(Extra)Ordinary

I found this book a highly fascinating read, with ten different stories of people who have faced hardship and seemingly insurmountable odds, such as the young boy who suffered almost 100% burns, and the child born without arms or legs. In all of these cases, the individual has gone on to achieve great things, many of them in motivational speaking. These stories are highly inspiring and show just how resilient the human body and mind is, and how much can be overcome.

With ten individual stories, it's easy to read this book a story (or chapter) at a time, however I rushed through this in just one evening, as I found it fascinating! The only thing I didn't like about these stories was the focus on religion and God - as an atheist this was a slight negative for me, as it's difficult to relate to the stories when there is such focus on the idea of these people being helped and supported on their journey by a God. Other than that, I highly recommend this book!

Inspirational! I liked the links to different organizations to help the reader also become involved.

After reading two novels depicting terrible deprived human behavior it was time for a positive read. I found that in Keith Maginn's (Extra)Ordinary: More Inspirational Stories of Everyday People.

Maginn shares stories of ten men and women who have faced an array of extraordinary challenges - abuse, addiction, abandonment, physical deformities, severe burns, homelessness, health issues. Each profile details not only how that person overcame their situation but what they have contributed to others through inspiration and deeds.

I was deeply stirred by Mick; a driving force in doing what can't be done. Using technology and a worldwide network of, "...high intelligent, if eccentric, 'crazies'..." Mick has overseen solutions for physical challenges faced by others. First with an EyeWriter enabling those with paralysis to communicate with eye movement and later taking a 3-D printer to war torn Sudan to fabricate "robohands" for young amputees.

These ten "Everyday People" have written books, become motivational speakers and established websites to share their stories and inspirations. Links are given for readers to learn more about the subjects and their organizations.

Another reviewer was troubled by religious references in many of the features. While they attribute faith and a believe in God to their recovery this is only one element to their stories - yet, one important to them that would be dishonest to overlooked.

I would challenge the title of this book as I don't believe any of these were ever "Everyday People". There is no question that what they have faced, overcome and accomplished is (Extra)Ordinary and inspirational.