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Fully Armed
Are you facing challenges in your life? This book is for you! This inspiring story of a young boy who loses his arm and has his leg crushed in a farm accident at the age of 9 will change the way you look at your challenges! Ron "GUS" Gustafson will share his life with you and show you how to deal with real life challenges and turn these setbacks into comebacks!
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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December 19, 202512/17/25
Fully Armed By Ron Gustafson
Plot:
When Ron was 9 years old there was a farm equipment accident that resulted in Ron losing his arm and shoulder. There are two ways that this could have gone, one Ron would be ashamed of the accident and when given a great opportunity would turn it down out of fear, or two he would recognize that God has a purpose for him and there was a reason that he lost his arm. Ron chose the second option. He now goes around the country and shares his story, he encourages others to not “stay in your garbage”. This book shares his story from losing his right arm to speaking at events, sharing his ups and downs, his challenges and his success.
What was your greatest challenge in reading this book?
My greatest challenge when I was reading this book was that I had a hard time reading it. This book was short but for me personally it was hard to read.
How did this book help you grow?
This book helped me grow because it tells you how to get up out of your garbage that has been dumped on you after a failure. You have the choice about whether you are going to sit in that garbage, act like that garbage, and smell like that garbage; or you can get up out of your garbage and turn that garbage into compost, and sow seeds into the next thing.
What was more compelling about this book: the author’s style or the author’s ideas?
I think that the author’s ideas were more compelling, encouraging people to try again after failing. The author voices his ideas without worrying about what other people are going to think or say.
Would you recommend this book to a friend?
I would recommend this book to a friend because this book is a great book from everything that I have already said, that all ties into me recommending this book to someone.
Fully Armed By Ron Gustafson
Plot:
When Ron was 9 years old there was a farm equipment accident that resulted in Ron losing his arm and shoulder. There are two ways that this could have gone, one Ron would be ashamed of the accident and when given a great opportunity would turn it down out of fear, or two he would recognize that God has a purpose for him and there was a reason that he lost his arm. Ron chose the second option. He now goes around the country and shares his story, he encourages others to not “stay in your garbage”. This book shares his story from losing his right arm to speaking at events, sharing his ups and downs, his challenges and his success.
What was your greatest challenge in reading this book?
My greatest challenge when I was reading this book was that I had a hard time reading it. This book was short but for me personally it was hard to read.
How did this book help you grow?
This book helped me grow because it tells you how to get up out of your garbage that has been dumped on you after a failure. You have the choice about whether you are going to sit in that garbage, act like that garbage, and smell like that garbage; or you can get up out of your garbage and turn that garbage into compost, and sow seeds into the next thing.
What was more compelling about this book: the author’s style or the author’s ideas?
I think that the author’s ideas were more compelling, encouraging people to try again after failing. The author voices his ideas without worrying about what other people are going to think or say.
Would you recommend this book to a friend?
I would recommend this book to a friend because this book is a great book from everything that I have already said, that all ties into me recommending this book to someone.
October 27, 2026
Ruby Runge - Fully Armed
Oct 27, 2026 Ron Gustafson
Ron Gustafson grew up on a farm with his 3 brothers and his father and mother. Their family was very athletic. They would always be playing ball and competing against each other. Ron was the youngest of the brothers and his brothers NEVER went easy on him. It was predicted that Ron would be the best out of all the Gustafson brothers in athletics.
One day Ron lost his right arm (dominant) and almost his right leg. He was in the hospital for 6 weeks. His mother stayed by his side the entire time. This book shows him growing up, struggling, achieving and nasty circumstances.
Is there a big lesson or moral to be learned?
What does this book teach you or what did you learn?
To NEVER give up and always give 110%.
How did this book help you grow?
What was more compelling about this book: the author’s style or the author’s ideas?
What was your greatest challenge in reading this book?
It was hard to watch the hero struggle through pain and rejection.
Did this book help you on your own Hero's Journey? If so, describe.
Yes it did. Seeing the hero struggle relates to me because I have been in a lot of situations that Ron had to have.
What important questions did this book inspire you to consider more deeply?
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Yes, this is a very compelling story and helps EVERYONE on their heroes journey.
