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The Little Big Things: A Young Man's Belief That Every Day Can Be a Good Day
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
'Henry Fraser is one of the most remarkable people I've ever met' J.K. Rowling
'What a story of transformation, inner power and inspiration' Jonny Wilkinson
The memoir of the year by Henry Fraser, motivational speaker and mouth artist with a foreword by J.K. Rowling.
Being challenged in life is inevitable, but being defeated is optional...
Henry Fraser was 17 years old when a tragic accident severely crushed his spinal cord. Paralysed from the shoulders down, he has conquered unimaginable difficulty to embrace life and a new way of living. Through challenging adversity, he has found the opportunity to grow and inspire others.
This book combines his wisdom and insight into finding the gifts in life's challenges, and will resonate with anyone facing an obstacle, no matter how big or small. It includes Henry's thoughts on how to look at the right things and avoid the wrong, finding progress in whatever you do, and acknowledging and accepting the darkness when it comes. Right at the heart of Henry's inspiring philosophy is his belief that every day is a good day.
'Henry Fraser is one of the most remarkable people I've ever met' J.K. Rowling
'What a story of transformation, inner power and inspiration' Jonny Wilkinson
The memoir of the year by Henry Fraser, motivational speaker and mouth artist with a foreword by J.K. Rowling.
Being challenged in life is inevitable, but being defeated is optional...
Henry Fraser was 17 years old when a tragic accident severely crushed his spinal cord. Paralysed from the shoulders down, he has conquered unimaginable difficulty to embrace life and a new way of living. Through challenging adversity, he has found the opportunity to grow and inspire others.
This book combines his wisdom and insight into finding the gifts in life's challenges, and will resonate with anyone facing an obstacle, no matter how big or small. It includes Henry's thoughts on how to look at the right things and avoid the wrong, finding progress in whatever you do, and acknowledging and accepting the darkness when it comes. Right at the heart of Henry's inspiring philosophy is his belief that every day is a good day.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
224 people are currently reading
2985 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
September 21, 2022
Adversidade — A Mãe dos Super-Homens
A literatura tem-nos presenteado com múltiplas histórias de sobrevivência que aconteceram realmente, como por exemplo:
"Viagem ao Infinito" de Jane Hawking que narra a batalha de Stephen Hawking contra uma doença neuro-motora que lhe foi diagnosticada aos 21 anos, e que supostamente o mataria nos 3 anos subsequentes. Porém, Hawking conviveu com ela durante 55 anos!
"O Renascido" de Michael Punk que conta a história de Hugh Glass, um explorador que depois de atacado por um urso, foi considerado mortalmente ferido, e por isso semi-enterrado, e abandonado num estado de morto-vivo pelos seus companheiros de expedição. Durante dias e dias, Hugh Glass sobreviveu como animal rastejante!...
"O Tatuador de Auchwitz" de Heather Morris, que conta a história dum casal de judeus que se apaixonaram em pleno Holocausto, no tenebroso campo de concentração de Auchwitz, e que não só sobreviveram, como até partilharam a velhice.
Etc, etc...
"As Pequenas Grandes Coisas da Vida" de Henry Fraser, está incluída neste grupo de histórias!
É, também ela, um registo biográfico extraordinário, que no caso concreto, conta-nos como um jovem num estado quase vegetativo, alcançou um estatuto de talentoso artista.
Histórias destas testemunham um potencial ilimitado que vive secretamente em nós, incógnito e desconhecido, até que a adversidade nos coloca frente a frente!
“Isto é o que sei: a adversidade deu-me um dom; permitiu-me descobrir uma capacidade que, de outra forma, eu não saberia que tinha. E, por isso, sinto-me profundamente grato.”
Os percursos que encontramos em tais narrativas, merecem ser lidos, estudados, e conhecidos ao pormenor, pois pertencem a humanos como nós que romperam com a normalidade, conquistando o estatuto de extraordinários!
E o que fizeram eles senão encontrar e usufruir dum tesouro que desconheciam mas que lhes era inato!
Também nós dispomos das ferramentas que eles conheceram e tão bem manipularam!...
