My Name is Bryan

by Stacy Lynn Carroll

If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? Bryan chose to dive. Moments later, as he lay on the beach, unable to move his arms or legs, two questions ran through his mind: Would he walk again? And would he ever have kids? Based on the incredible true story of life, love, and never giving up.

Genres: Disability, Nonfiction, Biography

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2014

About the author

Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English, learned how to western swing, and watched as many of her fellow students became ‘True Aggies’. She then finished her BA at the University of Utah where she got an emphasis in creative writing. After college she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers. When her first daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. She and her husband have three children, two Corgis, and a fish named Don.

Reviews

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryan Carroll's story is a wonderful example of possessing a positive attitude, a true zest for life, determination and acceptance.

Bryan's life forever changed the moment his body hit the water. As his life was just beginning, Bryan refused to allow his accident to steal his hopes and dreams as it claimed the use of his limbs.

We become acquainted with Bryan as a young boy, a daredevil, inquisitive and fearless. He embraced life from the onset and as he became a young adult his passion for life continued to grow. Rather than mourning his plight after his tragic accident, Bryan accepted his paralyzation and was ready to do all he needed to do to live a fulfilling life. He accepted his situation and forged ahead with gusto, always pushing himself, refusing to view his circumstances as a negative, rather a challenge to embrace because 'it was what it was.'

A very uplifting story, despite a horrific accident altering a young man's life, his positive outlook, successes, his faith and family all serving to make his life as fulfilled as possible. Bryan is inspiring and amazing, never let your dreams slip away under any circumstances. The power of hard work, and positivity ease the way for unexpected. With the love of family, holding on to your faith and seeing ahead rather than behind anything is possible, you control your destiny no matter the circumstances.

[Selina · Rating 2 out of 5]

First- I think this true story is amazing and uplifting. By this review, I don't mean to diminish the strong perseverance of the man this story was based on, however...

I found that there were some parts that were really emotionally absent. The fact that Bryan is so upbeat and positive is awesome. However, I doubt that he was constantly that positive. I would have liked to see some more emotional exploration about what everything meant.

I also struggled at times to like some of the characters. While I know this is based on true life, I had a really hard time believing the engagement before he even broke it off with his loyal girlfriend. It just kind of rubbed me the wrong way. I can understand the desire to break up with someone in person, but waiting until well after you are already engaged and cheating seemed low. Again, I think if there had been more emotional depth, this could have helped explain or justify the huge shift.

The time jumps and shifting POV were difficult to follow at times, but good otherwise.

A good book for an uplifting story about determination and love, but not great if you really want to get into the emotional depth of this journey and situation.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Stacy earlier this year at a writer's conference. At the time I was interested in reading her Princess Sister books because I love twisted fairy tales. Unfortunately my review is list so long I never got around to getting those books read. Stacy contacted me a couple weeks ago asking if I would be willing to review her newest book which is based on her father-in-law's life. Honestly I'm not sure why but initially I wasn't really excited to read this book. However yesterday morning found me looking for something Sunday appropriate to read so I started this book. And then read it every chance I had until I finished it long before bedtime.

I actually love stories like this. Ones that show the power of the human spirit and what love and determination can achieve. I cried multiple times while reading this but they were a happy sort of hopeful tears. I felt so much admiration for a few of the characters and the choice they made. And I loved when I got to the end of the book and saw the actual photos of the people I had just read about. This world needs more people like Nedra and Bryan.

There were a few times the story lagged a little bit but it would pick right back up before I lost interest. It has a memoir-ish feel to it and rightfully so as it is based upon actual people and events.

It you are looking for something uplifting and motivational read this heart-felt story of love and hope.


Rating: 5 Stars - I Loved It!

Content: Clean

Source: Ebook review copy

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredible story but for my taste the writing was to much like a biography and therefore I was not really able to connect to it.

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[Chené Tuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book (even though I am totally not supposed to be signing up for tours) because when I read the summary it struck a cord and I knew I just had to read this story. I actually didn't realise how close to home it would hit until I opened it up and got drawn into the story.