Oct 27, 2026 Ron Gustafson
Ron Gustafson grew up on a farm with his 3 brothers and his father and mother. Their family was very athletic. They would always be playing ball and competing against each other. Ron was the youngest of the brothers and his brothers NEVER went easy on him. It was predicted that Ron would be the best out of all the Gustafson brothers in athletics.
One day Ron lost his right arm (dominant) and almost his right leg. He was in the hospital for 6 weeks. His mother stayed by his side the entire time. This book shows him growing up, struggling, achieving and nasty circumstances.
Is there a big lesson or moral to be learned?
What does this book teach you or what did you learn?
To NEVER give up and always give 110%.
How did this book help you grow?
What was more compelling about this book: the author’s style or the author’s ideas?
What was your greatest challenge in reading this book?
It was hard to watch the hero struggle through pain and rejection.
Did this book help you on your own Hero's Journey? If so, describe.
Yes it did. Seeing the hero struggle relates to me because I have been in a lot of situations that Ron had to have.
What important questions did this book inspire you to consider more deeply?
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Yes, this is a very compelling story and helps EVERYONE on their heroes journey.
August 21, 2026
Fully Armed is a Memoir written by Ron Gustafson. It details Ron’s life after a farm accident when he was ten that took his arm and a large chunk of his leg. It talks about the challenges he faced growing up with this disability including playing middle school and high school basketball, completing chores on the farm, learning how to use his left hand, and finding jobs. It is a very heartwarming story and incredibly inspiring.
I think the author (Ron) had a very interesting and compelling message, and I think that everybody can learn from his example. I hope to never have to endure something that life changing, but I think that this book made me realize that I complain a lot. Ron was very accepting of his situation and he was able to use his pain to help others. From this book I learned that I need to complain less, , be more grateful for the things I have and that I can use the hard things that happen to me, and allow Jesus to work through that.
This book also made me ask myself the question - How would I react if I experience something this life altering? Would I let it destroy me, or would I use it for good? Would I still work to complete my goals or would I give up?
In conclusion, I think this is a worthwhile read for everyone, and I would definitely recommend it to others.
I think the author (Ron) had a very interesting and compelling message, and I think that everybody can learn from his example. I hope to never have to endure something that life changing, but I think that this book made me realize that I complain a lot. Ron was very accepting of his situation and he was able to use his pain to help others. From this book I learned that I need to complain less, , be more grateful for the things I have and that I can use the hard things that happen to me, and allow Jesus to work through that.
This book also made me ask myself the question - How would I react if I experience something this life altering? Would I let it destroy me, or would I use it for good? Would I still work to complete my goals or would I give up?
In conclusion, I think this is a worthwhile read for everyone, and I would definitely recommend it to others.
April 20, 2020
It's high time I read this book. l grew up in the same hometown as Ron and heard about his accident, but was gone from home by the time it happened. He was in a farming accident and had his right arm and shoulder completely severed, thus the name of the book. This is his story of the accident, recovery and life after the accident. I haven't heard him speak, but I'm sure he gives and excellent presentation.
September 21, 2022
I am so incredibly lucky to know Gus through my sister-in-law. His story is absolutely incredible and hard to put into words. This book is one I bring myself back to daily and keep it on my coffee table to remind myself of his incredible journey, mindset, passion, love of life, faith, family, and so much more. He is an inspiration beyond words.
February 11, 2018
Very powerful book. I teared up often.
October 1, 2009
Jeff got this book when he heard Ron speak. He is a remarkable person who overcame a farming accident and moved on to make a great life for himself despite his setbacks. I liked that he used bible quotes and spirituality to help him get through his trials. A good example of making the best of your situation and not letting it get the better of you.
December 8, 2014
This was an excellent read and I also had the privilege to hear Gus speak he does an excellent job. He is very emotional when telling his story. He has you laughing and crying. There so much more to his story that he could write a sequel to this book. If a person ever has the opportunity to hear him speak they must do so and the book is a must read.
January 24, 2010
I read this back in college. Gus is from about 10 miles from my hometown and his Mom was my 2nd grade teacher!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews