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Steve Gleason
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A Life Impossible: Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within a Fragile Existence Kindle Edition

by Steve Gleason (Author), Jeff Duncan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 112 ratings
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From NFL player Steve Gleason, a powerful, inspiring memoir of love, heartbreak, resilience, family, and remarkable triumph in the face of ALS

"Gleason is a symbol of resilience, hope and optimism.” —The New York Times • "Steve Gleason has changed the world." –Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner • "An extraordinary book...A Life Impossible will change the way people cope, think, and live." –Mike Lupica, co-author with James Patterson of 12 Months to Live

In 2011, three years after leaving the NFL, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal disease that takes away the ability to move, talk, and breathe. Doctors gave him three years to live. He was thirty-three years old. As Steve says, he is now ten years past his expiration date.

His memoir is the chronicle of a remarkable life, one filled with optimism and joy, despite the trauma and pain and despair he has experienced. Writing using eye-tracking technology, Gleason covers his pre-ALS life through the highs and lows of his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, where he made one of the most memorable plays in Saints history, leading to a victory in the first post-Katrina home game, uplifting the city, making him a hero, and reflected in a nine-foot bronze statue outside the Superdome. Then came his heartbreaking diagnosis. Gleason lost all muscle function, he now uses Stephen Hawking-like technology to communicate, and breathes with the help of a ventilator. This book captures Gleason and his wife Michel’s unmatched resilience as they reinvent their lives, refuse to succumb to despair, and face his disease realistically and existentially.

This unsparing portrait argues that a person's true strength does not reside solely in one’s body but also in the ability to face unfathomable adversity and still be able to love and treasure life.
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  1. