True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal--and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life [Hardcover]

Kevin Sorbo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 11, 2011

On television, Kevin Sorbo portrayed an invincible demigod; in his real life, a sudden health crisis left him partially blind and incapacitated at just thirty-eight years old. Yet since appearances are everything in Hollywood, he hid the full details about his condition from the press and continued to film Hercules, which was the number one TV series in the world. In this inspiring memoir, Sorbo shares the story of the crisis that ultimately redefined his measure of success.

True Strength is the story of transformation, persistence, and hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Sorbo reflects on his childhood in Minnesota and his early acting days in Hollywood, to his charmed life as television’s beloved Hercules, and where he is today. He recounts the onset of his symptoms, his frightening hospitalization, and his arduous path to recovery. With this honest account of personal tragedy and triumph, Sorbo aims to blaze a trail for those who have ever suffered acute illness or a serious setback in life and are now struggling to find their way back. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

Kirkus Reviews, 10/1/11
“Sorbo is candid about the hopelessness and resentment that characterized his slow recovery, his frustration with contradictory medical advice and holistic therapies of varying effectiveness and the stress his condition placed on his new marriage.”

Booklist, 10/15/11

“[A] compelling memoir…Throughout his chatty tale, [Sorbo] drops enough Hollywood names to make any Us Weekly reader happy.”

 

Asbury Park Press, 9/25/11
“This actor has a real and really interesting story to tell…This is the story of a man who had taken from him that which made up the entirety of his persona: strength. And how he recovered.”

Huffington Post, 10/19/11

“A gripping account of Sorbo's illness and gradual recovery.”

 

A.V. Club, 10/19/11

“As much an inspirational story as a narrative about the former model’s rise to cable stardom, the often surprisingly candid memoir offers a look at the effects long-term debilitation can have on relationships and careers…A compelling look at a life temporarily derailed.”

 

Shelf Awareness for Readers, 10/21/11

“His story is no mythic journey; it's all too human, and well worth reading.”

 

ThirdOptionMen.org, 10/15/11
“A story of inspiration and hope through the most trying of situations. It should be read by everyone so that they can understand, even if just a little bit, how it feels to live through a stroke or other life altering medical issue, and come out on the other side spiritually renewed.” 

Bookviews.com, November 2011

“Sorbo has written an interesting memoir…[that] will be of interest to his fans and others.”

Mesquite Local News, 11/13/11
“If there’s a Hollywood fan on your list this year, you can’t go wrong with True Strength.”

Pottstown Mercury, 12/6/11

“An informative, inspirational memoir…A very personal, realistic account of a devastating event to which we can all relate in some way, having faced adversities of our own. [Sorbo’s] frank, casual narrative draws readers into his story.”

WomanAroundTown.com, 12/15/11
“The story of his harrowing journey is told with humor and honesty. An inspiring book for everyone who’s battled health issues, or watched a loved one suffer debilitating illness.”
 

American Profile, December 2011
“A powerful autobiography…An outstanding survey, highly recommended for any film or general lending collection strong in actors' stories and accounts of personal strength and recovery!”

Politics & Patriotism, 2/22/12
“He’s got a conversational writing style that makes it easy to imagine his voice and mannerisms while you turn the pages. His presentation is passionate. His outlook is optimistic. He doesn’t pull his punches…True Strength is more than the story of how Kevin Sorbo beat the odds, banished his demons, and went on to be a better man. It’s a roadmap for others to follow, if they should ever find themselves in a similar situation.” 

Kingman Daily Miner, 3/2/12

“This book is intended to give hope to those who have encountered unforeseen ailments and need encouragement to overcome their frailties. It shows that with the will to go on, following the advice of doctors, and most importantly accepting support from significant others, true strength emerges.”

 

WTBF Radio

“[Sorbo’s] story is honest, inspiring, and cautionary: don’t ignore your body when it warns you.”

 

Westlake Malibu Lifestyle, June 2012
“An inspirational read.”

Midwest Book Review, July 2012
“A powerful testimony, this deserves ongoing attention and recommendation.”

