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Taking My Life Back: My Story of Faith, Determination, and Surviving the Boston Marathon Bombing
On April 15, 2013, Rebekah Gregory and her five-year-old son waited at the finish line of the Boston Marathon to support a friend who was running. When the blasts of terrorists' homemade bombs packed with nails and screws went off three feet away, Rebekah's legs took the brunt of the blast, protecting her son from certain death. Eighteen surgeries and sixty-five procedures later, her left leg was amputated.
Despite the extraordinary trauma she underwent and the nightmares she continues to have, Rebekah sees it as just another part of her personal journey, a journey that has led her through abuse, mistakes, and pain and into the arms of Jesus. This stirring memoir tells the story of her recovery, including her triumphant return to Boston two years later to run part of the race, and explores the peace we experience when we learn to trust God with every part of our lives—the good, the bad, and even the terrifying.
Despite the extraordinary trauma she underwent and the nightmares she continues to have, Rebekah sees it as just another part of her personal journey, a journey that has led her through abuse, mistakes, and pain and into the arms of Jesus. This stirring memoir tells the story of her recovery, including her triumphant return to Boston two years later to run part of the race, and explores the peace we experience when we learn to trust God with every part of our lives—the good, the bad, and even the terrifying.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2017
56 people are currently reading
737 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 22, 2017
Struggled to reach past page nine (first page of introduction), Boston Marathon bombing referred to as, "second largest terrorist attack on U.S. soil." In terms of what? Fatalities? Not by a long shot. Victims? Property damage? I'm sure Flacco and Gregory forgot about Oklahoma City to say the least. Just count the fatalities at Fort Hood. Or, the first attack on the World Trade Center: killing six, injuring over a thousand, not to mention structural damage. Somewhat insulting to fellow survivors of terrorist attacks. Please fact check, do your research. This book was lost on me due to very poor, basic factual references throughout.
July 29, 2017
Inspiriting recovery. However, the story shies too far away from certain relationship topics, and sugarcoats others in the form of God's plan. In keeping with the Christian message of the book, it doesn't do the reader justice when she speaks of her relationships. She went on a trip with her son and a man she "casually dated," to Boston, to see his mom finish the marathon? That doesn't appear to be casual dating. Gregory then married him, because she was caught up in the Boston bombing hoopla? Her mother is a highly important mentor and care-giver, but her daughter somehow married this man she casually dated during her pivotal recovery process? Doesn't quite make sense if you are women of religious character. The reader is left wondering about the correlation between religion, her divorces, and her development as a self-claimed Christian woman of strength. The book is in need of better editing and writing. For a young woman, Rebekah has a son and has had multiple men in her life, which the reader would like to know more about. Rebekah has an amazing story of perseverance but her story appears sugarcoated and poorly developed by the writer.
May 5, 2017
Abandoned it at 65%. In my opinion, a waste of time and money.
April 4, 2017
If you want to be inspired and deeply changed, this memoir will deliver in more ways than one.
I am in awe of what I have just read. I have been following Rebekah's story since the very beginning. To now know the spiritual and deeply personal elements of the story that contributed in changing so much of my life and who I am, is truly indescribable and so surreal.
Growing up Roman Catholic, I always believed in God and was surrounded by women of very strong faith. My rather personal relationship with God, isn't something I could easily explain to others, let alone to myself. This woman I consider one of my greatest role models took every single emotion, feeling & thought I have ever had about my relationship with God and put it to paper.
This is so much more than a story about a Boston Marathon bombing survivor. That is so far from the nature of my thoughts while I flipped through these pages. I was reading Rebekah's story, a story of a mom, a sister, a daughter & a friend. I was reading words that made me laugh, cry and reminded me of the most important reasons why I choose to embrace the life I've been given with vivaciousness & God in control.
& finally…
Rebekah,
Because I promised my high school self that I would never stop reminding you how much you have forever changed me, Thank You. Surviving is one thing. But choosing to use your platform to shine the brightest late on the bigger picture and the Lords power is why you are my role model. If you would have told me at 8 pm today to forget the dream of a happy ending, I think I would have been pretty defensive. The dream of a happy ending is about the one thing I can say I've always lived for...ever since I knew what it meant, pretty much for all 21 years of my life. Now, at 2 am, wide awake & with the beautiful words and contents of this book fresh in my mind, I think I know why you want me to forget it. Finding your story was God in his strongest form & everything that has followed can be described as nothing other than his plan. That beautiful plan that has made me so very lucky to call you a friend...It's one of my favorite happy continuations.
Love,
The Alyssa from Page 172
I am in awe of what I have just read. I have been following Rebekah's story since the very beginning. To now know the spiritual and deeply personal elements of the story that contributed in changing so much of my life and who I am, is truly indescribable and so surreal.
Growing up Roman Catholic, I always believed in God and was surrounded by women of very strong faith. My rather personal relationship with God, isn't something I could easily explain to others, let alone to myself. This woman I consider one of my greatest role models took every single emotion, feeling & thought I have ever had about my relationship with God and put it to paper.
This is so much more than a story about a Boston Marathon bombing survivor. That is so far from the nature of my thoughts while I flipped through these pages. I was reading Rebekah's story, a story of a mom, a sister, a daughter & a friend. I was reading words that made me laugh, cry and reminded me of the most important reasons why I choose to embrace the life I've been given with vivaciousness & God in control.
& finally…
Rebekah,
Because I promised my high school self that I would never stop reminding you how much you have forever changed me, Thank You. Surviving is one thing. But choosing to use your platform to shine the brightest late on the bigger picture and the Lords power is why you are my role model. If you would have told me at 8 pm today to forget the dream of a happy ending, I think I would have been pretty defensive. The dream of a happy ending is about the one thing I can say I've always lived for...ever since I knew what it meant, pretty much for all 21 years of my life. Now, at 2 am, wide awake & with the beautiful words and contents of this book fresh in my mind, I think I know why you want me to forget it. Finding your story was God in his strongest form & everything that has followed can be described as nothing other than his plan. That beautiful plan that has made me so very lucky to call you a friend...It's one of my favorite happy continuations.
Love,
The Alyssa from Page 172
October 23, 2017
Taking My Life Back by Rebekah Gregory is her story of survival after the Boston Marathon Bombing. She was just feet away from the first bomb when it exploded. She is candid and raw about her experience in the hospital with multiple surgeries and the decision to amputate her leg. She speaks about the power of prayer and how much her faith changed snd grew after the bombing. A very powerful story of a young woman’s survival and determination.
November 5, 2017
Alright. Superficial through a lot of her life story.
August 28, 2019
This book was a great read and shows that no matter how many struggles you face in life, you can maintain an upbeat sense of optimism along the way. Powerful stuff when you consider how many ups and downs Rebekah went through in the first three decades of her life.
I saw her speak this past spring and her message was beyond powerful. She is a dynamic speaker and having seen her speak in person, this book was almost put to shame because she is so passionate and purposeful when she speaks.
I saw her speak this past spring and her message was beyond powerful. She is a dynamic speaker and having seen her speak in person, this book was almost put to shame because she is so passionate and purposeful when she speaks.
April 25, 2017
A heartfelt and inspiring story that resonates with you long after you put the book down.
September 3, 2018
Taking My Life Back by Anthony Flacco and Rebekah Gregory is a very moving story. This book is a memoir about Gregory and her journey to, well, take her life back after the bombing at the Boston Marathon in 2013. The memoir is very well written and full of details so the reader is near really left wondering. Personally, I enjoy reading things packed with suspense and a few cliff hangers, just to keep my brain wondering "what happens next?". I gave this book a 4 star rating because of that, however I do understand why there wouldn't be suspense. Another contribution to taking a star off the rating is because I wasn't able to connect with the writer at all, because of our ages and just over all experiences. Despite what the writer really couldn't help, this book is very well written and organized. Rebekah starts her memoir by introducing the main conflict and proceeds to write about the resolution and then smaller conflicts. She explains her experiences well, sometimes using flashbacks. Rebekah writes how when she was young and when her dad was home her siblings and her would "just keep quiet and stay out of the way"(57). This was one main struggle in her child hood that helps make who she is today. Gregory makes it very clear in her writing that God was with her every step of the way and that her trauma growing up was preparing her for the biggest struggle of all. This helps portal the theme of 'God will stay with you through the best and worst of times'. Besides theme, the biggest and most important literary element throughout this book is tragedy. Unlike most stories, the tragedy happens backwards for Rebekah, all throughout her life she is facing struggles but toward the middle and end of book she is getting through her problems and her life is turning around. Nearly all of Rebekah's struggles turned into blessings. In conclusion the story of Rebekah Gregory and her family is a burst of hope to read and is thoroughly understandable. Yet sometimes heartbreaking, this book is a great read and very informative.
May 22, 2017
Gregory states early in her book that she sees herself as a survivor and her book bears testament to this statement. Although her book does spend a large portion of time exploring the events which took place at the 2013 Marathon and her following recovery, Gregory also spends much of the book guiding readers through the life events and challenges that helped shape her into the woman she is today. This ability to see Gregory through milestones from childhood to the present help bring her response to the 2013 tragedy and events following into a wider context and far more impactful story.
The stories themselves are compelling. Gregory paints her life with passion and is unapologetic in her testimony. There is a real sense of Gregory's heart within these pages as she speaks of those closest to her, particularly her little boy Noah. It is here, in Gregory's ability to convey emotion that the book shines brightest.
Structurally, the book felt somewhat disjointed at times creating an effect which was jarring in a way that was separate from the content. This combined with sections where Gregory was still obviously working through the accompanying negative emotions (for example internet trolls) left portions of the book feeling disconnected by presenting very different tones and voices.
Rebekah Gregory is a gifted speaker. For fans of human interest or biographies Gregory's story is well worth the time for its passion and human perspective on a widely known tragedy. That said, the story structure does lend itself more strongly,at times, to spoken rather than written word.
3.5 out of 5 stars
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
The stories themselves are compelling. Gregory paints her life with passion and is unapologetic in her testimony. There is a real sense of Gregory's heart within these pages as she speaks of those closest to her, particularly her little boy Noah. It is here, in Gregory's ability to convey emotion that the book shines brightest.
Structurally, the book felt somewhat disjointed at times creating an effect which was jarring in a way that was separate from the content. This combined with sections where Gregory was still obviously working through the accompanying negative emotions (for example internet trolls) left portions of the book feeling disconnected by presenting very different tones and voices.
Rebekah Gregory is a gifted speaker. For fans of human interest or biographies Gregory's story is well worth the time for its passion and human perspective on a widely known tragedy. That said, the story structure does lend itself more strongly,at times, to spoken rather than written word.
3.5 out of 5 stars
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
June 30, 2017
3 1/2 rounded up to 4.
Rebekah Gregory chose not to be a victim but a survivor. She shares her story of not just the Boston bombing but her growing up years and what shaped her to be the person she is today.
"...if you expect to read about a perfect Christian life with a pretty little bow on it, you have picked up the wrong memoir. What you will read about it someone who tries to live the Christian life, who tries to walk with God, and who had not always succeeded in getting things right."
I found this book to be a quick read while still engaging and inspiring. Rebecca has gone through a lot in her life before the bombing and she is very candid with her struggles and errors in judgement. She doesn't sugar coat her story making it easy to relate to.
Her faith is central here and she let's the reader in on her thoughts and motivations. She is honest as she shares her emotional roller coaster ride recovery, and not just the physical aspect.
