The Vow: The True Events that Inspired the Movie [Paperback]

Kim Carpenter (Author), Krickitt Carpenter (Author), Dana Wilkerson (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 10, 2012

Life as Kim and Krickitt Carpenter knew it was shattered beyond recognition on November 24, 1993. Two months after their marriage, a devastating car wreck left Krickitt with a massive head injury and in a coma for weeks.

When she finally awoke, she had no idea who Kim was. With no recollection of their relationship and while Krickitt experienced personality changes common to those who suffer head injuries, Kim realized the woman he had married essentially died in the accident.

And yet, against all odds, but through the common faith in Christ that sustained them, Kim and Krickitt fell in love all over again. Even though Kim stood by Krickitt through the darkest times a husband can ever imagine, he insists, “I’m no hero. I made a vow.”

Now available in trade paper with a new chapter and photo insert, The Vow is the true story that inspired the major motion picture of the same name starring Rachel McAdams (The Notebook), Channing Tatum (Dear John), Sam Neill (Jurassic Park), and Academy Award winner Jessica Lange.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kim and Krickitt Carpenter have two children and live in Farmington, New Mexico, where Kim is deputy CEO for San Juan County, and Krickitt works as a substitute schoolteacher.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: B&H Books; Mti edition (February 10, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 143367579X
• ISBN-13: 978-1433675799
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (466 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 94 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishingly inspirational true story February 12, 2012

By Pamela S.

Format:Paperback

Married for just a few short months, Kim and Krickitt Carpenter were involved in a devastating life-altering automobile accident. As the physical wounds healed, it became clear that Krickitt had lost 18 months of memory. She didn't remember meeting, dating or marrying her husband, Kim. This is their true story of how their love persevered.

Quote: "Krickitt, who's your husband?" Krickitt looked at me again and back at the therapist. I was sure everyone could hear my heart thudding as I waited for my wife's answer in silence and desperation. "I'm not married." (The Vow, Page 2 and 83)

Every once in a while you read a story that is so astonishing that it just doesn't seem real. The Vow: The Kim and Krickitt Carpenter Story is one of those stories with an amazing tale of a horrific accident, intense hospitalizations and medical bills and a wife with amnesia that leaves her with no recollection of ever even meeting her husband.

The book chronicles Kim and Krickitt's life together. Beginning with their first initial meeting and their first wedding, the vast majority of this book covers their struggles after the accident, which occurred when they had been married only two months. Once it is clear that Krickitt's memory is forever altered, the Carpenter's struggle to date again, love again and eventually marry again.

The Carpenters are devout Christians and believe that God uses them infinitely through their incredible story. Throughout the book, the entire Carpenter family leans on God through good times and bad, with heartbreaking honesty. Their story is one of doubting God's plan, but having faith that God does indeed have a plan.

I found that the unsaid question at the core of this book is "What would you do?". Would you have survived the accident? Would you trust God? Would you have stayed true to your vows? Would you fall in love with your spouse all over again? Read this book to see how Kim and Krickitt Carpenter responded with grace, dignity and perseverance.

Please note: I have not seen the movie yet so I can't make any comparisons. From a quick check on the internet I can see that names, locations and a few important facts have been changed from the book. According to the book (page 164-165), the Carpenters signed a movie deal in 1996 and learned fourteen years later than the movie would be produced. The Carpenters were able to visit the movie set during filming. To quote Kim Carpenter from the book, "Though many changes were made, as is typically the case when true events are adapted for the silver screen, the basic framework was still in place and Krickitt and I felt it to be an excellent portrayal of the message of our story."

Source: I received this book complimentary from Lowell/Fairchild Communications in exchange for an honest review but the opinion is all mine.

63 of 68 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars True Commitment February 19, 2012

By bambi

Format:Kindle Edition

This review is in reply to the review "Christianty shoved down our throats". I've seen previews for the movie and want to see it. I did not realize until reading these reviews that it was based on Kim and Cricket Carpenter. I read this book a couple of years ago. I enjoyed it and was challenged at their commitment to remain true to their vows. I will say the book did seem to drag on a little longer than needed. This is a true story. Christianity is a major part of who these people are. It was not shoved down your throat, just don't read it if you don't like it. I'm not sure if the person who wrote that review would like this couple to change the true story of their life so as not to offend her. Also it is worth noting this book was written long before the movie so I am pretty sure they were not trying to make money of the hype of the movie. And as far as how they met... again a true story, people meet online and no one thinks a thing of it. I think Elena missed the part of this being a true story. You may not like it,but that does not change the story.

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing and inspirational vow of love September 19, 2000

By Judith E. Pavluvcik VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

The Vow is one of the most amazing TRUE love stories that I have ever read. In our disposable society today, it is so refreshing to read about true love, faith, and commitment.

Kim Carpenter's wife, Krickitt, was not expected to survive massive head injuries sustained from a head on collision with a truck. Miraculously and against all odds, she did survive. Her faith in God, along with the unrelenting adoration and help of her husband and family (and of course all of the doctors!) helped pull Krickitt back into a functioning world. Unfortunately, Krickitt lost all memory of her brief marriage, engagement and courtship with her husband. Kim held on steadfast to his marriage vows and never, never gave up, despite the unsurmounting odds of their marriage ever surviving such tragedies.

It is so humbling to read of their devout faith in God, which pulled them both through some incredible life challenges, if not providing miracles in their lives, time and time again. Kim's heartfelt love for Krickitt comes through strongly and I do so admire his integrity, his devotion and the love he has for his wife. This story is a huge testament to the power and bond of love and marriage. I do believe that many men in his position would have walked out and not stood by Krickitt's side.

The Carpenters renewed their wedding vows for a second time, as Kim had to woo Krickitt all over again, as she had no memory of her husband at all. Their lives will no longer be what it was before the accident and Krickett is not the same person she was before, as is Kim. Both have grown and both have a deeper commitment and love for one another.

Living a nightmare in every conceivable way, the Carpenter's faith in God gave them the strength and will to persevere. God often gives us challenges in life and we do not understand why, and only later do the "lessons" or the meaning of all become clear to us. The messages imparted in this heart-felt story will hopefully ignite the love shared in all marriages and to help to heal those marriages in trouble and cement even further those solid marriages.

This story will have you crying and cheering as well as have you questioning what is "really" important in our lives and how faith in God can pull us through even the darkest nightmares. Love and undying faith is what it is all about!

Kim Carpenter you are one heck of a guy - the world needs more guys like you! Thank you both for a wonderful book - I recommend everyone read this book, especially couples that are engaged.