Posto isto, é legítimo perguntar:
Será mesmo imperioso aguardar pela adversidade para deslindar esse tesouro inestimável que albergamos?
Ou será viável aprender com quem o alcançou?
Se o dito tesouro reside algures em nós, há-de ser possível chegar-lhe de alguma forma, não?!...
Que mais posso eu dizer?!...
É ler, e aprender!!!
"Que é o macaco para o homem? Uma irrisão ou uma dolorosa vergonha. Pois é o mesmo que deve ser o homem para o Super-Homem: uma irrisão ou uma dolorosa vergonha."
Já vai sendo tempo de avançarmos na escala da evolução!!! 😉😜💥💥💥💥💥
A literatura tem-nos presenteado com múltiplas histórias de sobrevivência que aconteceram realmente, como por exemplo:
"Viagem ao Infinito" de Jane Hawking que narra a batalha de Stephen Hawking contra uma doença neuro-motora que lhe foi diagnosticada aos 21 anos, e que supostamente o mataria nos 3 anos subsequentes. Porém, Hawking conviveu com ela durante 55 anos!
"O Renascido" de Michael Punk que conta a história de Hugh Glass, um explorador que depois de atacado por um urso, foi considerado mortalmente ferido, e por isso semi-enterrado, e abandonado num estado de morto-vivo pelos seus companheiros de expedição. Durante dias e dias, Hugh Glass sobreviveu como animal rastejante!...
"O Tatuador de Auchwitz" de Heather Morris, que conta a história dum casal de judeus que se apaixonaram em pleno Holocausto, no tenebroso campo de concentração de Auchwitz, e que não só sobreviveram, como até partilharam a velhice.
Etc, etc...
"As Pequenas Grandes Coisas da Vida" de Henry Fraser, está incluída neste grupo de histórias!
É, também ela, um registo biográfico extraordinário, que no caso concreto, conta-nos como um jovem num estado quase vegetativo, alcançou um estatuto de talentoso artista.
Histórias destas testemunham um potencial ilimitado que vive secretamente em nós, incógnito e desconhecido, até que a adversidade nos coloca frente a frente!
“Isto é o que sei: a adversidade deu-me um dom; permitiu-me descobrir uma capacidade que, de outra forma, eu não saberia que tinha. E, por isso, sinto-me profundamente grato.”
Os percursos que encontramos em tais narrativas, merecem ser lidos, estudados, e conhecidos ao pormenor, pois pertencem a humanos como nós que romperam com a normalidade, conquistando o estatuto de extraordinários!
E o que fizeram eles senão encontrar e usufruir dum tesouro que desconheciam mas que lhes era inato!
Também nós dispomos das ferramentas que eles conheceram e tão bem manipularam!...
Posto isto, é legítimo perguntar:
Será mesmo imperioso aguardar pela adversidade para deslindar esse tesouro inestimável que albergamos?
Ou será viável aprender com quem o alcançou?
Se o dito tesouro reside algures em nós, há-de ser possível chegar-lhe de alguma forma, não?!...
Que mais posso eu dizer?!...
É ler, e aprender!!!
"Que é o macaco para o homem? Uma irrisão ou uma dolorosa vergonha. Pois é o mesmo que deve ser o homem para o Super-Homem: uma irrisão ou uma dolorosa vergonha."
Já vai sendo tempo de avançarmos na escala da evolução!!! 😉😜💥💥💥💥💥
November 27, 2018
Adversity -- Mother of Super-Men
The moment I finished this memoir, I was assaulted by the image of Zarathustra -- the famous prophet brought to life by Friedrich Nietzsche in "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" -- coming from the mountain, to spread his knowledge into the valley:
"I'm here to announce you the Super-Man" -- said Zarathustra, speeching to the men-worms crawling into the valley.
"The same way man left monkey behind, he should now evolve into a Super-Man!"
"Volition will be man's great liberator!"...
Yes!... Henry Fraser is one of those who left the worms-valley, to become a Super-Man :)
By means of a strong determination, a paralysed boy evolved into a mouth painter -- an artist, who paints using his mouth, infinitely better then most of us using our hands!
Congratulations, Henry -- you just proved Zarathustra words!
