Official Review: This Is Me by gary wilson

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 16 Jun 2020, 22:06

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "This Is Me" by gary wilson.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Has your life turned out how you imagined it? In his memoir, This Is Me, Gary Wilson recounts his experiences from his birth as the fourth son of a single mother to the present day. Readers observe how experiences that were beyond his control shaped his life.

Gary was the youngest of four boys born to a single mother. When the twins (Gary and David) were born, she realized that she could not care for all four of her children. To keep the boys together, they were all placed in an orphanage for six months and then went into foster care. After eight years, the Wilson’s adopted the twins. Gary went to school, got several part-time jobs, and helped around the house. His shaky relationship with his adopted mother led her to call the police to issue an arrest warrant for Gary.

To avoid prison time, Gary went into the Navy at only seventeen years of age. He studied to be a Radioman and enjoyed this work until an accident with a saw damaged his finger. After having surgery, the doctor informed him that he would no longer be able to fulfill his duties as a Radioman. The Navy issued him a medical discharge. Gary’s life plans changed as he searched for a job and married Kristi. Work and family occupied his time until the day of the accident. Gary’s world was, once again, turned upside down.

The one thing that impacted me about all of Gary’s experiences was his extraordinarily positive mindset. He shared his philosophy about life. “It’s not the things that happen to us that make us. It is what we do ABOUT it that makes us who we are” (loc. 36). His erratic childhood could have made him angry. The volatile relationship with his adopted mother could have hardened into a bitter disposition towards life. Losing his Navy career could have sunk him into despair. Gary decided to adopt a different attitude. His forgiving spirit and resilient personality helped him to develop a friendly and outgoing demeanor that accepted everything life threw at him.

Gary included one photo at the beginning of the book. I wished that the picture had been titled and placed in the chapter where this event occurred.

After the accident, Gary was in a coma for two and a half weeks. He had difficulties with his memory and with numbers. The book had many misspelled words. I believe these were purposely left uncorrected as a reflection of his ongoing health challenges. I also would have enjoyed a photo of Gary’s twin brother. There are some episodes of heavy drinking with friends, a brief reference to a sexual act, and one mention of light profanity.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. A professional proofreader could have corrected the misspelling of simple words like “bur for but” and “hiss for his.” This book would be an inspiring read for anyone who feels that they have been dealt a bad hand in life. People who have had negative experiences with their family or work situation would benefit from Gary’s positive attitude and decision to look for the good in every situation. Gary inspires readers to look at life as a constant stream of possibilities. We have a choice every day to feel sorry for ourselves or to do something about our situation. “I remember that I am in control of my body and situations.” (p. 102)

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This Is Me
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GiselleBengochea · Post by **GiselleBengochea** » 28 Jun 2020, 04:10

Excellent review! You did a great job in the promotion of this book! I think that a book that demonstrates one's resilience to deal with the ups and downs of life is worth reading! Well done!

funmilayo_h · Post by **funmilayo_h** » 28 Jun 2020, 05:42

This is a great review...I love books based on true life events..will love to add this to my shelf

Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 28 Jun 2020, 17:40

This feels like both a sad and motivational story. Thanks for the honest review.

Harty Muli · Post by **Harty Muli** » 28 Jun 2020, 22:44

I like reading about personal triumph in memoirs, so i hope to read this book. Thanks for the insightful review.

Tonika632 · Post by **Tonika632** » 29 Jun 2020, 16:28

I am not a fan of memoirs, so I won't read this one. Great review!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Jun 2020, 20:36

GiselleBengochea wrote: ↑28 Jun 2020, 04:10 Excellent review! You did a great job in the promotion of this book! I think that a book that demonstrates one's resilience to deal with the ups and downs of life is worth reading! Well done!

Gary's story impressed me. He didn't let difficult circumstances get him down. He has an amazing attitude and I found myself admiring his perspective. Thanks for reading and for your kind words!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Jun 2020, 20:53

funmilayo_h wrote: ↑28 Jun 2020, 05:42 This is a great review...I love books based on true life events..will love to add this to my shelf

I hope you enjoy Gary's story. It is unique and will inspire you. Thanks for reading and commenting!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Jun 2020, 21:14

Elvis Best wrote: ↑28 Jun 2020, 17:40 This feels like both a sad and motivational story. Thanks for the honest review.

Gary had some difficulties to overcome in life, but he always maintained a positive attitude. His story will motivate you to see life from a different perspective. Thanks for commenting!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Jun 2020, 22:04

Slater678 wrote: ↑28 Jun 2020, 22:44 I like reading about personal triumph in memoirs, so i hope to read this book. Thanks for the insightful review.

Gary's story will fulfill your expectations! He was triumphant, even when everything seemed to be against him. Thanks for your inspiring comments!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 29 Jun 2020, 22:11

Tonika632 wrote: ↑29 Jun 2020, 16:28 I am not a fan of memoirs, so I won't read this one. Great review!

Thanks for reading and commenting.

GiselleBengochea · Post by **GiselleBengochea** » 30 Jun 2020, 07:56

Congratulations again! Well done! :cooking:

Great job!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 30 Jun 2020, 09:33

GiselleBengochea wrote: ↑30 Jun 2020, 07:56 Congratulations again! Well done! Great job!

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Joseph_ngaruiya · Post by **Joseph_ngaruiya** » 01 Jul 2020, 14:23

I believe there are two forces in life, the negative one and the positive one. Any can interchange to act the role of the other: it all depends on the choice you make. We all face challenges, and such a book would be a reminder to keep moving. The author should work on its editing process. I will keep an eye on the final copy.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 01 Jul 2020, 15:41

Joseph_ngaruiya wrote: ↑01 Jul 2020, 14:23 I believe there are two forces in life, the negative one and the positive one. Any can interchange to act the role of the other: it all depends on the choice you make. We all face challenges, and such a book would be a reminder to keep moving. The author should work on its editing process. I will keep an eye on the final copy.

Gary teaches that important lesson - you are what you choose to be! His constant and persistent to choose the positive humbled and motivated me. Thanks for your insightful comments!