The Real Tom Jones: Handicapped? Not Me [Paperback]

Tom L. Jones (Author), Roger Ebert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 8, 2003

This book is a must read for anyone suddenly faced with such a lifestyle change.Pulitzer Prize winning film critic, Roger Ebert The book describes the author's life using a wheelchair from the time the bullet went though his spine at the age of six to the present, over 60 years later. While the focus tells of the successes and failures of a person who has a strong desire to excel despite not being able to walk, it also details many of the advancements in rehabilitation since 1943. With as many as 10,000 persons in this country suffering spinal cord injuries each year, the author feels some in the medical profession have no idea how to properly treat and care for this kind of long-term injury. The author gives advice to persons with spinal cord injuries that he hopes will allow them to live a full and rewarding life. He also talks with parents and caregivers about the importance of making the newly injured individual aware that the wheelchair is only as limiting as the person wants it to be. The book describes in great detail his relationship and marriage for 44 years to a woman who also uses a wheelchair.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tom Jones has used a wheelchair for 60 of his 66 years after being shot in the back in 1943. He earned two degrees from the University of Illinois and has had careers ranging from commercial television to public relations to rehabilitation services. He has been married to the same woman for 44 years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 106 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (April 8, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595271669
• ISBN-13: 978-0595271665
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,236,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life Can Bite You In The Butt If You Let It. Tom Didn't., May 26, 2003

By 

Eric Luedtke (Mahomet, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Real Tom Jones: Handicapped? Not Me (Paperback)

HANDICAPPED OR ABLE BODDIED, THIS IS A MUST READ! At age six Tom's life on legs ended with a bullet to the back. An adventure on wheels began. An adventure that is still unfolding. If you want to learn for yourself how to turn a bite in the butt into your own adventure, this is the book to read.

Most of us probably do not have the inner strength to rise above the life trials that Tom faced as 6 year old paraplegic and to this day. I don't know if I would have. However, after reading Tom's account of triumph over the odds, I believe he has given us all an insight into how to face the trials of our own lives and conquer them.

For the last 37 of my 46 years, I have had the privilege of calling Tom Jones my friend, no, more than that, family. I never knew all the details of how he landed in his wheelchair. All I knew is he was a constant strength that rolled into my life and I could rely him. Some 23 years ago my own life was tested by fire. Tom and his wife Louise were there to share the encouragement that I would need to make it through. On one of my deepest days of despair, Tom rolled into my room, took me by the arm and told me not to give up, he would always be there for me. He always has.

Reading Tom's book, I understand now how he became the strength that I and many others have come to appreciate. Hurdles in life are meant to be taken in stride, not become impassible obstacles. And Tom's life continues to show just that.

This is a quick and easy read. One that will challenge your life and the way you confront the trials that you will come your way.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, Tom Jones is Real, July 24, 2003

By 

Susan S. Stevens (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Real Tom Jones: Handicapped? Not Me (Paperback)

Tom Jones worked high-profile and high-pressure broadcasting and public relations jobs from college until retirement, loves his wife of 40-plus years (and loves sports almost as much as he loves his wife), makes friends at the drop of a hat, fished from Florida to the Arctic Circle, traveled overseas, is an enthusiastic volunteer worker and is walking his fourth dog. All while in a wheelchair. Tom was shot accidentally when he was 6 years old. His wife, Louise, has been in a wheelchair since she was stricken by polio at 18. They have lived in their own home since their wedding. How did Tom do it? He gives the details in his autobiography. He also provides sage advice for other people with disabilities, for their care-givers and for those who care about them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, Tom Jones is for Real, July 24, 2003

By 

Susan S. Stevens (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Real Tom Jones: Handicapped? Not Me (Paperback)

Here's a man who worked from early college days through retirement, has been married to the same wife since graduation, has always lived with her in their own home, does a great deal of volunteer work, has a multitude of friends, fishes from Florida to the Arctic Circle, travels overseas, walks his dog. Tom Jones has fit more into his life than most of us -- especially since he has worked and played in a wheelchair since childhood. His wife, Louise, has used a wheelchair since her teens. In his vivid autobiography, Tom also provides important advice for other people with disabilities and the people who know them.