With his story, Henry Fraser is a testimony of the boundless power humans hide within -- power that comes out the moment we face adversity with a strong determination!
Adversity seems to be the mother of all Super-Men on Earth!
P.S.: I'm not saying that prior to his metamorphosis, Henry Fraser was a worm. But as you all figured out, worm stands here for common man.
Nietzsche was too radical -- according to him, those who weren't super-men, could be nothing but worms!
But the fact is, that right now, I feel a bit like crawling! ;)
And if you'll give this book a chance, you'll find out why! ;)
The moment I finished this memoir, I was assaulted by the image of Zarathustra -- the famous prophet brought to life by Friedrich Nietzsche in "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" -- coming from the mountain, to spread his knowledge into the valley:
"I'm here to announce you the Super-Man" -- said Zarathustra, speeching to the men-worms crawling into the valley.
"The same way man left monkey behind, he should now evolve into a Super-Man!"
"Volition will be man's great liberator!"...
Yes!... Henry Fraser is one of those who left the worms-valley, to become a Super-Man :)
By means of a strong determination, a paralysed boy evolved into a mouth painter -- an artist, who paints using his mouth, infinitely better then most of us using our hands!
Congratulations, Henry -- you just proved Zarathustra words!
With his story, Henry Fraser is a testimony of the boundless power humans hide within -- power that comes out the moment we face adversity with a strong determination!
Adversity seems to be the mother of all Super-Men on Earth!
P.S.: I'm not saying that prior to his metamorphosis, Henry Fraser was a worm. But as you all figured out, worm stands here for common man.
Nietzsche was too radical -- according to him, those who weren't super-men, could be nothing but worms!
But the fact is, that right now, I feel a bit like crawling! ;)
And if you'll give this book a chance, you'll find out why! ;)
September 10, 2021
Are We Sleeping Gods?!
This book reminded me of another true story that happened doesn't matter when, which is my own particular way of saying "I haven't the slightest idea when"!...😜
However, I remember it was a memoir signed by a victim of an accident. For a huge long while, this person, could do nothing but blinking.
According to doctors, he was doomed for life to a vegetative condition! But somehow, deep inside him, he felt he could recover!...
He sticked to that feeling, working heartily on his recovery , and gradually ...some small miracles popped in... until he could finally walk and talk again!
In this particular case, we will testify another kind of miracle -- a paralysed boy will turn himself into a mouth painter -- an ingenious artist, able to perform wonderful paintings using nothing but his mouth!
And we will be able to find a great deal of stories like these two, if we give ourselves the trouble!...
Testimonies of a boundless strenght we hide within!
We live with it unconsciously, never knowing about it, until adversity books a date between the 2 of us!...
Moral of the story:
Are we sleeping Gods?!... 😜
This book reminded me of another true story that happened doesn't matter when, which is my own particular way of saying "I haven't the slightest idea when"!...😜
However, I remember it was a memoir signed by a victim of an accident. For a huge long while, this person, could do nothing but blinking.
According to doctors, he was doomed for life to a vegetative condition! But somehow, deep inside him, he felt he could recover!...
He sticked to that feeling, working heartily on his recovery , and gradually ...some small miracles popped in... until he could finally walk and talk again!
In this particular case, we will testify another kind of miracle -- a paralysed boy will turn himself into a mouth painter -- an ingenious artist, able to perform wonderful paintings using nothing but his mouth!
And we will be able to find a great deal of stories like these two, if we give ourselves the trouble!...
Testimonies of a boundless strenght we hide within!
We live with it unconsciously, never knowing about it, until adversity books a date between the 2 of us!...
Moral of the story:
Are we sleeping Gods?!... 😜
June 23, 2022
Henry Fraser's bio is a true inspiration that shows his struggle against misfortune after a diving accident rendered him unable to move, from the neck down. While his disability should have been a cruel twist of fate, in fact, made him stronger. By overcoming all the odds, he took up art, painting portraits and landscapes with just his mouth, discovering a talent that inevitably changed his life for the better.
I for one applaud the author for what he's achieved because it shows how strong the human spirit can be in the face of adversity.
