Customer Reviews

Soul Surfer

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Fourteen year old Bethany Hamilton became a celebrity overnight when a shark bit off her left arm while she was surfing one October morning in 2003. Written in a simple narrative style, Bethany describes her love for her family and surfing as well as her life before and after the shark attack. Living in Hawaii, she comes from a family of surfers. She discusses her faith in God and the strength she finds in her relationship with Jesus Christ.

Her description of the events of that morning are the stuff of nightmares, "suddenly there was a flash of gray." Bethany's father was awaiting knee surgery in the local hospital operating room when the news came in that a young girl had been attacked by a shark and the room was needed for that emergency. He said later he knew in his heart it was his daughter. The quick thinking of her friends and appearance of a paramedic on the scene helped save her life. There is no doubt though that her survival was miraculous. She learned later that she lost almost half her blood volume.

In many ways she is amazed at the interest her story has generated. She does convey her deep faith and hopes that her experiences will serve a greater purpose and help others in times of trouble in their lives.

She is just a kid so do not expect high falutin' prose but this is a touching story and the chapter that describes her return to surfing for the first time is quite moving.

I was browsing Borders on Kauai recently and overheard a couple of young teens ask about 'the Bethany Hamilton book.' I turned and followed as they were led to where "Soul Surfer" was located. After reading the flap, I decided this was a great Christmas gift for many of my young relatives on the mainland. A week went by, and I picked up one of the 5 copies I purchased: DON'T BE FOOLED! This book looks like is is for the 8-16 set but, it is for EVERYONE young and old. A quick, inspiring read that will take your mind off your own problems, and make you realize that God has a plan in everything, no matter what we think or how we feel in times of adversity.

I bought this for my grade school aged niece (it's a young adult readers book), but decided to read it first. Who can forget Bethany's story of getting her arm bit off by a huge shark? It was interesting to learn about her family. Both of her parents moved to Hawaii when they were young to follow their passion for surfing. They met up while working at the island's resorts, and raised their kids to surf as soon as they could. Bethany is a very accomplished surfer, with endorsements from surfing clothes and board manufacturers, and it's uplifting to know she is still surfing and still doing well in competitions after the accident. Bethany mentions that she is happy to do interviews (which she admits are tedious) as long as she can mention what Christ has done for her life.

Anything's possible if you try!!

The book "Soul Surfer" really shows that anything's possible if you try. In "Soul Surfer", Bethany Hamilton gets her arm bit off by a tiger shark on October 31st. This major situation changed her life forever but she was able to overcome her obstacles with great strength. Not only was it hard to get dressed, it was a challenge to do what it takes in life to survive. With her trust with God, she uses her strength to get through it all and eventually learns to surf again.

She was amazingly able to get through any obstacle just like Stacy's grandmother from "Ribbons". Both of them have a limb that's disfigured and they both have to learn how to use their limb to survive. Unlike Bethany's shark attack, Stacy's grandmother's injury was due to the Chinese custom of wrapping feet. Both girls were determined to not let their disability stop them from doing the things they love. If they had known each other, they would have been a great support for the other.

"Soul Surfer" is about a 13 year girl whose passion was to surf. One morning on October 31st she got attacked by a tiger shark in Hawaii. Luckily she had a great faith in God which helped her overcome the loss of her arm. Bethany wasn't nervous during the attack but her main goal then was to get to shore fast. After Bethany got out of surgery the first thing she said was "When can I surf again?" Now she is back surfing, has done many interviews and is an inspiration to a lot of people.

I would recommend this book to people because this story is an inspiring story. I believe anyone who has a missing body part would love reading this book because they could relate to Bethany and understand her problems. Anyone who loves to surf or enjoys the ocean would love to read this story of a one armed surfer who overcame her tragic shark attack.

The theme of this book, I believe, is to never give up. If you set your mind to something, never stop trying. If you get hurt don't tell yourself that's the end. With the help of God you can get through anything! If you get hurt never give up! Anything is possible if you try.

Lauren D.

Soul Surfer was a really good book. Since it was a true, you can put yourself in Bethany's shoes and imagine how awful that experience was. I give this book 5 stars because I thought it was an inspiring story. There was a lot of pictures that were cool to look at. There were tips that Bethany gave you. This book had a lesson to be learned; and that is that any girl or guy can do anything they put their mind to.

A very special young lady whose story is touching people all over. It's comforting to know that Bethany's "Ohana" is so big and that they look out for eachother. We on the mainland could learn from them. Get the book you'll be happy you did.

I read this book when I was only 11 years old, but now I am 18, and I picked it up the other day and read it, and I still loved it. This story is inspirational how Bethany puts her life in God's hands, and doesn't blame anyone for anything that went wrong in her life, and how she was able to get back on the board after the attack. A great read for all ages!

They say Bethany Hamilton has saltwater in her veins.How else could one explain the passion that drives her to surf?Soul Surfer is a amazing book in many ways.I think it is a good book because she explains every detail you need to picture in your mind. To her it was a normal day for surfing. Until after she was attacked by a shark and lost her arm. It is amazing how she survived, with one reason at that was God on her side. She kept her surfing style the same even after the attack. She loves the sport just as much. It is outstanding how she paddled all the back with one arm. I think this is a terrific book because it shows you to never give up on what you love. I think people should read this book and get the extreme feeling that she got from explaining the details. It is a great book for all ages!

Title:Soul Sufer

Author:Bethany Hamilton

Main Character:Bethany Hamilton is the main character in Soul Surfer. She tries after a rough time in the ocean, to get back up on her board. It takes alot of courage, but she challenges herself to get back up on her board!

Plot:As 13 year old Bethany Hamilton was swimming in the ocean, she felt a tug on her left arm. She was wondering what it was, but it took a split second until she saw a flash of gray.It was tiger shark of 15 feet. Next thing she knew her left arm up to her armpit and a huge cresent shape of her board was gone. As she watched the water around her turn red, she swam back to shore with her rite arm.When she got back to shore she rushed to the hospital, and was in there for a few days. When she got out, she got up on her board. Since the accident, Bethany has won many meddals, and still surfs today!

Setting: The setting is in Kauai, Hawaii in modern day.

Theme:Bethany has faith and beleives in god,and tries to get back up on her board, with alot of courage.

I like the book because it is very encouraging and makes me wonder how life would be with only one arm.

Soul Surfer By Bethany Hamilton is a very good book in numerous ways.The main reason why the book is my favorite is because I like all the extreme details that she used when describing how the shark attacked her.She also is saying that she doesnt really like the fact that everybody wants to spoil her and love her more just because she got attacked by a shark,she wants to be treated just like she would if she had'nt got attacked by a shark.All in all I think the book is a very great book and if you enjoy reading about real-life situations then Soul Surfer is the right book for you.