I love inspirational stories that carry hope and a happy ending. That is exactly what My name is Bryan is about. A boy who became a man and someone who beat the odds and never gave up hope. I finished this book in record time. Every chance I picked it up to carry on reading Bryan's story.

When I was 16, two of my friends were in a car accident. One didn't make it and the other broke his back in 3 places. As I was reading what Bryan went through in the hospital, I realised how much more my friend and his family must have gone through. I remember visiting him a few times in ICU after school and playing him music while we waited for him to regain consciousness. Unfortunately he did not recover completely but he is still here with us today. He is full of life and still has his fantastic sense of humor.

I loved how Stacy took us through Bryan's life from childhood, through Bryan's recovery and how he got to where he is today. My heart ached and swelled with emotion throughout the journey. She gave us just enough at each stage. The pictures at the end had me sniffing and holding back tears as I saw the real people behind the characters.

Another character that deserves special praise and mention is Nedra. What a wonderful, strong, beautiful, committed woman. Her strength, determination and love for Bryan and her family is truly inspirational.

Cover talk: 5/5 I loved the cover - it is perfect!

Final Thoughts: This is an amazing book and one that I am so happy I squeezed into my schedule. Stacy has inspired me and reminded me why I need to continue writing my own story. You never know who's life life you will touch and how you can help others just by sharing your own story. Bryan is a man I would love to meet if I ever had the opportunity.

[Karan Eleni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on karaneleni.com

Note to Self: Do not read or listen to books that you know will make you tear up at work.

A while back, I joined a clean reads author and reader group on Facebook and am so glad that I did! Everyone has been absolutely amazing!! Occasionally, the authors will put calls out for reviews and I snagged MY NAME IS BRYAN by Stacy Lynn Carroll. What an inspirational and extremely emotional story. My Name is Bryan is based on a true story. Bryan is injured during a weekend away with a group of friends and we have the privilege of reading what he goes through and how he stays positive. I guarantee I wouldn't have been able to do the same. Everyone can learn from this story. I certainly have! Giving up isn't an option. Stacy, thank you for sharing Bryan's story!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Name is Bryan is a novel based on the true story of Bryan Carroll, Stacy's very own father in law, who in 1979 at the age of 18, took a jump that changed his life forever.

Once I started reading Bryan's story, I could not put it down. It was both heart wrenching and heart warming. I cannot even imagine the grief that would come from going from a healthy, strong, active young man, to a quadriplegic in a matter of seconds. And yet, Bryan's story is not one of anger or bitterness, but instead one of hope and perseverance. As I read I kept finding myself trying to imagine what it must've been like to be in his shoes. And, with each new obstacle he faced, I was inspired by his positive attitude and humble perspective.

This is a great story for readers of all ages.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF I COULD GIVE THIS 6 STAR I WOULD!

If you are an emotional reader like I am then grab a box of tissues. I have always said I love it when an author can pull me in and make me feel like I am walking in the story right along with the characters. This one did just that, and so much more.

I don't know how many times I have asked my kids this questions "If your friends jumped off a cliff would you". Never once did I consider "if your friends went cliff jumping would you". I loved cliff jumping when I was younger. Now as an adult / mother, I would never do it. Plus the older I get the wimpier I get...hehe.

Bryan is looking forward to going on a trip with the youth. This will be his last time to go because he is 18 . He sets off on his adventure with his best friends, sister Becky, and much to his chagrin his parents as chaperone's, along with other youth. (youth, a word in my world (LDS world) meaning ages 12-18 groups). They are going on a white water rafting trip.

Bryan's father tell him that there will be some cliffs they will be able to jump off of when they are on the trip. Bryan is so excited and shares the news with this friends. All of the boys are even more excited to go on this trip now.

Two days into their rafting trip they make camp and find the cliffs. Bryan's friends were enjoying themselves before Bryan was able to join. When he arrived he didn't want to "show" every one up, but he decided he must dive. Bryan takes a running jump and does the most beautiful swan dive and enters the water like butter, and his whole life changes.