Kudos to Henry Fraser!
Highly recommended!
I for one applaud the author for what he's achieved because it shows how strong the human spirit can be in the face of adversity.
Kudos to Henry Fraser!
Highly recommended!
January 14, 2019
There's no doubt that what happened to Henry was awful and I wouldn't wish it on anyone... However...
Henry, by his own admission, is a privileged and lucky guy. He has a loving and supportive network of family and friends, a wholesome upbringing of sport and boarding school, a bright (though challenging) future ahead. I think it would be more interesting to hear from someone brought up by a single mum, who attended a failing state school, whose friends don't write quotations from St Francis of Assisi in their get well cards. How would someone already at a disadvantage in life cope with losing the use of their arms and legs? Henry is able to hire a brilliant physiotherapist who tries new and radical methods to help him on his way. What about the person who can't afford to do that, who is at the mercy of the basic NHS services?
Having read the excellent and completely heartbreaking The Last Act of Love I am able to compare the two somewhat. It is a similar situation of being paralysed from the neck down, but that book had so much more heart. (And the family were more ordinary live-above-a-pub types.) It was a warts and all look at how life irreparably changed. Henry does mention bowel control and urine infections in passing but doesn't dwell on any of the more embarrassing or inconvenient details. I understand the point of the book was to be an uplifting look at how life can go on after an injury like this, but I feel like there was too much light and not enough shade to really grab on to the heartstrings. The Last Act of Love also cautioned that every spinal injury is different and what works for one might never work for another. I feel like Henry made it seem like if you just put in that bit more work you'll be able to get moving and painting in no time. That simply isn't the case.
Nevertheless I do admire the guy and how he's dealt with his situation. I know I'd certainly have got stuck down a pit of despair so I applaud his temerity and optimism. His points about finding joy in the everyday are always relevant and appreciated. Perhaps a look at his life further down the line (with youth no longer on his side) might be interesting. His parents and brothers are his main caregivers at the moment, but what about when they age and die or his brothers marry and move away? Will Henry find love? Does he end up making any ripples in politics regarding disability benefits/general perception of less able people? (It's hinted at in the closing chapter.)
So a mixed bag really, but it was a quick and ultimately uplifting read.
Henry, by his own admission, is a privileged and lucky guy. He has a loving and supportive network of family and friends, a wholesome upbringing of sport and boarding school, a bright (though challenging) future ahead. I think it would be more interesting to hear from someone brought up by a single mum, who attended a failing state school, whose friends don't write quotations from St Francis of Assisi in their get well cards. How would someone already at a disadvantage in life cope with losing the use of their arms and legs? Henry is able to hire a brilliant physiotherapist who tries new and radical methods to help him on his way. What about the person who can't afford to do that, who is at the mercy of the basic NHS services?
Having read the excellent and completely heartbreaking The Last Act of Love I am able to compare the two somewhat. It is a similar situation of being paralysed from the neck down, but that book had so much more heart. (And the family were more ordinary live-above-a-pub types.) It was a warts and all look at how life irreparably changed. Henry does mention bowel control and urine infections in passing but doesn't dwell on any of the more embarrassing or inconvenient details. I understand the point of the book was to be an uplifting look at how life can go on after an injury like this, but I feel like there was too much light and not enough shade to really grab on to the heartstrings. The Last Act of Love also cautioned that every spinal injury is different and what works for one might never work for another. I feel like Henry made it seem like if you just put in that bit more work you'll be able to get moving and painting in no time. That simply isn't the case.
Nevertheless I do admire the guy and how he's dealt with his situation. I know I'd certainly have got stuck down a pit of despair so I applaud his temerity and optimism. His points about finding joy in the everyday are always relevant and appreciated. Perhaps a look at his life further down the line (with youth no longer on his side) might be interesting. His parents and brothers are his main caregivers at the moment, but what about when they age and die or his brothers marry and move away? Will Henry find love? Does he end up making any ripples in politics regarding disability benefits/general perception of less able people? (It's hinted at in the closing chapter.)
So a mixed bag really, but it was a quick and ultimately uplifting read.