About the Author

Kevin Sorbo is an actor, producer, and director, best known for his leading roles on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Gene Rodenberry’s Andromeda. He lives with his family in California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (October 11, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306820366
• ISBN-13: 978-0306820366
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (125 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #249,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diseases & Physical Ailments > Strokes

More About the Author

Kevin Sorbo was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 100% Norwegian and proud of his Viking heritage! Best known for his 7 year series, "Hercules, the Legendary Journey's" from 1993-2000. Hercules became the most watched TV show in the world. 2000-2005 he was Captain Dylan Hunt on "Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda" which was America's number one first run syndicated show for its entire run. Actor, director, and producer for over 30 years, and now a writer! 2011 recipient of The Movie Guide Awards "Most Inspirational Performance of the Year for his performance in the faith based movie "What If". Sorbo has also starred in over 40 movies including "Kull, the Conqueror", Walking Tall: the Payback", "Soul Surfer", "The Santa Suit", "Poolboy: Drowning out the Fury", "The Christmas Angel", "Abel's Field", "God's Not Dead", "Julia X", and "Single in South Beach". Kevinsorbo.net for information on all movies and more detailed biography. You can also follow on Facebook at facebook.com/kevinsorbo and on Twitter at twitter.com/ksorbs. A World Fit For Kids spokesperson since 1997. The after school program was awarded with the California Gold Star Award for best after school program in the state of California. worldfitforkids.org for more information. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and 3 children.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Forget What You Think You Know October 3, 2011

By David Ryan

Format:Hardcover

It doesn't matter what you think about Kevin Sorbo or his acting career. When you pick up this book, discard all you think you know. This is a memoir of a human being who dealt with some traumatic events in his life...and just so happens to have played Hercules on TV. The honesty in which Kevin talks about all the events that occurred during the past almost 20 years is both remarkable and brave. Shortly into it, you will feel a connection to Kevin and the voice will be one of a friend rather than a TV star.

His journey is one that many of us can relate to and his recovery is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. One might even say herculean.

When you finish this book, you will have an entirely different perspective on Kevin Sorbo, and maybe even about yourself.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars TRUE STRENGTH: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life by Kevin Sorbo - hardcover October 22, 2011

By Paul C.

Format:Hardcover

I didn't know Kevin Sorbo had written a book, but there it was in the New Bios section at Barnes & Noble. Being a sucker for show-biz bios, I bought it. HERCULES was a favorite show of mine. Of course it was clear from the blurbs on the jacket that this was more than just an "actor's story." No, this was about life and near-death and SURVIVAL...

I remember hearing about Sorbo's aneurysm and strokes at the height of HERCULES' popularity. Despite the show's physical demands and stunts filmed in New Zealand, his crisis actually occurred while he was back in the States. Ironically, Lucy Lawless, star of HERCULES' sister show XENA also suffered a serious injury the year before, being thrown from a horse while taping a comedy bit for THE TONIGHT SHOW in Burbank. Odd, how both happened during the actors' "vacations."

Author Sorbo's gift for details is impressive. His accounts of those scary early hours and days in the E.R. are dramatic; chilling, even. He doesn't veer from unpleasant memories... that he nearly lost an arm, for instance... though such details were understandably kept under wraps at the time. Even if he recovered fully, would the studios continue to insure an action star who'd confessed to such a life-changing debilitating condition?

Sorbo comes clean now, and his tale of his long road to semi-recovery and learning to manage his symptoms (which persist to this day) is honest, enlightening and often funny. He talks about HERCULES gamely struggling to stay in production with "Herc-light" scripts. Who can forget "Porcules"; Hercules-turned-into-Babe!

Especially entertaining are occasional chapters contributed by family and friends... Kevin's wife Sam, for instance, and his HERCULES co-stars Bruce Campbell and Michael Hurst. These alternate voices add to a crisp, easy read.

TRUE STRENGTH's true strength is Kevin Sorbo's inspirational, It-could-happen-to-you story. It should appeal to anyone who's ever struggled to overcome a serious setback, medical or otherwise.

On the downside, he kind of blasts through the post-HERCULES years. The show ended in 1999. He fast-forwards through his later 5-year series ANDROMEDA, and the births of his kids. There may be more to Sorbo's heroic journey to be told. Let's hope the poor guy doesn't have to suffer a heart attack to fuel a sequel.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read! October 21, 2011

By Tallie

Format:Hardcover

Terrific memoir! Was really taken with all Kevin went through and how much he was able to turn to his wife for healing and support, as well as lift himself up by the bootstraps and take his future into his own hands. He chose to go from victim to hero! Also inspired by how honest he could be about where he was and where the journey led him! A true inspiration! I'm gifting to several folks this year for Christmas!