Taking My Life Back is an inspirational story. While there were times I found the book a little disjointed, with it bouncing around a number of times, it was a moving testimony and one that will stay with me.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
Rebekah Gregory chose not to be a victim but a survivor. She shares her story of not just the Boston bombing but her growing up years and what shaped her to be the person she is today.
"...if you expect to read about a perfect Christian life with a pretty little bow on it, you have picked up the wrong memoir. What you will read about it someone who tries to live the Christian life, who tries to walk with God, and who had not always succeeded in getting things right."
I found this book to be a quick read while still engaging and inspiring. Rebecca has gone through a lot in her life before the bombing and she is very candid with her struggles and errors in judgement. She doesn't sugar coat her story making it easy to relate to.
Her faith is central here and she let's the reader in on her thoughts and motivations. She is honest as she shares her emotional roller coaster ride recovery, and not just the physical aspect.
Taking My Life Back is an inspirational story. While there were times I found the book a little disjointed, with it bouncing around a number of times, it was a moving testimony and one that will stay with me.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
January 24, 2022
Like many, I picked up this title because of the words "Boston Marathon Bombing." My wife was there in Boston at the time. But, probably like many, I was impressed most with Rebekah Gregory's backstory and her struggle over monsters in her childhood and young adult life she's had to contend with. She certainly has a better writing style than I was expecting. Even this autobiography had no supportive hospital staff, courtroom trial scene in which she confronts the bomber who changed her life, or introduction of Felicia the prosthetic leg, it would be well worth the read.
For me, the best parts of this book deal not with the bombing itself, but with her father's abusive interactions and how that impacted her walk with God, her later relationships, and her self-conceptions. There's good advice here for those who have wrestled with abuse. A couple parts seem redundant. I didn't know of her before listening to this audiobook, but I will remember her story and life-lessons.
For me, the best parts of this book deal not with the bombing itself, but with her father's abusive interactions and how that impacted her walk with God, her later relationships, and her self-conceptions. There's good advice here for those who have wrestled with abuse. A couple parts seem redundant. I didn't know of her before listening to this audiobook, but I will remember her story and life-lessons.
August 28, 2018
I came across Taking My Life Back on Overdrive as I searched for a book to listen to while traveling. So very glad that I listened to Rebekah Gregory's story. Qualifying for Boston was already on my goal list and now that I have watched the story of The Boston Marathon and learned of stories such as Rebekah's, my goal of actually running Boston has significantly more meaning.
Not only does Rebekah's story include surviving the bombing, but surviving abuse, medical issues, a serious car accident, and divorce. Rebekah does a fabulous job describing her relationship with faith as her biological father pastored a church, yet was the one who abused her. I deeply appreciate her being able to discuss this personal faith journey with the reader. Rebekah, her son, and her mother are all an inspiration to me!
Not only does Rebekah's story include surviving the bombing, but surviving abuse, medical issues, a serious car accident, and divorce. Rebekah does a fabulous job describing her relationship with faith as her biological father pastored a church, yet was the one who abused her. I deeply appreciate her being able to discuss this personal faith journey with the reader. Rebekah, her son, and her mother are all an inspiration to me!
June 17, 2019
Sometimes a book tells you stuff that you already know, but in a way that touches your heart and soul. To me, this was one of those books. Yes, I understand that just by getting up I choose to keep trying, but the way she talks about choosing and trying to be better made me want to do the same thing. Her story, of course, touched my heart, but her inspiration also touched me. The love she has for her family, friends, and others. I like that she said she isn't a victim, but a survivor. She isn't just a survivor of the bombing, but of every day of every things. She does have a message that if one will open their heart and mind that will touch and teach. She keeps trying, she puts one foot in front of the other, but she always knows where her heart and mind lie.
For those that enjoy an inspirational story of love, faith, redemption, and strong will.