July 23, 2022
OCENA: 3,5 ⭐️
Bardzo poruszająca i ciekawa książka o pokonywaniu swoich barier. Henry Fraser jest naprawdę ciekawą osobą i warto poznać jego historię. Jest to mądra i dająca do myślenia opowieść. Widzimy w niej ile pracy musiał włożyć Henry aby osiągnąć swój cel. Jeśli chcecie to śmiało sięgniecie po tę książkę ponieważ jest to porządna lektura. Zachęcam aby zajrzeć na jego Instagrama, bo publikuje tam swoje obrazy, które maluje za pomocą ust. ☺️
Henry Fraser Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/henryfraser...
Bardzo poruszająca i ciekawa książka o pokonywaniu swoich barier. Henry Fraser jest naprawdę ciekawą osobą i warto poznać jego historię. Jest to mądra i dająca do myślenia opowieść. Widzimy w niej ile pracy musiał włożyć Henry aby osiągnąć swój cel. Jeśli chcecie to śmiało sięgniecie po tę książkę ponieważ jest to porządna lektura. Zachęcam aby zajrzeć na jego Instagrama, bo publikuje tam swoje obrazy, które maluje za pomocą ust. ☺️
Henry Fraser Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/henryfraser...
October 31, 2017
Everyone should read this book. Simply brilliant and so inspiring.
March 3, 2022
I really appreciate Henry’s outlook and gratitude for life. He has beaten all odds and is truly an inspiration! I cried through Henry’s recollection of his time in the hospital and rehabilitation, as it brought up memories of my own. This book was cathartic for me in a sense, but after finishing the book I’m left feeling self-critical… why am I still in angst? What am I doing wrong? I’d like to reach out to Henry but I’m not even sure what I’d say, much to think about but I’m grateful for his story.
Edit: 2 weeks later reflecting on the content and it wasn’t my favorite. Probably a good 4 star book but I feel weird giving it less than 5 stars because the book is about his life and story. Connection wise, his recovery resonated with me, but message wise, being grateful did not hit home with me for reconciling trauma.
Edit: 2 weeks later reflecting on the content and it wasn’t my favorite. Probably a good 4 star book but I feel weird giving it less than 5 stars because the book is about his life and story. Connection wise, his recovery resonated with me, but message wise, being grateful did not hit home with me for reconciling trauma.
September 3, 2018
This book is a triumph! Henry Fraser’s inspirational approach to living life with relentless positivity is profound. Gratitude and acceptance has taken on new meaning for me as this man shows how anyone can turn adversity into a gift.
December 11, 2023
Knowing Henry's perseverance, can't rate anything but Five Stars.... Definitely a re-read book
Inspiring story..
Inspiring story..
October 10, 2017
Short ,powerful book. Amazing guy who seems to have got on with his life despite appalling injury
January 18, 2022
The little big things is an extraordinary book about the author and his response to a tragic accident that occurred on holiday with friends. On one innocuous day Henry Fraser jumped into the sea which resulted in his life being completely different. This led to him being paralysed and little big things details the incredible way in which he and his family dealt with the accident.
I found this book inspiring in the way he responded to this. His determination and positivity led to him not being overawed by the accident but instead challenged himself to achieve the things he wanted to achieve. He had to re learn a new way of life which must have been so difficult but with the support of his friends and family he has dealt with this. Henry took up public speaking which he states he wasn’t comfortable with before and has gone on to become brilliant artist. It goes to show what can be done with sheer determination and hard work.
Along the way Henry Fraser provides some thoughts and things he has learnt along the way such as to be grateful for what you do have and enjoy it. The book gave an insight into his mentality and way of dealing with things that really struck a cord. With the right mindset life can open endless opportunities which you may not have expected. Towards the end of the book Henry alluded to getting involved in politics regarding disability and medical research.
An inspiring and motivational read showcasing the importance of friends and family as well as a positive attitude despite what life throws at you.
I found this book inspiring in the way he responded to this. His determination and positivity led to him not being overawed by the accident but instead challenged himself to achieve the things he wanted to achieve. He had to re learn a new way of life which must have been so difficult but with the support of his friends and family he has dealt with this. Henry took up public speaking which he states he wasn’t comfortable with before and has gone on to become brilliant artist. It goes to show what can be done with sheer determination and hard work.