Bryan realized when he hit the water that something was wrong.. The bottom was coming too fast, and then he hears a pop. He knows, right then that his life will never be the same.

Unable to move Bryan sits in the water holding is breath until someone finally is able to get to him and bring him to the surface. They boys and leaders know right away something is wrong. Bryan's dad knows that Bryan will not survive a trip to the hospital on the rafts so he goes to the nearest ranger station. Leaving Bryan and his mother on the shore to wait for help. 18 hours they waited. I cannot even tell explain how hard it was to read about those 18 hours, yet also so loving to read. A true showing of love and friendship was shown during those long hours.

Bryan, from the moment he was retrieved from the water did not complain even once. He responded when he saw his dad "That was the best swan dive ever". Who says that? He knows he will probably be paralyzed but this kid. This kid..is amazing. He had unwavering faith.

This book brought me to tears so many time. Not only because of the hardships Bryan faced, but because even when facing them, he went forward with perfect faith and determination. I cried at the devotion his family. I cried at his determination. It was such a beautiful story.

Bryan faces a life in a wheel chair but during the healing process finds love. I love stories like this. I could go on and on. I really could. There is so much I want to say, but then I would ruin the book. Maybe not ruin but wouldn't allow you to feel your own "emotions" while reading. Spoilers do that to me.

My heart ached for Bryan. It cried for Bryan. It laughed for Bryan. This man. What can I say. Determined. Charismatic. Optimistic. Kind. Loving. Non judgemental. I think about the things Bryan had to go through and it reminds me of everything I have to be thankful for. I have the use of my arms, and legs. I can do things for myself. I can play with my kids. I can read without help. I can do many things. So could Bryan. He was determined not to let his disability define him.

There are quotes before every chapter that just made my heart happy. I want to share a few:

"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." C.S. Lewis

This next one is my favorite quote. It is from one of the sweetest ladies to ever walk the earth (besides my mother;) ).

"The only way to get through this life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache." - Marjorie Pay Hinckley _

Bryan was one of the best examples of this. He is such a funny guy. A prankster. Even without the use of his legs...a prankster :).

Okay, I will stop. It was such a beautiful story, of trials, determination, love, hope, and unwavering faith. I was touch so deeply by this book, that even after I was done reading I thought about it all day. Every time a "hard" moment would come to me during the day I thought of this book, and began to cry all over again. I have nothing to complain about. My life is a wonderful life, and this book helped me look at things a little different. A little brighter. A little more appreciative. A little more loved. Seriously. Such a beautiful story.

Source: I was given this book as part of a blog tour in return for an honest review. I was not compensated in anyway for this review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

[Misti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know if it was just the season and busyness of life, but I had such a hard time getting into this book. It was a struggle. I appreciated the message, in the end, but the character development and my overall motivation to finish the book were lacking, in my opinion.

