Customer Reviews

A Random Act : An Inspiring True Story of Fighting to Survive and Choosing to Forgive

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

This is an incredible story of an amazing woman who fought (and in many ways is still fighting) a horrific and totally senseless crime. Her very personal journey of survival is truly an inspiration to us all,and I thank her for having the courage to share it. She is helping to make the world a better and safer place. While it is often very difficult, forgiveness is NOT an option: it is a necessary part of this life. The bondages of anger, bitterness and depression that accompany unforgiveness far outweigh the original pain of whatever we may have encountered.When we release those who hurt us to God's justice, we free ourselves of any and all bondages and then our own healing can begin.
The only complaint I would have about this book is that it tended to drag a bit once I got past the half-way mark.Otherwise it is a powerful read.
God's blessings to Cindi and all her family!

If Cindi Broaddus could forgive such a deliberately vicious act, surely any of us can put aside hurts that are little by comparison. Her book is shockingly honest in dealing with the hurt she endured as a mother left to raise three daughters and how her refusal to be a victim in that case helped her to rise above the mental and physical pain of acid searing her face and body. It is an amazing story.

After meeting Cindi, hearing her story, then feeling compelled to get the whole story by reading her book, I was shocked to her that people had rated it poorly. Cindi in person, and in her book, is an amazing inspiration to any person that crosses her path. This story of courage, faith , love and healing is truely one of a kind. If anyone of you have ever needed an uplifting story, you must read this one. After only meeting Cindi for a short time at a book club, and then reading her story, I am forever inspired by her, her family, (I was also lucky enough to meet Brandi)and by her amazy story of strength! I have chosen this review to be one of my "Random Acts of Kindness" I hope that this review will help lead to you her turely touching and inspirational story! God Bless

What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! I sat down and read this book cover-to-cover. I couldn't stop turning the pages until I reached the end. I am SOOOO glad that I read this book before I read a couple of the reviews on this website! Yes, Cindi mentions Dr. Phil in her story. Not too surprising when you read on the front cover that he wrote the foreward for the book AND he is an essential part of the story. I found it interesting that we get a glimpse of Dr. Phil we don't see on television, that of a concerned, caring, and loyal brother-in-law. He never stopped trying to find the person responsible for this crime. We should all be so lucky to have a brother-in-law who cares so much. I also don't understand how someone who read this book could say that Cindi spends the entire book talking about "how great she is". On the contrary, Cindi spends a great deal of time talking about how wonderful her family, friends, and co-workers were to her during this difficult time. Do you REALLY think all these people would rush to the side of a self-centered braggart? I find that difficult to believe.
Bottom Line: If you are a hopelessly cynical, bitter, negative person, you may find reading this book a total waste of time. To everyone else: This is a beautiful book. It speaks to all of us about the power of making positive choices. Thank you, Cindi, for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to all of us.

WOW! What a woman, what a beautiful spirit she has, and what extraordinary courage in the face of senseless violence. What this poor woman suffered after nearly being killed is shocking and horrific. But she braved the entire life-shattering event with an attitude of hope and peace. Cindi Broaddus is my newfound heroine! If only we all could face trials with such honesty, bravery, compassion, and careful consideration, the world would be a much, much better place. God bless you, Cindi for sharing your story with the world! =)

I am amazed at the strength of some people during trying times! Cindi is brave, driven, motivated and has a love for God that has helped her through her journey. I am a nurse and have lent this book out to many of my patients and their families. I work with people who have been devastated by neurological illnesses and disorders. This book is valuable and a definite read for those who have lost the fight for life. Highly recommmended...

Cindi Broaddus shows us how the human spirit can turn severely adverse circumstances into something good. Her account of a life altering, tragic event became life defining for her. This book inspires each of us to look for the good in life and make sure that is what we are giving to others. As she says, "From one random act of violence has come so many random acts of kindness."