Along the way Henry Fraser provides some thoughts and things he has learnt along the way such as to be grateful for what you do have and enjoy it. The book gave an insight into his mentality and way of dealing with things that really struck a cord. With the right mindset life can open endless opportunities which you may not have expected. Towards the end of the book Henry alluded to getting involved in politics regarding disability and medical research.
An inspiring and motivational read showcasing the importance of friends and family as well as a positive attitude despite what life throws at you.
May 12, 2021
It's a warm, sunny day in Portugal. You're lying on the beach with your friends, reveling in the relief and relaxation that comes with finishing your exams. School's out for the summer, and you're enjoying the first adult-free holiday of your life.
Feeling a little hot, you get up and run to the sea to cool off. You dive in. You hit your head on the seabed. You are now paralysed for life.
This is what happened to Henry Fraser in 2009 — at the tender age of 17, no less.
When I first came across The Little Big Things, I was instantly intrigued by the premise. I've always been fascinated by how a split-second decision has the power to completely transform the course of your life.
But Fraser's words gifted me far more than I expected (and perhaps deserved). Immersing myself in his stories and deriving strength from his lessons was an incredible reading experience. I was — and still am — completely awed by his resilience and determination in the face of (seemingly) impossible hardship.
Plus, the fact that his book manages to be this impactful at under 200 pages is a lesson in itself, of how to say more with less (a lesson I could very much do with learning).
Highly recommended reading for anyone.
Feeling a little hot, you get up and run to the sea to cool off. You dive in. You hit your head on the seabed. You are now paralysed for life.
This is what happened to Henry Fraser in 2009 — at the tender age of 17, no less.
When I first came across The Little Big Things, I was instantly intrigued by the premise. I've always been fascinated by how a split-second decision has the power to completely transform the course of your life.
But Fraser's words gifted me far more than I expected (and perhaps deserved). Immersing myself in his stories and deriving strength from his lessons was an incredible reading experience. I was — and still am — completely awed by his resilience and determination in the face of (seemingly) impossible hardship.
Plus, the fact that his book manages to be this impactful at under 200 pages is a lesson in itself, of how to say more with less (a lesson I could very much do with learning).
Highly recommended reading for anyone.
December 29, 2017
I am awestruck by the grit, determination and the strength shown by Henry. He is inspirational, his outlook is amazing and his positivity completely shines through.
'There is no point dwelling on what might or could have been. The past has happened and cannot be changed; it can only be accepted. Life is much simpler and much happier when you always look at what you can do, not what you can't do.
Every day is a good day.'
'There is no point dwelling on what might or could have been. The past has happened and cannot be changed; it can only be accepted. Life is much simpler and much happier when you always look at what you can do, not what you can't do.
Every day is a good day.'
October 17, 2018
Henry Fraser, what an inspiration you are! Truly! Life throws things at us all the time, how we deal with these things is another story. You are a hero! I’m constantly telling my kids to ‘turn that frown upside down’, which generally makes them giggle. When they’re older, this is a book I will suggest they read. Well done on all your endeavours, you’re truly amazing.
June 22, 2018
4.5 stars✨
February 20, 2020
What a remarkable story and a remarkable person. From an accident that led to Henry becoming paralyzed, we follow Henry's story from that fateful day, through his time in recovery at hospital learning to come to terms with his new diagnosis and following as he learns to live with this and challenges himself to always do better.
A truly inspirational story that shows that even though you may be faced with one of the worst circumstances in your lives, you can still overcome them or learn to live with them and enjoy your life. Don't give up just because something bad has happened to you!
For more reviews, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
A truly inspirational story that shows that even though you may be faced with one of the worst circumstances in your lives, you can still overcome them or learn to live with them and enjoy your life. Don't give up just because something bad has happened to you!
For more reviews, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
March 13, 2019
A truly inspirational story and a reminder for how much we - even in the most challenging of circumstances - have got to be grateful for. “Look at what you can do, not what you can’t do”.
