No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life [Hardcover]

Kyle Maynard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2005

Traffic jams, bills, bad weather, and work are things we all complain about. But Kyle Maynard doesn’t complain. Born without arms or legs below his elbows and knees, he excels: as a champion athlete, inspirational speaker, college student (who can use a cell phone, type fifty words a minute, and maintain an A average), and male model. No Excuses is his inspirational autobiography that shows how a positive can-do attitude gives someone we might see as disadvantaged the advantage over life. Born with a rare disorder called "congenital amputation," Maynard’s story is one of a devoted extended family, strong religious faith, and a personal determination that made him a football lineman, a state champion wrestler, and an inspirational figure who was featured in the highest rated "Larry King Live" show ever. No Excuses is Kyle Maynard’s own story, but also the story of how he has changed the lives and attitudes of other people: even making Howard Stern rethink his support of abortion to become pro-life. No Excuses proves that in the end it is not disabilities that separate people but abilities of the heart.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Faced with impossible challenges Kyle Maynard lives life with No Excuses

He was born a congenital amputee, his arms ending at his elbows and his legs at his knees. But that didn’t stop Kyle Maynard from becoming a champion, on the wrestling mat and in his life.

NO EXCUSES is the inspiring story of Kyle’s battle against the odds. You’ll learn about the family who supported him, the coach who trained him, and the faith that strengthened him to face the toughest fights.

In addition to Kyle Maynard’s amazing story, revealed in its entirety for the first time, you’ll learn about:

· How Kyle’s parents dealt with the shock of his birth
· Why they allowed him "no excuses"—and how that benefited Kyle as he learned to eat, type, write, and live without hands
· How Kyle earned his way onto the football team—as a hardnosed defensive lineman
· How Kyle triumphed as a top state wrestler in Georgia
· The core values that Kyle gained from his coach, his family, and the demands of competition
· How Kyle’s own incredible success met a new barrier: from the federal government, which blocked him from a future NCAA wrestling career.
· How Kyle has changed people’s minds and opinions on the value of life
· The principles that have made Kyle a champion.

BONUS:
· Kyle’s very own diet and exercise regimen, which helped him compete at the highest levels
· Thirteen ways to live a No Excuses life

NO EXCUSES is a book about a courageous young man who faced the seemingly impossible challenge to live a normal life—and won a phenomenal victory.

About the Author

Kyle Maynard was born in 1986 with a rare disorder called congenital amputation. He has no forearms, shortened legs, and stands only four feet tall. Yet Kyle has learned to live a full and active life. Besides dealing with everyday challenges, he is an excellent student, has impeccable handwriting, and can type fifty words a minute. A competitor to the core, Kyle was determined to succeed as an athlete. Through hard work, the support of his family, and a coach who designed new wrestling moves like the "jawbreaker" and "buzz saw," Kyle became one of the top high school wrestlers in the state of Georgia. In 2005, he broke the world record in the modified bench press by lifting 360 pounds, three times his body weight. Kyle is the 2004 ESPY Award Winner (Best Athlete with a Disability) and a recipient of the President’s Award for the Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. He is currently a student at the University of Georgia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 243 pages
• Publisher: Regnery Publishing; 1 edition (September 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895260115
• ISBN-13: 978-0895260116
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,988 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Wrestling

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredibly moving story with inspirational values.., September 30, 2005

By 

Dr. Nazareth V. Asorian "Precious Souls: A Cu... (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Hardcover)

The story has two faces: The one is Kyle Maynard the individual, who has the misfortune of being born without arms beyond the elbows, and without legs below the knees, drawing instant empathy -- and the other is the author, telling the inspiring tale, and the grueling process of overcoming his physical handicaps.

The pages just keep on turning in anticipation of following Kyle's next move, and admiring his willpower in positivism, determined to beat life's fateful obstacles. The importance of a support team that pivots on the family, and caring by others inclusive of cultural values ring loudly.

The book has a positive message for anyone at any level of life. It is a good read, and one can't help but wish Kyle success feeling his pain, which has been incredibly guarded, without the hint of looking for sympathy.

The state of mind emerges as the most important asset an individual possesses, deeply delving into the human element, which also reminds us of our responsibilities for others.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring story of remarkable wrestler, October 8, 2005

By 

T. Bently "tbently" (Berkshire, England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Hardcover)

"No Excuses" is the story of teen athlete Kyle Maynard, who despite having disabilities to all four limbs was determined to excel in sports.

This autobiography is compulsively readable. I first saw Kyle Maynard on a TV sports documentary and I'm glad to say that his determination and strength of character comes across as well on the page as it did on the screen. It also told me a lot I didn't know about the guy, including his success in other sports such as powerlifting and football. There is also good use of color and black and white photos to illustrate his story.

I almost cried several times whilst reading this book. Not because it's sad but rather because it states a few simple truths that we all need reminding of. I particularly enjoyed the way in which Kyle makes his story a tribute not only to his own tenacity but also to that of his family, friends and coaches. Even simple things like memories of his grandmother taking him to the local park are remarkably touching.

The only time I felt sorry for the author was when he was wrestling in the state finals with a badly broken nose and his opponent starts (illegally) kicking him in the face, out of view of the referee. It's a testament to him (or perhaps wrestlers generally) that he doesn't complain but just carries on trying to win the match. I have always felt that wrestling is an all-encompassing activity - a thing in itself - but it really took this book to prove it to me. You feel like cheering when his much-loved coach rushes out at the end of the contest and raises Kyle onto his shoulders.

I'm the sort of person who skips big chunks of books if I get bored. But I loved "No Excuses". I read every word.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Read, October 13, 2005

By 

E. Haines (CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life (Hardcover)

You would think a person like Kyle facing obstacles such as he has would be down and out most his life but he has more heart and courage than I could ever muster up even on a good day.

I loved reading about his close relationships between his parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and coaches. Family and friends are important and I thought it was admirable that Kyle's family and friends never made him feel any different from anyone else.

He never makes you feel sorry for him while reading his story. If anything, he leaves you motivated to face the challenges we have in our every day lives and to take them on with no excuses!