This is an incredibly inspiring story! I enjoyed the sincerity in Remi's voice as he discussed difficult topics such as the not so great decisions he's made that shaped his path, but also his ability to use his past to transform his future. To not sit in the shame of the past but instead sit in the joy of his transformed evolved self. The hardships and difficulties are relatable and an inside look at his story show that making poor decisions is not always so black and white. There's some grey and we shouldn't be quick to judge. It's truly inspirational to see what Remi was able to do with his life and how he evolved into a stronger and better version of himself living up to the title "Transformed." The beginning is a bit slow but you will enjoy reading it. It stirs different emotions which was unexpected. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone, especially those looking to for inspiration.

I wasn’t familiar with Remi Adeleke’s story prior to reading Transformed: A Navy SEAL’s Unlikely Journey from the Thrones of Africa, to the Streets of the Bronx, to Defying All Odds. To be honest, I hadn’t even heard of him. As the title notes, this book details Remi’s global journey beginning with early childhood in Nigeria, later moving to NY still as a child, and then becoming the man he is today: a veteran, an actor, a father, and a role model.

Remi’s resilience and determination is admirable. He overcame numerous obstacles and faced constant adversity yet triumphed repeatedly. He is unwavering in his beliefs but wasn’t always that way. Remi made many poor choices as a teenager and young adult. While reading Transformed, I often fluctuated between feeling sympathetic toward Remi’s decisions, given his circumstances, and frustrated with his decisions, feeling he should have known better. I also recognize it’s easy for me to pass judgment (unfairly), not having grown up in the same circumstances.

Parts of the book did feel long and unnecessary to the overall story, yet I recognize the subject is Remi’s personal journey. The dialogue, while kept in casual, conversational tone, often still felt scripted and/or drawn out as well. My overall enjoyment of Transformed was only slightly impacted by these two observations.

In his mid-20s, Remi was fortunate to meet a woman who gave him the help he needed to get on a positive path, beginning his journey in the U.S. Navy. I liked the stories Remi shared about his military training to become a SEAL, then his subsequent work, including the physical battles, mental challenges, and friendships he made during this time.

Even though he didn’t always make the smartest decisions, I enjoyed Remi’s progression and growth to become the person he is today. His story is inspirational, with many parts serving as a good reminder to hit pause the next time you think you’re having a bad day.

"Transformed " by Remi Adeleke is a true story of how Remi was able to overcome difficult odds. He grew up in Nigeria and then when He moved to the Bronx in New York after his Dad passed away. He lived in a very tough part of town. His Mother took her two boys to the Bronx after her husband passed away. She lost all the money her husband had worked for in Nigeria. She worked hard in New York to support her boys. Remi ends up in several illegal activities before He decides to join the Navy. He has a goal to become a Navy Seal. He finds each step along the way very challenging in the Navy. He starts down the path to become a Navy Seal and ends of facing road blocks . During one of the road blocks He turns to his brother and asks questions about God. Remi has tremendous determination and perseverance to continue towards his goals. Does He eventually become a Navy Seal? Does He become a Christian? The book was given to me by Thomas Nelson , netgalley to read and review . I am not obligated to give a positive review. I appreciate this opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.