[DW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five stars for the story, three stars for the writing. Eye-opening and hard to believe. Several points struck me (spoilers abound):
- They went on a week-long rafting trip with no communication to the outside world. It was the 70s, so obviously no cell phones, but I'm really surprised the guide didn't carry a radio with them. I can't imagine the father and six boys rowing through the night and then hiking up to the ranger station, only to have the ranger joke that all the phones were out (!!), and then having a military helicopter come (18 hours after the father and boys left) because there were no Life Flight helicopters close enough. In scuba diving training, we were taught to consider how long it would take to summon help from our location before undertaking risky activities.
- On the cliff diving in general - I don't understand why the other people didn't know that it was too shallow to dive head-first there. Since they jumped in, wouldn't they have hit the bottom fairly soon? Or did Bryan go deeper in his swan dive than they did in their dives? Or did he hit a shallower area?
- They had him suck on a wet sock when he was lying on the beach waiting for help, because if he vomited he could die. Also, they were running low on water because it was the last day of the trip. Did they not have water purifiers or at least iodine tablets or something for emergencies?
- Compared to Arash's story (Little Big Steps: A Life-Changing Injury and the Inspirational Journey to Overcome the Odds), the doctors were very quick to pronounce Bryan paralyzed, and there was almost no talk of recovering any function. I can't even imagine the horror of having them say, we're going to curl your fingers so they will stay that way for the rest of your life, so if somebody puts a spoon in your hand you might be able to hold it. After spending weeks lying in a rocking bed (to help with bedsores) with his head screwed into a traction device.
- It is just hard to believe that Bryan skipped straight to acceptance of having to give up the independence of being able to use a toilet and feed himself, let alone all his active pursuits and his new career as a mechanic. It's amazing to read about him playing pranks on the nurses, going on dates, two-timing his girlfriend, and getting engaged and married to his nurse in one year from his accident. Maybe it's because he came from a large, tight-knit family where the standard response to "how are you?" is "Fabulous, marvelous, and wonderful!" (The first time I read that, I thought it was sarcastic.) Surely he went through a grieving process at some point, particularly when he lost the use of his arms later? His grandfather seemed to take the news harder than he did ("Not my Bryan. Not my Bryan.")
- Also quite something was the thought that his mother was disappointed that she wouldn't be needed to take care of him when he was released from the hospital (because he got married so soon after). That hardly seems like a job that a person would be sad not to have. (Maybe it also had to do with the tension with his new wife.)
- I liked their wedding planning philosophy. Gown: "I want it white with long sleeves." Reception: "I like the color blue." End of thinking about it.
- It was heartbreaking to read about his very young son Matt tormenting him, running out the door, turning off his wheelchair and trapping him in the stairwell, squirting water in his face. Of course when Matt got older, he got into fights defending his dad, but how many parents have to deal with a toddler who is physically more capable than they are? Nedra even threatened to kick Matt out of the family at one point.
- I can see how a person who has to control his wheelchair by breathing into a tube could complete a college degree, however slowly and laboriously, by having scribes, automatic page-turners, and voice-recognition software that required him to spell out every single letter using the International Radio Alphabet(!!!!!!). One imagines life would be boring without a goal. But the fact that he routinely got trapped in elevators because he lacked the strength to push the button, and that he had to wait to eat dinner until 11pm when his wife came home from work, or that he could have a wheelchair accident and lie on the floor for hours until someone came home, or that once his wife had to call over a man she vaguely remembered meeting at their new church because she had dropped him in the bathtub and needed help lifting him again? Wow. I can't even comprehend the mental state required to go through that with patience and good humor, knowing his condition would not improve. Good on him for getting the degree and persisting until he found a job that would support his family.
- I notice that the book really glosses over him being in pain from the fragments from the burst fracture in his neck, and his frequent hospitalizations for urinary tract infections and so forth. There's a lot more unpleasant things that come from being paralyzed than not being able to walk or hold objects.
- Wow, Nedra had to do so much. All the physical care for two young children, plus her completely paralyzed husband, plus having a job. Mind-boggling.
- The story of his accident up to him being stable in the hospital would have been riveting no matter how it was told. But overall the writing wasn't brilliant. What stuck out to me as amateurish was the dialog which at some points felt reconstructed and forced, the irregular shifts in point of view, and the long strings of anecdotes that seemed unrelated (even though they were very interesting. His little sister ended up clinging to the car door that had popped open while he drove? Where were the seat belts? Guess not in the 70s.)

I hope that opportunities and quality of life have improved for people with spinal cord injuries now (I bet just the Internet helps a lot), but I'm sure that it is still terrible, and it gives me a lot of food for thought that somebody could live such a fulfilled life without being able to move his arms or legs after age 19.

[Anna Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Told from a completely outsider point of view, this book isn't an interesting work of fiction, as I had thought. It's the biography of a girl's quadriplegic grandfather. And I'm sure she loves her grandpa, very much. I get that. But it felt detached because it was from a secondhand source. It wasn't captivating or moving. It wasn't anything good at all. It wasn't even written very well. Time passing wasn't conveyed to the reader, the emotions were just 'yelled' or 'laughed', never *felt*... it was almost clinical.

