Customer Reviews

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

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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.

"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.

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!

"No Excuses" is the story of Kyle Maynard. Kyle was born with Quadramembral Phocomelia, which means he is a congenital amputee. He has no hands because his arms end where his elbows would be, and he doesn't have much for legs but he does have feet. The story tells about his life so far, and how he, with the help of family and friends, achieves greatness.

You would think that a congenital amputee couldn't do much, but Kyle puts an end to that kind of thinking. When he was little, he depended on the people around him to help him do everyday things. Then his dad realized that he was becoming too dependent on others and made Kyle do most things on his own. So Kyle learned, slowly but surely, how to do everything that people with all of their limbs can do.

One thing that I found to be incredible was Kyle's work ethic. He has the best work ethic I have ever heard of or seen. He maintained a high GPA all through high school and a lot of his classes were advanced. But where he really shined was in athletics. Like a lot of kids, he loved athletics. He played football as a child but focused on wrestling in high school. He worked ten times harder than all others and it showed. He stayed hours and hours after practice in order to be the best. His senior year he made it to the Georgia State tournament. Kyle is the real deal and his book tells all about his struggles and triumphs.

"No Excuses" is flat out amazing. This book has inspired me to become the person I want to be. Kyle Maynard isn't just a courageous human being, he is also a hero.

Kyle Maynard, a state champion and collegiate wrestler, was born with legs that stop at the knee and arms at the elbow. His life has been filled with challenges that most people don't go through and he recorded them down in his biography, No Excuses. His purpose in writing the book was to inspire people to succeed. If he could overcome his disability and succeed, success is attainable by everyone. His book was published by Regency Publishing Inc. in 2005. Three key points to success can be drawn from his writings, success is earned, character and determination measure success, and Never Quit. No Excuses!
The most important thing that a person must grasp before success can be obtained is that nothing is given to people on a silver platter. Everyone on Earth is given two things when they are born, life and a name, what one chooses to do with these two precious gifts is his prerogative. To succeed in anything a person must have desire; if a person has desire then he will work for achievement. Kyle Maynard had the desire to become a championship wrestler. He put in the hours in the weight room and he sacrificed his time in order to build a strategy around his disability ("The first period is won by the best technician. The second period is won by the kid in the best shape. The third period is won by the kid with the biggest heart." Maynard 107). He did not want anyone to go easy on him because he was different. When Kyle won the state championship in his weight class, it was rewarding only because he had paid his dues and he achieved what he had desired since he picked up the sport of wrestling
("In life and in competition, good character is the foundation of everything. We build our character by taking chances, accepting challenges, and helping others meet their goals. This is not ... it's a way of life." 135). Character and determination is another key to Kyle's success. It took character to face someone who has a physical advantage over him in a contact sport such as wrestling. Determination came in when Kyle had to create his own moves and practice them religiously. Instead of using his disability as an excuse he used it as motivation. Anyone can give excuses, it takes true character to overcome adversity and succeed. This applies to anything in life. When a person is determined to do anything, it will happen.
Noting is achieved by people who give up. Once a person quits something positive negative things occur. Success is only possible through effort. When a person is faced with the decision of quitting he automatically thinks of the time he has put in, when his sacrifice out ways his doubts then he succeeds ("Regardless of what your dreams may be. You alone know the extent you've sacrificed. If you are able to look in the mirror and see that you have gone beyond your own limits - the limits of exhaustion, of dedication, of fear - to get the job done and achieve the goal, then you're on the right track. If you want something bead enough, then you're going to fight hard for it." 167).
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in miraculous people, especially athletes. Not only is the book motivating it is also a very good read. I was able to enjoy the book better because Kyle's key to success not only applies to athletics but to every aspect of life.
No Excuses by Kyle Maynard has changed the way that many people look at hard times. It fulfills its purpose in that it inspires people to succeed, not in athletics alone but in all walks of life. The book not only inspires the reader but keeps him interested and entertained. This is not just a boring success story. It shoes the painful road that one high school athlete traveled to the top of his sport.

No Excuses is an inspiring autobiography about the life of Kyle Maynard. His discipline and dedication to wrestling and exercise began when he was only eleven years old. There is a section at the end of this book that describes how he exercises and what he eats to stay fit. He stays in shape by doing everything from running or sprinting like a bear, doing pushups and lifting weights daily. Kyle Maynard credits his success in sports and life to God and his loving parents who taught him that all things are possible through effort and persistence. He also credits his wrestling coach for teaching him the sport. Kyle Maynard is very a humble person despite all of his success.