For those that enjoy an inspirational story of love, faith, redemption, and strong will.
July 24, 2020
This book is rich in wisdom earned via good literature, excellent mentoring and difficulties dealt with in the daily digest.
I'm grateful for the author's vulnerability to be strong in Truth. As Audrey Broggi of mothering from the heart reminded me this morning via 1500 am WFIF, Ephesians Chapter Six about spiritual warfare , that we don't battle against flesh and blood.
And as Carl Broggi pointed out in the first lesson of 45 in his basic discipleship series Ephesians 2v8-10
for by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, the gift of God,
9. not as a result of works, so that no one may.
boast.
10. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
I'm grateful for the author's vulnerability to be strong in Truth. As Audrey Broggi of mothering from the heart reminded me this morning via 1500 am WFIF, Ephesians Chapter Six about spiritual warfare , that we don't battle against flesh and blood.
And as Carl Broggi pointed out in the first lesson of 45 in his basic discipleship series Ephesians 2v8-10
for by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, the gift of God,
9. not as a result of works, so that no one may.
boast.
10. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
May 20, 2017
First sentence: On April 15, 2013, the world came to know me as "Rebekah Gregory--Boston Marathon bombing victim."
Premise/plot: Rebekah Gregory shares her story with readers in this memoir. She provides some background story throughout, but, the main focus is on her life since the bombing. This includes her time in the hospital, her time at home trying to get back to normal, what her new normal looks like, her new career as a public speaker, her private joys of being a wife and mom. Faith is also central in this one.
My thoughts: I am glad I read this one. I read Joni earlier this year, and, I think the two would pair together nicely as examples of how you can suffer and "endure" really difficult things and still find your peace and joy in Jesus.
I found it to be a quick, compelling read. I would recommend it if you enjoy autobiographies and memoirs.
Premise/plot: Rebekah Gregory shares her story with readers in this memoir. She provides some background story throughout, but, the main focus is on her life since the bombing. This includes her time in the hospital, her time at home trying to get back to normal, what her new normal looks like, her new career as a public speaker, her private joys of being a wife and mom. Faith is also central in this one.
My thoughts: I am glad I read this one. I read Joni earlier this year, and, I think the two would pair together nicely as examples of how you can suffer and "endure" really difficult things and still find your peace and joy in Jesus.
I found it to be a quick, compelling read. I would recommend it if you enjoy autobiographies and memoirs.
July 5, 2017
I did not realize when I was listening to this book that it was going to be as religious as it was. It was nice to see how something so tragic and life changing could happen to someone and how through faith she was able to build on this experience. I think that I would have enjoyed this better if I had read this. The author was the narrator, which I always think is great, but she did not come off as a good narrator. That is the only negative thing that I have to say about this book. It was amazing.
October 2, 2017
This memoir is a brutally frank account of one survivors experience during the Boston marathon bombing and the toll it had on her life, family, and body following the attack. The author delves back into her past and frequently posits that previous experiences in her life where building her up to be ready for handling such a traumatic life event. The author is highly religious and it comes out in parts of the memoir its also not in an overbearing way likely to turn non-believers away from the book.
June 29, 2017
This is a remarkable story of strength and survival. Rebekah was near the finish line for the Boston Marathon in 2013 when the bomb exploded. Luckily her son was not severely injured by the blast. She chronicles her life after the bombing with over 18 surgeries and the loss of her leg. Depending on her faith and friends to get her through she eventually returned to run the race itself. Not extremely preachy but steeped in her faith it is a great story of fortitude and perseverance.
July 11, 2020
Wow, Rebekah has an amazing attitude and quite an inspiring story to tell about her journey of recovery as a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing. Enjoyed the book and her ties between her childhood and past to her strength to overcome her recent challenges. I appreciated her emphasis on faith and her reliance on it throughout her challenges. A bit slow, but definitely inspiring if you are into reading true stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2020
This was such an inspirational read. It draws you into the life of someone who was a victim at the Boston Marathon bombing and her recovery afterwards, as well as insight into her life growing up.
