Title: Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board
Author: Bethany Hamilton
Major Themes: Survival, Shark Attacks, Surfing
Synopsis: The story of how Bethany Hamilton survived a shark attack and went on to beat the odds and inspire others with her story.
I first read Soul Surfer as a young teenager, and remember being struck by Bethany’s strength and determination in the face of immense challenges. Her story and faith were both inspiring to me, something I’ve never forgotten. I remembered the book again recently, and decided it was about time to re-read it.
Publisher’s description:
In this moving personal account of faith and fortitude, internationally ranked surfer Bethany Hamilton tells how she survived a shark attack that cost her arm—but not her spirit.
They say Bethany Hamilton has saltwater in her veins. How else could one explain the passion that drives her to surf? How else could one explain that nothing—not even the loss of her arm—could come between her and the waves? That Halloween morning in Kauai, Hawaii, Bethany responded to the shark’s stealth attack with the calm of a girl with God on her side.
Pushing pain and panic aside, she began to paddle with one arm, focusing on a single thought: “Get to the beach.” And when the first thing Bethany wanted to know after surgery was “When can I surf again?,” it became clear that her spirit and determination were part of a greater story—a tale of courage and faith that this soft-spoken girl would come to share with the world.
Soul Surfer is a moving account of Bethany’s life as a young surfer, her recovery after the attack, the adjustments she’s made to her unique surfing style, her unprecedented bid for a top showing in the World Surfing Championships, and, most fundamentally, her belief in God. It is a story of girl power and spiritual grit that shows the body is no more essential to surfing—perhaps even less so—than the soul.
My thoughts:
It’s interesting to re-read a book I first read as a young teen. I remember admiring Bethany, feeling somewhat appalled at what she had to face, but encouraged that she kept going, no matter what. I especially appreciated her focus on trying to spread the gospel through her experiences. Now, as an adult, I have to smile at my younger perceptions, especially in seeing some young idealism coming through these pages. I remember having the same sort of hopeful idealism when I was Bethany’s age, and while I don’t doubt for a moment this is where her heart was at the time, I do wonder what kind of focus she has and where her faith is now that she’s older (hopefully, it’s the same, if not stronger!).
In many ways, though, this book is exactly the way I remembered it. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be attacked by a shark, and I loved the way the community gathered around to support the Hamilton family over that time. I found Bethany’s descriptions of surf culture fascinating, as that’s not something I’ve ever even come close to being part of, and I loved hearing her passion for pushing herself to do her best, even once it got harder to practice her favorite hobby.
I’d recommend Soul Surfer to any young girl who likes a gripping survival story, or enjoys reading about other young women who try to live out their faith. Bethany’s is a memorable, uplifting story, and it was well worth taking the time to reread.
WARNING: Parts of the story are feministic. Chapter 4: I swear. Chapters 5, 6: Oh my God. Chapter 8: Oh my gosh.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 8 – 12, 10 – 12, 12 – 15, Family Friendly
Reading Independently—Ages 10 – 12, 12 – 15
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged) | Audio CD (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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