One Step at a Time, Memoir of a Former Quadriplegic has received a glowing review from Kirkus Reviews, a PERFECT 5-star rating from an OnlineBookClub.org reviewer and five-star ratings on Amazon.
An impressive, inspirational debut memoir that makes a convincing argument for mind-body healing. An often inspiring memoir and a meditation on how fate can change one’s life in an instant.
The book was educative, inspiring, and intriguing to read. I would recommend it to victims of quadriplegic accidents and also to individuals who are feeling down and think everything isn't going as planned for them in this world. This book was inspiring and serves as motivation for readers who are doubting their potential.
McCord is an inspiration to all who seek it. Too often, a person and their loved ones can be bogged down by diagnosis, bills, and the platitudes of ‘thoughts and prayers.’
Brave, powerful, inspiring. ONE STEP AT A TIME is one of those stories that have the ability to transform lives.
This is a story that, for once, left me almost speechless, just reflecting on the life lessons learned through the pages. Author Michael McCord will change the way you think about many things—the ways in which you move about in the world, the way that you view your life, the hope you have for your future…and everything in between.
Inspirational and touching. McCord’s memoir describes the physical, mental, and spiritual journey that was initiated by an accident he suffered in 2001. This book helped me remember to appreciate the little things in life, and that progress is progress; even a small step forward is significant. Anyone can find inspiration in these pages, but especially those who have been confronted with similar life hurdles and are in need encouragement.
McCord's memoir offers a unique take on the story of injury and recovery/healing. Starting by chronicling all the moments leading up to the accident which leaves him paralyzed, he offers a more rounded look at his upbringing, family, and friends, getting readers invested in his story.
The shift following his accident gives readers a front-row seat for the ups and downs of the recovery process. Blending folk wisdom and spiritual insight, McCord doesn't flinch from sharing the triumphs and tragedies of life.
His inspirational story is not to be missed!
An impressive, inspirational debut memoir that makes a convincing argument for mind-body healing.
McCord arranges his story chronologically, starting with his childhood, but it largely centers on the months following his accidental fall downstairs. The author was left without the use of his limbs, and his fine motor skills were virtually nonexistent. After his initial hospital stay, he was taken to a grueling rehabilitation center where he worked to eventually regain control of over 90 percent of his previous abilities. After much effort, he was able to live independently once again and find gainful employment in a government job. In the climactic final pages, McCord challenges himself and his two sons to climb Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains. The author has a deep interest in spirituality, mind-body awareness and reiki healing that permeates much of the memoir. At one point, he tells of hiring an exorcist, and at another, he discusses his explorations into accessing his “higher consciousness.” He manages to strike the right tone when discussing these subjects, however, by never preaching or proselytizing; rather, he states what he believes to be true. His compelling conviction is difficult to ignore, particularly when he supports it with well-chosen quotes from the Bible and other sources.
However, although McCord writes well, his book might have benefited from a stronger edit; the three sections of the memoir—before, during and after his time as a quadriplegic—seem to have been written at different times, with different focuses. The opening chapters describing his background lack finesse, and in later sections, long lists of alleged evidence of paranormal activity slow the story’s momentum.
An often inspiring memoir and a meditation on how fate can change one’s life in an instant.
One Step at a Time: Memoir of a Former Quadriplegic by Michael L. McCord is a tale that depicts the life of Michael "Mike" McCord. The memoir starts with the story of "The Little Engine That Could." The author tells the story of the little engine who believed in herself despite what others said or felt about her. The little engine did the impossible by pulling a train filled with toys over a mountain. Later on in life, the author was in a situation where his faith and willpower were tested by nature and the people around him. Mike had a severe accident in which he broke his C-5 and C-6 neckbones in his spinal cord. He was diagnosed with Brown-Séquard syndrome, and the odds he would ever walk again were extremely slim. That wasn't all nature had in store for him; he also lost his job, and his marriage was in an unstable state. Would Mike ever walk again? Would he accept what the surgeon and therapist had said to him? Would he go against all odds and do the impossible like the little engine?
What I loved most about this book was the courage, endurance, and perseverance spirit Mike had in these perilous times. It was nice to see that his friends and family were there for him during the toughest times of his life. Despite the tribulations, he had a positive attitude toward life and was determined to do whatever it took to be able to walk again. Another point I loved was its ability to elicit strong emotions from the reader. My heart was saddened when Randy, his physical therapist, discouraged him by saying that he should forget about climbing mountains when Mike told him that when he leaves rehab, he would climb a mountain and send photos to him. I was also glad when Mike was able to sit upright for the first time after several trials at Kansas City Rehab. I also loved the fact that his two sons, Sean and Ryan, were able to bond with their father, Mike, after his time at Kansas City Rehab.