It had me choked up a few times just imagining her struggle, her recovery in the months and years after the bombing, her concern for her son who was also a victim, and her determination to regain what she had lost and not live as a victim.
It had me choked up a few times just imagining her struggle, her recovery in the months and years after the bombing, her concern for her son who was also a victim, and her determination to regain what she had lost and not live as a victim.
June 1, 2021
Rebekah Gregory was one of those whose life was forever changed by the bomb blast at the Boston Marathon. This is her story of upheaval, survival, learning and thriving. She shares amazing acts of kindness, answered prayer, timing gratitude, and even the attacks she underwent after the bomb blast by those who decided all of the victims of the blast were "faking it".
It is a story of courage in the midst of fear, mistakess and successes and overcoming with grace and gratitude.
It is a story of courage in the midst of fear, mistakess and successes and overcoming with grace and gratitude.
May 11, 2017
Rebekah's story is inspiring. I feel for all that she has gone through and that she is using it for good and God's glory.
The format of the actual book itself was choppy and hard to follow. It bounced around a lot and took away from her beautiful testimony. I would have given the book 3 stars, but I love Rebekah's heart so that boosted my review.
The format of the actual book itself was choppy and hard to follow. It bounced around a lot and took away from her beautiful testimony. I would have given the book 3 stars, but I love Rebekah's heart so that boosted my review.
June 8, 2017
I love this book. For me it started off slow but then I finished the 2nd half in two days.
Such a wonderful story of overcoming and that power didn't come from herself. But she credits her faith and Christ has her strength. It gave me such hope and renewed prospective to always be looking for the good and to BE the good.
Such a wonderful story of overcoming and that power didn't come from herself. But she credits her faith and Christ has her strength. It gave me such hope and renewed prospective to always be looking for the good and to BE the good.
May 25, 2018
I admire Rebekah's strength in taking back her life! I thank her for sharing her story with the world. I found it to be an interesting read, but it was not chronological enough for me to follow her journey without feeling confused about when things happened. I am so glad that her story has turned out happy, and I hope it continues to do so!
June 25, 2018
It takes a lot of courage and determination to fight back from serious injuries. I appreciate the fact that she did not consider herself a victim I’m at this event bring her to a point where she didn’t want to fight back. This is a nice progression of a Vance and she handles the aftermath and her own recovery very well in the written form.
January 21, 2019
Definitely better than I thought it would be. Strong woman, no doubt. Curious as to how much of it was "ghost-written" for her, and how much was her actual voice. While I appreciate her honesty in some areas, you could just tell that she had no desire to delve deep enough to where it actually hurt. Some things were just off-limits, which is disappointing in a memoir. Worth the read though.
November 10, 2020
I was disappointed by this book. Apparently for a year and a half they fought to save her left leg, and she barely mentions it. When they decide it's time to amputate, all she can talk about is her divorce. Physical therapy gets less time than her personal trainer. I was expecting far more about her physical limitations and how she overcame those, and far less about the trolls on the internet. I appreciated the brief sections on PTSD, but she doesn't give them enough time or discuss how she overcame it. Very disappointing.
July 13, 2024
I always appreciate the ability to hear someone share their story. We all have so much to learn from each other. Rebekah is clearly a strong woman and mother to survive and now thrive through her recovery. Very inspiring.
In terms of writing, there were some sections that felt repetitive and other pretty big moments that were very briefly touched on and never brought up again.
In terms of writing, there were some sections that felt repetitive and other pretty big moments that were very briefly touched on and never brought up again.
July 28, 2017
While this started with the drama of the Boston Bombing, I loved the way Rebekah told her whole story through the pages of this book. It was such a great message of faith. Everyone who has every struggled with their faith can benefit from Rebekah's words!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews