Fully Armed

by Ron Gustafson

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

Reviews

[Abigayl Allen]

12/17/25
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.

[Nila Novotny · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[NelliRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jake Willems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very powerful book. I teared up often.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kerri Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this back in college. Gus is from about 10 miles from my hometown and his Mom was my 2nd grade teacher!