March 31, 2024
I was keen to read this book having seen ‘The little big things’ on stage in the West End. I found Henry’s story inspirational and the power that a positive mindset has had on his recovery is truly remarkable. Whilst we all live busy lives, maybe a lesson for us all can be taken from Henry’s story, that it is the little big things in life that we should take the time to stop, notice and be grateful for.
January 1, 2024
Recommend seeing the musical in London too
November 26, 2017
- Inspiring
- Motivational
- Raw & honest
This book is so raw and emotional.
A bit about the book:
Henry had suffered a severe accident whilst he was on holiday, this was when he was only 17 years old.
Henry has demonstrated throughout this book, his way of coping with paralysis and the struggles he faced, such as having to live his life in a wheelchair, rely on carers. Henry also enabled us as the readers to understand the way he mentally deals with all these huge life changing events.
My thoughts:
I like how it does demonstrates the reality of being wheelchair dependant/carer dependant, but I love how it shows that you CAN still have a life outside of your injuries e.g Henry takes up painting - not the traditional hand painting but mouth painting (due to his paralysis he can't use his arms or legs). With practise and patience he becomes incredibly talented at it and even exhibits his own art in gallery's.
This book is just utterly incredible. I will continue to support Henry by following him on facebook. And searching for his artwork. Brilliant young man.
- Motivational
- Raw & honest
This book is so raw and emotional.
A bit about the book:
Henry had suffered a severe accident whilst he was on holiday, this was when he was only 17 years old.
Henry has demonstrated throughout this book, his way of coping with paralysis and the struggles he faced, such as having to live his life in a wheelchair, rely on carers. Henry also enabled us as the readers to understand the way he mentally deals with all these huge life changing events.
My thoughts:
I like how it does demonstrates the reality of being wheelchair dependant/carer dependant, but I love how it shows that you CAN still have a life outside of your injuries e.g Henry takes up painting - not the traditional hand painting but mouth painting (due to his paralysis he can't use his arms or legs). With practise and patience he becomes incredibly talented at it and even exhibits his own art in gallery's.
This book is just utterly incredible. I will continue to support Henry by following him on facebook. And searching for his artwork. Brilliant young man.
February 14, 2018
Probably, the best, most poignant book I have ever read.
I saw this book on display at the library where I work, the beautiful artwork on the cover was the hook, when I read the back I thought I must read this. Doing so has genuinely changed my outlook on life.
I'm disabled, I have a birth defect to my hand and a condition called Cerebral Diplegia, I found the book interesting as it came from the viewpoint from someone who had full mobility, then an event changed that forever.
Henry Frasers, relentless positivity and forward outlook on life is extremely infectious. Now, in difficult situations, situations where I would normally think "I can't" in place of this I now think "I can".
After reading Henry's book, it was like a light bulb moment, we must not waste time thinking about what we could have done in the past, but what we can do to change things in the future.
The book itself, is an emotional, but quite light read, I managed to finish it in a day and half, and it was very addictive.
I would recommend this book to everyone! Thank you Henry for sharing your story!
I saw this book on display at the library where I work, the beautiful artwork on the cover was the hook, when I read the back I thought I must read this. Doing so has genuinely changed my outlook on life.
I'm disabled, I have a birth defect to my hand and a condition called Cerebral Diplegia, I found the book interesting as it came from the viewpoint from someone who had full mobility, then an event changed that forever.
Henry Frasers, relentless positivity and forward outlook on life is extremely infectious. Now, in difficult situations, situations where I would normally think "I can't" in place of this I now think "I can".
After reading Henry's book, it was like a light bulb moment, we must not waste time thinking about what we could have done in the past, but what we can do to change things in the future.
The book itself, is an emotional, but quite light read, I managed to finish it in a day and half, and it was very addictive.
I would recommend this book to everyone! Thank you Henry for sharing your story!
September 15, 2017
The fragility of our way of life and indeed our very existence is something that we often do not wish to contemplate. That one day our lives could turn on a sixpence and take a new path that we had never imagined can be too hard to even tentatively think about.
