Adversity is something universal, though it takes many forms and degrees of severity. It is often said that how one handles the challenges of life dictates the person that one becomes, but nobody goes through it alone. Written by a teacher, veteran, and coach, this book offers readers inspiration and support through dark and challenging points in their lives. Offering perspective and mechanisms to deal with failure, addiction, guilt, and more, the author takes on the role of mentor and cheerleader, helping people see that no situation is hopeless and that with the right adjustments and attitudes and a willingness to seek and receive help, people will be surprised by what they can withstand, combat, and overcome. Grounded in reality and not promising more than is reasonable, this is a powerful and uplifting book that people can turn to in their hours of need.

It can be difficult to toe the line between sharing wisdom and retreading platitudes that sound nice but offer little comfort. The author of this book takes a more down-to-earth approach to offering guidance, citing examples from his personal life, favorite films, and career. It never feels as though the audience should feel ashamed of their current position or made to feel lesser-than, but rather that they can lean on support from these lessons, loved ones, and from within to continue on together, come what may. Even when drawing direct inspiration from the methodologies of twelve-step programs, the author is careful to relay that there is no universal solution, and what might work for some will do little for others. The balanced, multi-faceted approach of doing whatever it takes to bounce back fuels this guidebook and offers hope to those who need it, either in the immediate moment or to hang onto for later difficulties.

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