“Rock Bottom and Back: From Desperation to Inspiration” is an amazing, truthful book that depicts the life of 22 people who hit rock bottom and bounced back. They were able to help other people due to their life experiences. They are people who have compassion for others in similar circumstances.
One example is Bobby Smith, a police officer who was shot and left to die, but survived. However, the shooting left him blind. He fought back to do some amazing things, and even continued to work as an officer. Yet his darkest hours were ahead when he lost both a son and a daughter. His continued compassion for others and his faith in God are admirable. His story is an incredible one of very low valleys and high mountain tops. He knows what the word trauma means, yet he has retained hope, and he has shared his story with fellow officers and many people, in order to help them get through their traumatic times.Another story focuses on boxer Maurice Termite Watkins, who not only boxed but wound up on the cover of “Sports Illustrated.” He also ended up coaching for the Olympics, for Iraq. Despite a break-up, he ended up meeting a woman, who he would later marry, who helped encourage him.
These are just two of the 22 stories that share how real and ordinary people have hit rock bottom but moved forward to find a better life. Although the book deals with various thematic issues, such as drugs, prostitution, and sex, nothing is described in a gratuitous or graphic manner. Therefore, we are awarding this book our “Faith-Friendly” Seal for ages 12 and older. This book makes it clear: When someone hits rock bottom, the only way to go is up. This book has earned a high rating of four Doves.