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True Grit and Grace: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph
True Grit and Grace is the true story of how Amberly Lago’s life was forever altered by a devastating motorcycle accident, and the victory she discovered through her recovery. In this memoir, Lago weaves the tale of her childhood and early adulthood alongside the grueling process of healing from 34 surgeries and being diagnosed with Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Amberly inspires readers to thrive, even when their circumstances have narrowed their possibilities, and delivers hope and encouragement to others who suffer from chronic pain.
- GenresMemoir
208 pages, Paperback
Published April 17, 2018
9 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 19, 2018
There can be no doubt that everyone’s life comes with their fair share of trials and tribulations. We can be on top of the world one minute, only to come crashing back down to earth the next. Yes, nothing hits quite as hard as life. It can be magnificent, as well as cruel. An example of the utter harshness of life occurs when people experience a life altering tragedy. It is frequently during these bleak times that people will ultimately determine their own fate. They can choose to succumb and capitulate to their devastating circumstance… or they can do the opposite. In her book, True Grit and Grace, Amberly Lago illustrates how she selected the latter. For those who may be seeking an inspirational read which explores the power of positive thinking and depth of the human spirit…this is the book for you!
True Grit and Grace is a non-fiction book which recounts the author’s real-life experiences. It is presented as a Memoir with the central event being a motorcycle accident which forever altered Amberly Lago’s existence. However, it does not solely focus upon this tragedy and the painful recovery process. The book also intertwines the past with the present as the author relives her childhood growing up in Greenville, Texas. From an awkward childhood stage, desperately looking to receive some sort of acknowledgement and recognition from her family, to her eventual career as an elite dancer and fitness trainer. There can be little doubt that her upbringing and past prepared Amberly Lago for what was yet to come. While the childhood abuse was quite difficult to read, it nevertheless gave verisimilitude to Ms. Lago’s perception and outlook on life.
Essentially, I read this book in one sitting. This is not something which I typically do with non-fiction work. However, I found the author’s accounts so riveting and genuine that I just kept reading! To weave her childhood experiences with those of her present-day life was pure genius from a literary perspective. It ensured the reader was able to fully comprehend and appreciate how someone could experience such a tragic and excruciatingly painful experience, and still be able to see the positive and beauty in life. It reminded me of my own Uncle who has since passed on from a terrible disease. He would always say that he was the luckiest man on the planet and was overwhelmingly grateful to be alive each and every day. He would say this while sitting in his wheelchair and with the aid of a computer voice system as his throat muscles were no longer working enough for him to speak. I could never really understand how he could be grateful when life had dealt him such a cruel blow. Reading Amberly Lago’s book brought in clarity from the outside for me and I can finally begin to make that connection.
Perhaps more than anything, this Memoir stands out as an entirely honest account of the author’s life. With the aid of the Internet and YouTube, you can watch all the motivational and inspirational speeches and clips your heart could ever desire. However, they are frequently just that…clips. Amberly Lago’s story is real, genuine and inspiring. To encounter such devastating pain, and still be able to approach life with overwhelming positivity and hope is no easy feat. She is also very frank and honest about her down times as well. She does not pretend to be superhuman and we are able to experience her ups and downs and raw emotions as the book progresses. As the reader it feels like we are actually there in the moment. That is what true engagement and sheer engrossment in a book is all about!
The writing in this work had a very smooth and natural flow to it. The progression was natural and at no time did it feel forced. All in all, I found this to be a very inspirational and motivating read. It brings a certain clarity to the difficulties and hardships of life which will be very valuable and useful to many a reader. When I am faced with particularly difficult times I will now proceed to tell myself to “cowgirl up” (well…I guess for me I should say “cowboy up”)!
5 out of 5 Inspirational Stars for this one! *****
True Grit and Grace is a non-fiction book which recounts the author’s real-life experiences. It is presented as a Memoir with the central event being a motorcycle accident which forever altered Amberly Lago’s existence. However, it does not solely focus upon this tragedy and the painful recovery process. The book also intertwines the past with the present as the author relives her childhood growing up in Greenville, Texas. From an awkward childhood stage, desperately looking to receive some sort of acknowledgement and recognition from her family, to her eventual career as an elite dancer and fitness trainer. There can be little doubt that her upbringing and past prepared Amberly Lago for what was yet to come. While the childhood abuse was quite difficult to read, it nevertheless gave verisimilitude to Ms. Lago’s perception and outlook on life.
Essentially, I read this book in one sitting. This is not something which I typically do with non-fiction work. However, I found the author’s accounts so riveting and genuine that I just kept reading! To weave her childhood experiences with those of her present-day life was pure genius from a literary perspective. It ensured the reader was able to fully comprehend and appreciate how someone could experience such a tragic and excruciatingly painful experience, and still be able to see the positive and beauty in life. It reminded me of my own Uncle who has since passed on from a terrible disease. He would always say that he was the luckiest man on the planet and was overwhelmingly grateful to be alive each and every day. He would say this while sitting in his wheelchair and with the aid of a computer voice system as his throat muscles were no longer working enough for him to speak. I could never really understand how he could be grateful when life had dealt him such a cruel blow. Reading Amberly Lago’s book brought in clarity from the outside for me and I can finally begin to make that connection.
Perhaps more than anything, this Memoir stands out as an entirely honest account of the author’s life. With the aid of the Internet and YouTube, you can watch all the motivational and inspirational speeches and clips your heart could ever desire. However, they are frequently just that…clips. Amberly Lago’s story is real, genuine and inspiring. To encounter such devastating pain, and still be able to approach life with overwhelming positivity and hope is no easy feat. She is also very frank and honest about her down times as well. She does not pretend to be superhuman and we are able to experience her ups and downs and raw emotions as the book progresses. As the reader it feels like we are actually there in the moment. That is what true engagement and sheer engrossment in a book is all about!