More? It's really hard to believe that a man who is reduced from 'really great diver' to moving a wheelchair with a straw isn't eventually going to break down and have a negative emotion about the situation. That doesn't even sound *healthy*.

It was like 'Joni', only without the angst and the 'Jee-zus'. And further from the experience. I... wasn't thrilled. Sorry.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I listened to it all in one day so I guess that's a good sign. But the book lacked a lot if you ask me. But it is hard to criticize a true story because that is what really happened. However, I did not feel the range of emotions that I thought I should. There wasn't real anger or grieving that would naturally follow an injury like that.
I also found myself disbelieving that the patient, at 19 years old, would end up marrying his nurse when she was 10 years older than he was! He had not even thought about his school or career or future. It seemed very immature and unrealistic to me but I guess they made it work.
Despite my criticism I am very glad for the Carroll family that things worked out the way they did. They are a testament to positive attitude, determination and community.

[Canda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The human spirit shines in this retelling of Bryan Carroll's struggles and triumphs! The whole range of emotions played through my mind as I imagined scenes from his experiences; sorrow, joy, fright, anger, disappointment, happiness. I just couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. Although the book is named for Bryan, it's very much Nedra's story of courage and determination too.

[K.D. Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring! Highly recommended, for reals. This read was a great pick me up. It flowed fantastically, and didn't stall once. The style of the novel was beautiful. The quotes chosen tied everything together in a perfect little package of motivation and inspiration. Well done!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an inspiring story of facing trials in your life and not letting them define you. My name is Bryan is an inspirational story and I loved reading it!

[Shell Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very hard book for three reasons.
The first is that this is based on a true story. Bryan Carroll provided the author with the information and she put the memories into a narrative structure. That makes it difficult because I'm not critical of the non-fiction truth in this book.
The second is that this is an incredible story. From what I read, Bryan's story is incredible. His survival from the dive is a fantastic story by itself, let alone the other parts of his story. I believe that his story could have been very powerful.
Third, this is the authors first published book. It feels unfair to review an author's first book. I think that speaks for itself.
The book is about Bryan Carroll from the time he fractured his spine during a cliff dive until he achieves full time employment again. His strength and positive attitude through these extreme circumstances are amazing. In some ways, it felt very hollow. He never felt sad? He never felt angry? He just smiled through everything? Really? Cause he should be exalted by now.
I would love for this book to have less narrative structure. I would actually love a chapter written by Bryan. The short part from his English paper in college was stronger writing than the author of the book.
The book has a very Mormon style to it that I don't love either. There's a market for this, as evidence by my book club, but I am not the target here.
His religious preference isn't fully divulged, but man if this doesn't read like a talk from church. I want more humanity, less play by play of his life. Show me mistakes and failures (and I don't mean professional failures). If he has emotion, I want to know why and see it in his behavior, or speech.
Style and structure aside, it's a decent book about an amazing man to accomplish all that he has in his life.

[Segullah · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Name is Bryan, by Stacy Lynn Carroll. Bryan Carroll, the author’s father-in-law, suffered an accident as a teenager that left him a quadriplegic. She tells about Bryan’s accident, his subsequent marriage, and his work to overcome many obstacles as he graduates from college and finds a job that helps support his family. It’s an amazing, inspiring life, and I can see why Carroll wanted to write it down and record it. It’s an excellent record of events. As inspired-by-life fiction, though, there were several things I struggled with. Fiction needs tension, an up and down in each scene to keep interest and keep me turning pages. I felt like many of the scenes, instead of creating a need at the beginning that could be fulfilled (or not) by the end, were merely passing through time, telling me what happened next. The pacing of the novel as a whole, as well as the structure of individual scenes, made it hard for me to really get into this book. Finally, I wanted a little more rawness. Bryan and Nedra seemed too perfect, except perhaps for the parenting scenes at the end (which were some of my favorite). I wanted to see more of their warts and flaws, because I think in a book like this those make their goodness even more powerful. If there are no warts, I need even more specific, concrete scenes that ground me in the sensory reality of their lives.

[Teya Teya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a hard one to do a review on. I mean how do you rate on someone telling about someone they love. I understand this because I did it too. I also had a father who spent most of my life and half his confined to a wheelchair.
I'll do my best. The first of this story drew me in like a fly to a light. I held me pretty well for a while. Then it started reading like a medical journal. I missed the emotion the beginning started with. I lost the connection I had from the beginning. I kept going because this man was so much like my own father. I appreciated the struggle and still living. Never giving up and making the most of what could be a horrible situation. Finally the end brought back for a moment the emotion from the beginning. Being medically minded from my experience I got it, however, from an entertainment point of view it lost emotion. As if the emotion was shut off to get through to the end. Which again I get it's just not high on the entertainment level. It should have said and maybe I missed it, should have ed said nonfiction or based on a true story.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read this forever and I'm glad I finally did! Author Stacy Lynn Carroll does a fantastic job of describing the intense accident that paralyzed her father-in-law. I had tears in my eyes as I read what the whole family went through to get Bryan to safety.

A thought I've been having lately is that I need to keep up with my own journal better. It's not because my family wants to hear of boring everyday details. It's because I have miracles happen in my life and I want to be able to remember them later. One of the first miracles I recognized in this book is that Bryan knew he had to hold his breathe until someone could save him. What a life saving thought in a moment of panic.

The book is full of miracles, but also the theme that Bryan's own positive attitude saves himself many times. I wish I could have his determination. We also see that he was human and made mistakes as he went, but didn't let that keep him from moving forward. Such an inspirational message for me, thank you for sharing his story!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and inspirational true story! It was not at all what I was expecting, but it made me realize even more that a good attitude is everything. Bryan proved that again and again with each obstacle he overcame, big or small. There wasn't any huge climax to this story, but simply a progression through Bryan's life as he handled becoming a quadriplegic with a smile.

[Kathryn Svendsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently out of high school, Bryan Carroll was on a river rafting trip with a group of teenagers with his parents as chaperones. Near the end of the trip there was a spot where they could dive off a cliff. Most of the others were jumping or doing flips. Bryan chose to do a beautiful swan dive. He didn’t come back up.

The others waited on the cliff for Bryan to surface so the next person could jump in. After one, then two minutes passed, one of the other young people on the shore waded out to see what had happened to Bryan and found him floating just under the surface of the water. He called to the other boys and they hurried to drag his limp body onshore.

My Name is Bryan is a true story. It is a story that will restore your belief in true love and inspire you to keep going when you want to give up. Bryan was born sometime in the late ‘50’s or early ‘60’s (the book didn’t specify) and that means that there was very little technology for the disabled in those days, unlike today. Yet Bryan was able to accomplish so much with his life, even as a quadrapledric. By nine years after his accident he was married, had an engineering degree and was the father of two children.

The story of his family as he was growing up, especially his relationship with his grandfather was very touching. The author did and excellent job of bringing each of their personalities across into the story so that we could get to know them. By the end of the book I felt like they were my friends too and I didn’t want the book to be over because I wanted to keep visiting with them.

I think that My Name is Bryan will remind readers that it is important to surround themselves with people who can support them emotionally when things are tough. Usually that would be your family, but it can be others. Giving up will never lead to success. I really liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Each was chosen to inspire.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves true stories, inspirational reads or just really great books. I gave My Name is Bryan 5 stars out of 5 stars. Highly recommended for all!

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book from I Am A Reader when I signed up for its blog tour in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. All are my own opinion and is not compensated by any individual, organization, or company.

My Name is Bryan is a novel based on the true events from the author’s father-in-law. It tells about his story as a teenager when he took the jump that changed his life forever.

This story is very inspiring. It tells you not to give up when even the worst possible problem could try to ruin your life. It makes me want to salute Bryan for being such a tough guy and optimistic. He is very resourceful when it comes to positively boosting his views in life. It makes me wonder where he gets all that energy.