There was nothing I disliked about One Step at a Time: Memoir of a Former Quadriplegic by Michael L. McCord. It was inspiring as he was able to touch the lives of various quadriplegics, including Mark, who was as determined as Mike was to do the impossible and walk again. Although I found a few grammatical errors while reading, it was exciting and not tedious at any point in my reading process.
I would rate the book 5 out of 5 stars because it was educative, inspiring, and intriguing to read. I would also state that it is professionally edited because I only found a few grammatical errors while reading it.
I would recommend One Step at a Time: Memoir of a Former Quadriplegic to victims of quadriplegic accidents and also to individuals who are feeling down and think everything isn't going as planned for them in this world. This book was inspiring and serves as motivation for readers who are doubting their potential.
McCord is an inspiration to all who seek it. Too often, a person and their loved ones can be bogged down by diagnosis, bills, and the platitudes of ‘thoughts and prayers.’ I appreciated McCord’s honesty in his writing, his statement of both truth and feeling and how they coincided. I also love the candor with which he discusses his daily life, including both his coverage of highs and lows. As someone whose own family has had to rally together to help multiple loved ones overcome severe illness, I know I needed a story of hope.
McCord's memoir offers a unique take on the story of injury and recovery/healing. Starting by chronicling all the moments leading up to the accident which leaves him paralyzed, he offers a more rounded look at his upbringing, family, and friends, getting readers invested in his story.
The shift following his accident gives readers a front-row seat for the ups and downs of the recovery process. Blending folk wisdom and spiritual insight, McCord doesn't flinch from sharing the triumphs and tragedies of life.
His inspirational story is not to be missed!
I marvel at the authors ability to recall that which he wrote in the book. I gained a new appreciation for every gift we have in life, i.e., the movement of our arms, legs, hands, etc. This book helped me to see the world in a new way.
McCord’s memoir describes the physical, mental, and spiritual journey that was initiated by an accident he suffered in 2001. He begins with his childhood and details his life leading up to the accident. The lessons he learned during that time provided a foundation for how he coped with the trials in the rest of his life. McCord writes honestly about what happens after you suffer an accident of that magnitude, and the toll it takes on the mind. It must have been incredibly difficult to revisit these times in his life, but the result is a memoir that really stands out from the crowd. This book helped me remember to appreciate the little things in life, and that progress is progress; even a small step forward is significant. Anyone can find inspiration in these pages, but especially those who have been confronted with similar life hurdles and are in need encouragement.
ONE STEP AT A TIME is one of those stories that has the ability to transform lives. The author's health journey from having little chance to walk again to the strides he makes in overcoming his challenges shows how important small progress and determination remain in the pursuit of victory over obstacles. The way Mr. McCord faces his setbacks with courage and realism is nothing short of miraculous. He writes about his life with clarity and purpose.
I was moved to tears several times, both in the quotes and books he uses to support his memoir, and also in the way he describes what he's been through--with hope and without pity.
As someone with a chronic illness, I look at books like this one as a connection point between all humans. Having a healthy relationship with what happens to us in our lifetimes is vital to how we spend our days. Mr. McCord does a beautiful job sharing his personal battle and, in doing so, gives readers the courage to do the same. I appreciate my body a lot more after this; I am reminded that one step forward is monumental; I honor that we all have things we face in life. And, we all have the opportunity to face those things boldly with examples such as Michael's story guiding our way. He notes in his book's description that his story can serve as a physical roadmap to overcoming our own obstacles. I haven't read a truer sentiment in a while.
I highly recommend this powerful read.
This is a story that, for once, left me almost speechless, just reflecting on the life lessons learned through the pages. Author Michael McCord will change the way you think about many things—the ways in which you move about in the world, the way that you view your life, the hope you have for your future…and everything in between.
This book leads readers through an intimate journey of McCord’s struggles, unique perspectives, and ultimate triumphs—and you will find yourself championing him on each and every page. Rarely does a book so seamlessly blend the mundane with the spiritual, the everyday with the miraculous. Read on, and find hope for your own current situation, whatever it may be.