A Random Act : An Inspiring True Story of Fighting to Survive and Choosing to Forgive [Bargain Price] [Hardcover]

Cindi Broaddus (Author), Kimberly Lohman Suiters (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2005

In 2001, Cindi Broaddus was a passenger in a car driving along a lonely highway on her way toward a much-anticipated vacation. Suddenly, the predawn peace was shattered when an unknown assailant threw a gallon-sized jar full of sulphuric acid off an overpass and through the windshield. Though Broaddus was covered with second- and third-degree burns across her face and body, miraculously she did not die. Today, she is not only alive and well, but has a positive message of survival and hope to share. A RANDOM ACT recounts Broaddus's incredible journey from life-threatening disaster to recovery. Throughout her years-long, often excruciating recuperation -- involving numerous reconstructive surgeries, multiple skin grafts, and implanted tissue expanders -- this single mother of three has had one goal: to prevent such a terrible crime from happening again. Although her attacker has never been caught, Broaddus travels far and wide, sharing her story, lobbying for improving highway safety, and offering hope and down-to-earth guidance for other victims of senseless tragedy. For such a random act can happen to anyone, turning one's life upside down in an instant. As compelling as it is important, A RANDOM ACT is a must-read tale of tragedy and triumph from a truly remarkable woman.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

As Broaddus was driving on an Oklahoma highway one morning in June 2001, an unknown attacker threw a gallon of acid from an overpass that crashed through Broaddus's windshield, severely burning most of her body. The story of Broaddus's recovery—part memoir, part motivational missal—is homey and heartfelt. The author, sister-in-law of Dr. Phil McGraw (who writes the foreword), almost died from the burns. In typical self-help fashion, she explains how she went about healing: "First, I decided what kind of survivor I would choose to be. Second, I made the choice to heal from the inside out. And finally, I chose what to do with the rest of my life." As her book reveals, Broaddus had already trained herself to endure tough odds: a single mother, she raised three daughters and put them through college, supplementing her income by delivering papers, mowing lawns and baby-sitting. She also developed a fighting spirit that was vital to her recovery (aided by much love, support and prayers). Most impressive was her almost immediate decision to forgive her attacker, freeing her energy to concentrate on healing. Although Broaddus's many passages on love and prayer may overdose general readers, her determination and unassuming compassion will encourage those facing major crises. Photos.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“Homey and heartfelt . . . [Broaddus’s] determination and unassuming compassion will encourage those facing major crises.” (Publishers Weekly )

“A tale of love, healing, the astounding power of choice and a new understanding of what matters most in life.” (Tulsa World )

“[Broaddus’s] optimistic tenacity is a lesson to us all.” (Library Journal )

“One of the most profound chronicles of human experience that I have ever seen.” (Dr. Phil McGraw ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow & Co, Inc. (April 1, 2005)
• ISBN-10: 0739453653
• ISBN-13: 978-0739453650
• ASIN: B000EGEZ56
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,631,763 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true heroine, January 8, 2006

By 

Dana Taylor "Definitely Dana!" - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Random Act: An Inspiring True Story of Fighting to Survive and Choosing to Forgive (Hardcover)

It's all about attitude and Cindi Broaddus sets a fine example for us all. The single mom has become a visible heroine and now a role-model for women around the world. Acid violence is a largely ignored hate crime that often goes unpunished throughout much of the world. Victims are shunned for their disfigurement. Cindi Broaddus shines light on a shameful situation with courage and grace.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speaks to the heart!, July 15, 2005

By 

Dawn De Lorenzo "Author of Peanut Butter and ... (Woodbridge, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Random Act: An Inspiring True Story of Fighting to Survive and Choosing to Forgive (Hardcover)

As the author of an inspirational book for teens, I greatly appreciated this heartrending story of tragedy turned blessing. I think the negative reviews citing her frequent self-congragulatory statements are simply a reflection of our tendancy toward degradation. This story is inspirational and uplifting! Cindi's story speaks to the power of the heart and mind. The quality of our lives is a decision we make every day. This book will add to yours!

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Firsthand Account Of A Senseless Attack On Cindi, April 18, 2005

By 

G. Reid (Roseland, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Random Act: An Inspiring True Story of Fighting to Survive and Choosing to Forgive (Hardcover)

Cindi was riding in a car to the airport when her car went under an underpass as many of us do from time to time without thinking about any risk that it might involve. Suddenly, without any warning, a gallon jug filled with sulfuric acid came crashing through the windshield of the car after having been thrown off the overpass. Cindi was covered with glass and sulfuric acid which causes severe burns when it comes in contact with the skin. This random act of violence has not been solved. It is assumed to be stranger violence on an unknown victim.

This is the very moving story of Cindi's ordeal and her journey back to life. She was seriously injured by the attack and for a time it was unknown if she would survive. She bravely went through years of recuperation and an endless number of skin grafts which are very painful. She has been an inspiration to all of the people around her because she has had so much courage and determination during her recovery. She has renewed her sense of purpose for her life and her amazing story will serve as an inspiration for every reader.