The retelling is very warm to read, it doesn’t even want me to put the book down. The strings of emotions the characters had and being experienced keep me tied up inside the story that I could actually feel it like I was really there. It made me look at life in a different shade of light. This book is very powerful and is possibly something that I would never entirely forget.

The author did such a great job in writing this story for not spoiling the essence of the true story events of her father-in-law. It’s beautifully been written in a way that feels very easy to connect to. I also loved that in the last part where pictures of the actual people of the story I read are in there. I, as a reader, felt like seeing their story with my own eyes. I love seeing the actual people/characters of the true-life stories I read. It is amazing, very compelling, and is something that everyone must read.

[L_manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bryan has a whole future planned out. He's amazing at fixing cars, and he has a awesome girlfriend. Just like that everything changes when he goes cliff diving one summer. Bryan hits his head and breaks his neck, and just like that his life will never be the same. Bryan finds himself trying to relearn things that seemed so simple before. Bryan learns that with a positive attitude and lots of hard work you can do more than you ever thought possible.

I was very interested in this book as it is based on a true story. It was very interesting to read. Bryan is an example of how quickly your life can be changed completely upside down. One decision to cliff dive led to his broken neck. Bryan carries an amazing attitude throughout the entire ordeal though. You have no doubt that that he will accomplish just about anything he wants because you believe that he believes that. Although this book isn't all happiness. You also get a good idea of the struggle that he undergoes while trying to live his life. With the support of his family and friends, Bryan is able to accomplish much more than many people expect of him.

One thing I loved about this book was that you get a real sense of affection for the subjects. It's clear that the author knows and loves the people involved. It makes them all the more endearing to me as a reader as well. I found the entire story to be very inspiring, and it makes me want to be more positive and hard working like Bryan. Even though this is based on a true story, it's not dry at all. This is a great book for people who want to be inspired and have a greater appreciation for what people with disabilities can face.

Book provided for review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS

Wow this brought out so many emotions while reading last night. I went through a lot of tissues and memories too. I know a little first hand about being paralyzed. For me it was only the right side and I was able to learn how to walk, talk again. So I could really feel for Bryan and his family. I stand amazed at Bryan for the life he has lived and his example.

This story is fiction but it is based on the author's father-in-law Bryan Carrol. Bryan at age 18 on a Church youth activity of a river raft trip in 1979 he dived off a cliff and landed wrong and immediately could not move. Finally someone jumped in and brought him to surface. Help was far off. It took 18 hours before a helicopter could reach him.

I just planned to read for a couple of hours last night but I could not put the book down till 3:00 am. I cared and admired about
Bryan. I wanted to know what would happen next to him. Bryan has a good sense of humor and liked to play practical jokes.

If your having a hard time in your life you can look at Bryan's example and be inspired to keep fighting and going forward.

I am glad that I was able to read My Name is Bryan. Stacy has a way of writing that put you into the story and seeing what happened to Bryan. How he lived his life.

Oh I could so see how frustrating and hard it was to not be able to do anything when Matt turned off his wheelchair or squirted his face with a water bottle.

I was given this ebook to read so that I could honestly review My Name is Bryan and be part of it's blog tour.

[Lisa Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is listed as inspirational fiction but it is also an account of true facts about the life of Bryan Carroll, when he took a "swan dive" off the cliffs the summer following high school graduation. He was just 18 yrs old. His daughter-in-law has written this story basically in the point of view by Bryan and each chapter has an inspirational verse to preclude the story. I loved these quotes!!!

Bryan is seen as an amazing man (he became a man literally overnight as he had to grow up and face this new challenge in his life). He never seems to give up and kept a positive outlook on life throughout this whole ordeal of finding out he became a quadriplegic and how to adapt and live with it.

Another factor that was great is the support system he had and still has. His family and friends rallied around him when the accident occurred and his family still rallies around him as he can't do pretty much any independent self skills of daily living, such as bathing, eating, or dressing himself. He has been lucky to find a person, a nurse named Nedra who is 10 yrs older than him, to love him for who he is and married him. They have a family and later grandchildren. Bryan ends up going to college and getting his degree in engineering and finding a job - a full life to most people.