To live that reality and still have the strength of mind and heart to grasp the nettles and focus on the positives no matter what their size is truly inspiring; would that be my first reaction? I'm not sure... I'd like to think so...
Having read Henry's story I know that he is the sort of role model I want my children to have; someone who never lets themselves be defined by other people's limitations; someone who is grateful, in the most honest form of gratitude, for every small thing; and someone who does not give in or give up, but finds another way.
Henry's life may not have gone the way he would have planned when he was 17, but those who read his book cannot fail to be inspired by the man that he has become.
To live that reality and still have the strength of mind and heart to grasp the nettles and focus on the positives no matter what their size is truly inspiring; would that be my first reaction? I'm not sure... I'd like to think so...
Having read Henry's story I know that he is the sort of role model I want my children to have; someone who never lets themselves be defined by other people's limitations; someone who is grateful, in the most honest form of gratitude, for every small thing; and someone who does not give in or give up, but finds another way.
Henry's life may not have gone the way he would have planned when he was 17, but those who read his book cannot fail to be inspired by the man that he has become.
January 16, 2018
This book I’ve bought when I travel because the title captured my heart .
Such an inspiring story and motivational one . Most of people will be having low self-esteem , feeling down , feeling emotional when our own self in a paralysed condition .
But, not for Henry Fraser . He always see a new day as a good day. Every day is a good day and we should always be grateful that we are still alive.
When I read this book I’ve learned that we should always see any obstacles in a positive way so that our day is always a good one.
Really love this book.
Such an inspiring story and motivational one . Most of people will be having low self-esteem , feeling down , feeling emotional when our own self in a paralysed condition .
But, not for Henry Fraser . He always see a new day as a good day. Every day is a good day and we should always be grateful that we are still alive.
When I read this book I’ve learned that we should always see any obstacles in a positive way so that our day is always a good one.
Really love this book.
July 21, 2018
"Be grateful And Take nothing for granted."
This book is a mix of tragedy, suffering, patience, hope, resilience, and victory. Simple and straight story-telling yet engaging as we turn each page and then chapter wise we discover something new to the life of author.
I recommend this book to each and every individual, who even at one point of their lives have felt like it is the end of a story.
This book is a mix of tragedy, suffering, patience, hope, resilience, and victory. Simple and straight story-telling yet engaging as we turn each page and then chapter wise we discover something new to the life of author.
I recommend this book to each and every individual, who even at one point of their lives have felt like it is the end of a story.
May 21, 2018
Loved this book, very inspirational, would definitely recommend
September 12, 2018
Bardzo dobra pozycja, którą warto przeczytać!
May 12, 2019
Misguided.
February 1, 2021
It's always very difficult to put a score on someone's memoir, because it feels like you're rating their life. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this story but I found it different than what I assumed it was.
Mostly I thought the book would convey what the author learned from dealing with his hardships, and in a way it did, but it did so going in an in depth retelling of his accident and the recovery that follows. As such it's not as easy to stomach and makes it a slighty more difficult read. It is still a good lesson and transmits the beautiful messages you learn in life.
Mostly I thought the book would convey what the author learned from dealing with his hardships, and in a way it did, but it did so going in an in depth retelling of his accident and the recovery that follows. As such it's not as easy to stomach and makes it a slighty more difficult read. It is still a good lesson and transmits the beautiful messages you learn in life.
April 7, 2023
~'Accept and Adapt' were words I'd found easily, as they represent the very foundation of my journey.~
~It's all a matter of looking at what I can do, not at what I can’t.~
Every day is a good day.
How can I give this only 5 stars?
There are many people who face unimaginable challenges, like Henry Fraser. Yet not everyone has the strength and determination to face reality. No matter the circumstances. Every day is a good day. To accept, adapt, fight and do. Thank You for reminding me.
The little big things. Every little one thing means a lot.
~It's all a matter of looking at what I can do, not at what I can’t.~
Every day is a good day.
How can I give this only 5 stars?
There are many people who face unimaginable challenges, like Henry Fraser. Yet not everyone has the strength and determination to face reality. No matter the circumstances. Every day is a good day. To accept, adapt, fight and do. Thank You for reminding me.
The little big things. Every little one thing means a lot.
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