The Gift of Fire: How I Made Adversity Work for Me

by Dan Caro, Steve Erwin

Dan Caro has been proving the world wrong since he was in diapers. When he was two years old, he was engulfed in a fireball during a gasoline explosion in the family garage and was left with third-degree burns over most of his body—so severe that doctors held out little hope he’d survive more than a few days. Dan was in such excruciating pain that his devastated parents silently prayed for God to end their son’s suffering and welcome him into heaven. And it seemed as if God was willing to oblige—Dan technically died on the operating table several times in the hours following the accident.But even though his heart stopped, Dan’s spirit wasn’t ready to give up . . . somehow he knew he had work to do. Despite the odds, Dan survived, but life would not be easy. The fire left him badly maimed and disfigured. His hands were burned away, as was most of his skin and nearly all of his face. He would endure years of painful surgeries and endless months of lonely isolation in burn units, only to suffer the agony of social rejection, shunned and called "monster" by both children and adults in his Louisiana hometown.With the support of his loving parents and siblings, Dan did not despair. He kept his heart open to the world and focused on the positive energy around him. Before his sixth birthday, he vowed that his life would not be defined by the way others saw him or the restrictions of his so-called physical handicaps. Dan set himself a series of life goals, starting with the art of tying his shoelaces without fingers. Once he had achieved that milestone, he decided he could do anything . . . so why not learn to play the drums?When Dan was told he’d never be able to do so, he promised himself that one day he’d become one of the most accomplished drummers in the city that gave jazz its name—New Orleans! Since that day, Dan’s music has inspired thousands, and many more have also been inspired by his personal philosophy of focusing on the positive, refusing to accept limits, and living life with an open heart. Today, the young man who was once shunned and called "monster" by his neighbors is very much in demand as a public speaker and travels the country encouraging others to not just overcome life’s hardships, but to view adversity as a gift that can drive us toward reaching our full potential.

Genres: Nonfiction

170 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2010

Reviews

[Greg Denn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly inspirational book, or perhpas more correctly, Dan Caro is a truly inspirational man.
This is a book and a story that will stick with me always and I can only hope to apply just a little bit of his will and determination to my own journey in life.
Not only did this man battle so much adversity but continues to assist others.

[Willie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was very interesting and well written.
The majority of Dan's body was burnt at a very young age. He takes you threw the pain and adjustments he had to make in his life to become a successful musician and motivational spear.

This book is a must read

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stunning autobiography of a man with more courage and self confidence than can be imagined. Burned at the age of 2, he not only overcame obstacles but used them to inspire hundreds more to overcome theirs.

[Brian Wasserman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very inspirational book. It shows that someone can choose their attitude. Though Dan's life has not been easy he has decided to make the most of the opportunities that he has had. He even attended Toastmasters in order to be a better public speaker and encourage others with his story.

[Sherry Hidalgo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was a very inspiring book.

[Michelle (Clover Hill Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to follow

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. what an inspiring person. I read this in one sitting.

[Mary Bowlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to meet Dan at my CMEA conference this last January (2013). He is very inspirational and his story is amazing! What a musician!

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

very inspirational. But hard to read that someone went through so much tragedy.