaptability and PTG (post traumatic growth). For me this is what the book was centered around.

[Marie Cowart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great uplifting book by Benjamin Hall. He is a spectacular storyteller and insightful for the reader.