If you want an inspiring, awesome, uplifting story - this is the one. It brought tears but also laughter and to have a book bring out these emotions is a good book indeed!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE reading a TRUE story about someone who trudged through adversity and came out conqueror.

People like Bryan AMAZE me and INSPIRE me!

For you see Bryan was a typical boy. He had just graduated from school and was on a river rafting trip.

When given the chance to dive off some cliffs Bryan wouldn't be out-done.

With a beautiful swan dive Bryan sliced through the water.

"But something was wrong. He was sailing through the water, and the river floor was coming too fast. His hands hit the sand hard. His elbows buckled. Bryan's head smashed into the bottom and with a loud POP, he knew his life would be changed forever."

You will read of his long wait on the beach as a miracle rescue was in the makings.

You will see how he handled being in the hospital for longs months by playing tricks on and teasing his nurse.

You will watch how his family life went on and how Bryan's life changed and how everyone handled the transition.

You will learn of the woman who loved him and of the woman Bryan fell in love with.

You will walk with him as he travels life in a wheel chair...doing amazing things and never giving up.

So beautiful told!
Your heart will fall in love with Bryan!
BE SURE TO LOOK AT THE PICTURES IN THE BACK :)

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. I really loved how the author incorporated a true event and wrote it as great fiction. While I was reading I kept thinking how cool it was that this was a real guy, who really went through this hard ships. Bryan had a great attitude of determination that I saw throughout this book. Here is one great example:

"Sometimes I wonder if you even remember that you're paralyzed. "

Bryan grinned. "It crosses my mind now and then."

"I think that's part of the reason why you're doing so well," Nedra added. Your positive outlook and can-do attitude really seem to be what's propelling your recovery."

"What else am I supposed to do? Lay in bed and wallow in self-pity?" he asked, crinkling his nose. "That sounds boring. And like a waste of like."

"You'd be surprised how many do, though. And trust me, their recovery time is a lot slower than yours."

I think that is what I appreciate the most in the book, was the example of hard work and determination. I'm sure Bryan had hard times and difficulties, but attitude is everything and this book shows it. You will be turning pages fast as you read about this amazing man's journey through his new life. I also loved the inspiring quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Great book for everyone!

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories that carry hope and a happy ending. That is exactly what My name is Bryan is about. It is based on the true story of Bryan Carroll, Stacy's father in law, who at the age of 18, took a jump off a cliff that changed his life forever.

This book is both heart wrenching and heart warming. I cannot even imagine going from a healthy, strong, active young man, to a quadriplegic in a matter of seconds. He beat the odds and never gave up hope.

Bryan's story is not one of anger or bitterness, but instead one of hope and perseverance. As I read I kept finding myself trying to imagine what it must've been like to be in his shoes. And, with each new obstacle he faced, I was inspired by his positive attitude and humble perspective.

Nedra also deserves special praise and mention. I was impressed with how strong and committed she was. Her strength, determination and love for Bryan and her family is truly inspirational.

I loved how Stacy took us through Bryan's life from his childhood, through how he got to where he is today. My heart ached throughout the journey. I absolutely loved the pictures at the end, it made it real to see the people behind the characters.



Bryan is a man I would love to meet if I was ever given the opportunity.

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. That's what I think of this story. Based on a real person, it follows Bryan as he deals with a cliff diving disaster the summer after he graduated. It's a real eye opener if you haven't had experience first hand with someone who is paralyzed.

One of the things I loved was Bryan's attitude. I am a positive person myself, and I can only hope that I would be able to face such a devastating and life-changing experience like he did. His attitude made all the difference in his life--and won him the love of his wife, Nedra.

Now Nedra is another gem in this story. She was a rare woman who was able to see and fall in love with the amazing man trapped in an immobile body. What a huge burden to take on, but she did it anyway. Her own attitude was wonderful--and eternal.

There were a few places where I would have liked more information, but that's a personal preference. This is the second book I've read this month that deals with tough, real life issues. My name is Bryan is another winner.

I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Maria]

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