Customer Reviews

Chosen to Live

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

To disagree with the reader who called this author's work arrogance, I read it. I found him to be very humble. As a rescue worker who has suffered from post trauma stress, I can relate to an extant to what he went through emotionally. I think it's an excellent book, very well written. And to the self-proclaimed agnostic survivor, maybe you need to work out some of your own problems with your ordeal before you accuse others of being arrogant.

Jerry is a seemingly ordinary man sharing his raw honest account of a tragedy unfolding and its even more important aftermath. Though his gifts lie not in writing, they are clearly evident in much worthier traits as integrity, honesty and humility. I was reminded while reading this book that when God has a plan He will use Christians and non-Christians alike to carry it through. Jerry's account was so vivid that I actually found myself emotionally drained after each sitting-but equally I found myself encouraged by all the things that went right. There were many miracles that can be easily overlooked when focused on the tragedy itself. The secret things belong to Me and I will reveal the things I want you to know. Deut. 29:29 Chosen to Live is a beautiful book.

Wow! My mom recommended this book for me to read, and i'm glad she did. Being from Topeka it somewhat touched home knowing something like that can happen to anyone. I enjoyed every aspect from the biography of Mr. Schemmel's life to the detailed accounts of the crash. I give this book 5 stars. Very well written!

As someone who read the book, & also worked alongside the man.... his experience is awe-inspiring 4 people who know & do not know him.

I reccomend this book 2 anyone who feels their life indeed has a purpose. I believe I was put on this earth 4 a reason, & my own legacy is 2 do as much good as possible.

On that note, Jerry Schemmel is an inspiration to me, not only 4 his experiences contained in this book - but also the way he handles himself as a professional in my experience working with him.

It is a wonderful and truthful account of a person surviving the horrible plane crash of United Flight 232. Jerry Schemmel shares his personal struggle. It is an inspiring book on human spirit. Thank You Jerry Schemmel.

I recommend "Chosen to Live" by Jerry Schemmel for anyone who travels or to whom relationships are important. The story recounts the tragic crash of United Flight 232 in a cornfield in Iowa in 1989.

The book is a poignant and powerful account of the human emotions experienced while facing one's own mortality during an impending disaster. It goes beyond the experience of the disaster itself as it explores the author's depression which results from survivor's guilt and how he eventually beat it with the help of a loving spouse.

For anyone who cares about their relationships, the author's description of how he took inventory of his life in the face of death is among the most moving and thought provoking parts of the book. His conclusions about the status of his relationship with his wife and his contentment with their positive final communications gives an important perspective on how to live each day with those we love, just in case we never see them again.

I loved the book!It tells alot of detail about what actually happened on flight 232,from beginning to end.The look into a few survivors lives afterwards was helpful to anyone who needs a healing from a crisis.I would like to know what happened to some of the other survivors also.The actual cockpit transmission was a nice touch.The pictures in the book also helped to bring to life the damage from the actual crash.I found the book to be very inspiring and would recommend it to everyone.

I recently read this book after seeing a story about it on the Wings Discovery Channel. This book is well written and details what has to be an experience that is etched not only in the mind of Jerry Schemmel, but everyone involved that day. My heart goes out the the families who lost loved ones and also my appreciation of all of those who survived the crash and what has to be an emotional aftermath.

In a strange coincidence that I found out just today, the author goes to my church in Littleton, CO and I had a chance to tell him this morning I just finished the book and how much I appreciated his work. I'm also a lifelong fan of the Denver Nuggets, where the author is the on-air radio voice for the team.

I was getting an adreneline rush just reading the book. What uncertainty, terror and fear that raced through that crippled passinger jet can only be understood by those who were there, and eventually those who survived. The book is very well written. The actions of the author prior, during and after the crash can only be painted in the mind by writing concisely with vivid accounts of that day.

I remember that day well being at work and hearing someone come into my office to tell me of a terrible crash in Des Moines. My co-workers and I ran to a nearby television set to see the first pictures from ground level through the fence showing the plane coming in and breaking up.

Much has been written previous to my review here. Apparently, the thought of Christians being arrogant is a bias of another reviewer. Christians are not here to question God. There is a time and reason for everything. While difficult near-death experiences happen to some people, it doesn't mean that God is not in control. I had a near-death experience and I believe having gone through that scenerio has made me stronger in my faith. Christians do not have all the answers, but I assure God does.

A very good book. Five stars, easy.

This was a fabulous book. And to the reader who blasted this book...it is quite obvious he or she didnt even read it. Everyone knows the heroic pilot of UAL 232 was Al Haynes...Steven Haynes...give me a break.

As a native of Denver, I am an avid fan of the teams of the Rocky Mountain Region, and I was quickly impressed when Jerry Schemmel assumed the microphone as the radio play-by-play man for the Denver Nuggets prior to the 1992-1993 season. In large part because of his talent and intelligence, he has not relinquished his post in a highly competitive industry. I was 16 years old when Jerry came to Denver, and when he arrived, I aspired to become a broadcaster with his knowledge and passion. Now, at age 25, I continue to work in pursuit of my broadcasting dreams. More importantly, however, after learning about his triumph, I seek to become the quality human being that Jerry Schemmel reveals in his book, "Chosen to Live".

A precocious 29-year old Deputy Commissioner of the Continental Basketball Association ("CBA"), Jerry was diligently preparing for the 1989 CBA Draft aboard United Flight 232. The voice of legendary broadcaster Jim McKay resonated in the background, and his tedious discussion of horse racing was quickly interrupted by Captain Al Haynes, who described imminent trouble in the DC-10's second engine. An explosion had left the DC-10, travelling at 500 MPH at 36,000 feet, bereft of a viable second engine as well as hydraulic processes. From the time of Captain Haynes' first announcement until the DC-10 slammed into a cornfield in Sioux City, Iowa, Jerry Schemmel had 45 minutes to inventory his life. The wife he adored was safe in Denver, his family safe in their respective hometowns in the midwest. Jerry was sure that he was going to die---he had left a note in his briefcase describing where investigators could find his life insurance policy. How would his loved ones handle his death? Had he experienced a full life, despite, at that time, not becoming a father? Imagine slowly crashing to the earth with such thoughts racing through your brain.

In vivid detail, Jerry describes the crash's impact, both physically in the Sioux City cornfield as well as emotionally, as Jerry was sent on a psychological roller coaster of anger, guilt, self-pity and depression until he found solace in his Faith. At the end of the book, you will undoubtedly do what I did---cry and tell your loved ones how much you love them, in the event you never see them again.