Maynard describes the sport of wrestling as a sport that requires physical and mental toughness. He explains the rules and moves of wrestling so well. He makes wrestling sound so exciting. I could actually visualize him taking his opponent down on the wrestling mat trying to pin him. There are great photos in this book of Kyle wrestling and lifting extremely heavy weights. I am simply amazed that a physically disabled person like Kyle can do all these things. I am not surprised that someone with Kyle's postive attitude is now a successful motivational speaker and athlete. No Excuses is one of the best autobiographies I've ever read.

Watching a second feature about Kyle Maynard, the congenital amputee (born without arms and legs), on the Oprah show spurred me to buy this book. As expected Kyle adeptly chronicles his journey through the course of his 19-year life via his experiences growing up, especially through his participation in organized football and wrestling. In his autobiography Kyle spreads the inspirational message of his "No Excuses" attitude and philosophy towards life- an attitude that has helped him to reach a sense of normalcy in life as an amputee with obvious physical challenges. Through Kyle's eyes we get a glimpse of how one person overcomes challenges, like learning to eat with silverware, putting on clothes, making friends, or striving to make the high school varsity wrestling team. Kyle says over and over again that it was the love of his family and the love of his God and savior Jesus Christ who have helped him become a "champion in wrestling and in life".

Each chapter of No Excuses: The True Story of a Congenital Amputee Who Became a Champion in Wrestling and in Life begins with an inspirational quote from Kyle. These quotables will challenge you to reflect and strive to become a better person, not to take things for granted, and most of all, not to complain about trials in life. One of my favorite quotables is from Chapter 3:

I look everyone straight in the eye, as an equal, as God created all of us. We are all created uniquely, but we are all equally precious in God's eyes. That's something I believe in my heart, that my faith and my family taught me over and over again.
Through the reading you'll also get a glimpse of Kyle's parents. Remarkably, doctors advised them to abort their child if there happened to be anhy complications, but their love and faith preclude abortion. Instead, they chose to believe that a gracious God has a master plan for their child's life. And they taught this faith and belief in God's sovereignty to Kyle.

You'll rejoice with Kyle as he tells of his first wrestling victory after 35 consecutive defeats. You'll marvel at his determination to be part such a demanding and physical combat sport. You'll cry when he wrestles his last high school match, and cheer alongside his many fans. But most of all you will catch his fighter attitude, and never-give-up will and spirit exemplified by his slogan: "It's not what I can do; it's what I will do."

The books seems more like Volume 1 as it ends with Kyle as a sophomore at the University of Georgia and a membere of the wrestling team. I'm sure there will be more to follow from this remarkable young man as he brings his message to people all across the world.

This is a great book to read. This book is an autobiography of a boy named Kyle Maynard. Kyle becomes one of the top varsity wrestlers. What makes this book so interesting is that Kyle is a congenital amputee; that means he doesn't have any arms or legs. Kyle learns to overcome his disability and learns to accept it. Kyle wrote this book to tell everyone that you should have no excuses and you should always give it your all.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It motivated me to work hard not only sports but in everything I do. No Excuses teaches you to have a good work ethic and a positive attitude.
I would recommend this book to anyone involved in sports. Evan if you are not in sports I encourage you to read it.

Kyle is absolutely amazing, there is no doubt about that. After seeing him on television, I was interested in reading his book. I found his writing was way too much about wrestling. Clearly the guy is focused on what he does (wrestling)! I think that's very inspiring and admirable, but it got boring for me personally to read about. I would have liked to hear about how he coped with other aspects of his life a little bit more: dating, the prom, eating, earning money (wasn't that a concern for him as a teenager?) etc. It's possible he doesn't find those things interesting, but I would have. For this mom, No Excuses left a lot to be desired.

This book is about an amputee who, despite the fact that he had no forearms and stubs for legs, became a champion in the sport of wrestling. Kyle was a boy who had a very simple philosophy it was, No Excuses, no matter what. Kyle participated in many sports and among them were wrestling and football. This book is about his life and how he over came every single problem that challenged him. This book also explains the injuries that he had but even when he was injured he never gave up. Kyle always wanted to be a normal human being like every one else and he strived to meet that very goal.
I liked this book because I wanted to quit so many different times during my wrestling season and my coaches gave me this book to read so I read it has influenced me to never give up in anything that I do no matter what. I have given more effort in practice than that I ever have before and my coaches have seen that. I liked this book because I now have a different understanding of life and the lives of others.
This book is a very motivating book and if you know someone who needs any kind of motivation you should check out this book. I would also recommend this book to anyone that likes wrestling, but you don't have too to be inspired. Kyle's book has inspired so many people that I hope people will view the lives of amputees the same as all people.