Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

Nick Scott received a spinal cord injury due to an automobile accident. He was 16 years old at the time of his injury. He relates his story as that of an individual with a great deal of drive and personal motivation. He also had access to an ongoing support system and outstanding rehabilitation efforts on his behalf.

As a means of coping with his negative self image as an individual who was wheelchair bound, Nick began to engage in powerlifting. The more success and attention he drew for his positive efforts, the better he felt about himself. There is a bit of a paradox in the story as Nick seems to have derived his greatest satisfaction from performing "normal" activities (walking across a stage at graduation, beating non-chair athletes in powerlifting competitions) rather than by his substantial accomplishments (a college education) as a handicapped individual.

The story is an inspiration to handicapped individuals who have the means and the abilities to accomplish personal goals. For those whose injuries are more severe and for those not having access to facilities and privileges which might better their circumstances, they are left wondering what is available for them. Perhaps, as an inspiration, Nick could broaden his approach to finding satisfaction as a handicapped individual. He certainly has the drive and the motivation to inspire individuals toward their personal best, no matter what their circumstances.