The writing in this work had a very smooth and natural flow to it. The progression was natural and at no time did it feel forced. All in all, I found this to be a very inspirational and motivating read. It brings a certain clarity to the difficulties and hardships of life which will be very valuable and useful to many a reader. When I am faced with particularly difficult times I will now proceed to tell myself to “cowgirl up” (well…I guess for me I should say “cowboy up”)!
5 out of 5 Inspirational Stars for this one! *****
August 16, 2018
I bought this book because I am also a sufferer of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The authors story was tragic, and I feel sorry for all she went through. I wished she had talked more about coping with CRPS specifically; there was only a short mention that she has been diagnosed with this terrible syndrome but not much about what it is like to live with it and how she manages.
June 16, 2024
There are not too many books I start and finish in the span of a day, but Amberly's book was one of them. As a fellow CRPS warrior and advocate, I wholeheartedly empathize with what Amberly had to go through, especially after getting that life-changing diagnosis myself. As I read, I laughed with her, I cried with and for her, I related to her and her struggle, but more importantly, I was blown away by her determination, resilience, inner strength, and positive attitude. Her story helped to instill in me, for the first time since my own diagnosis, a tiny glimmer of hope. Not hope that there will be a cure or that my pain will diminish (though of course I desperately want those things more than anything); but hope that despite my circumstances, despite yet another struggle I've been given, I will be okay, and hopefully more than okay one day. I will persevere. I will share my story and help others. I will someday write a book. I will look for the many blessings in my life and be thankful. I will take it day-by-day, and try to make the most out of each day. I will not give up and succumb to this beast. So thank you, Amberly, for sharing your story and for helping me see a tiny glimpse of hope at the end of a seemingly very long and dark tunnel ahead. You are truly a warrior!
March 28, 2019
A truly inspirational book, but as a fellow CRPS sufferer and warrior, I really wish she had tackled the subject and substance of what CRPS is really like, and the truth of CRPS. I am thankful and humbled by the author's strength and fortitude in the face of what she had to deal with! She is absolutely an amazing person!
April 25, 2018
Encouraging
This book helps give new perspective on everyday life and things that happen to us. I found it to be an easy read and good read. I am glad Amberly shared her story!
With God all things are possible....her story is a prime example.
This book helps give new perspective on everyday life and things that happen to us. I found it to be an easy read and good read. I am glad Amberly shared her story!
With God all things are possible....her story is a prime example.
August 2, 2018
An amazing, true tale as big as Texas.
Amberly Lago's story is one of sheer determination and Texas born grit. Horribly injured in a motorcycle accident, she fought her way back from debilitating pain and physical trauma to reclaim her life and carry on as an inspiration to everyone.
True Grit And Grace is her testament that the human spirit can carry us through the hardest of times and that our fate truly rests in the hand of God. She is living proof that as long as we refuse to give up, neither will the man upstairs. Beautifully written and brutally honest, True Grit And Grace deserves a place on your bookshelf.
Amberly Lago's story is one of sheer determination and Texas born grit. Horribly injured in a motorcycle accident, she fought her way back from debilitating pain and physical trauma to reclaim her life and carry on as an inspiration to everyone.
True Grit And Grace is her testament that the human spirit can carry us through the hardest of times and that our fate truly rests in the hand of God. She is living proof that as long as we refuse to give up, neither will the man upstairs. Beautifully written and brutally honest, True Grit And Grace deserves a place on your bookshelf.
September 30, 2018
I had the pleasure of meeting Amberly at an event not related to her book. I immediately enjoyed hearing her talk on another subject. I ordered her book and I must tell you her story is horrifying and the fact she has survived after 40 surgeries makes her a Shero in my mind. She described the accident and the aftermath in raw truth. It is amazing she still has her leg and functions with a high level of pain and has gone back to training and running! What a story!
December 3, 2022
I feel so very fortunate to have met Amberly this past November and heard her motivational and inspirational story of True Grit and Grace. Amberly is such a welcoming and authentic person, and those attributes which are so obvious in person surely jump out of the page during this page-turning and engaging true story. I hope our paths cross in the future; I know I was meant to meet you and hear your story.
February 9, 2021
Amazingly woven like an interesting spell. I didn't think this book was going to be this good. It was , as you might expect , engaging , a total different piece of art from every aspect.
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.
Must Read
It sets a very high bar for whatever he does that comes next.
Must Read
February 9, 2021
Five Stars
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
March 30, 2018
Amberly’s story is one of strength, perseverance and gratitude. An inspiring true story which reads much like sitting down over a cup of coffee with the author.
May 6, 2018
Amazing woman! What an incredible story! One to re-read and re-read. She is beautiful inside and out! Watch her on you tube!
May 6, 2018
Beautiful woman inside and out! Incredibly inspirational! Watch her on you tube!
December 7, 2019
Heartwarming!
September 1, 2023
Was just hoping for something more.
August 12, 2019
Such an amazing book. As someone who suffers with CRPS I can understand what Amberly went through. This was a great read from a very inspiring woman!
December 31, 2020
Amberly Lago is one of my favorite people in the whole world. I'm honored to know her. She has done such a great job capturing her story in True Grit and Grace. I highly recommend the book and Amberly. I finished the book in May 2020 on the ten year anniversary of the accident that changed her life forever. I went back and reread it in December 2020 after spending a week with Amberly.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews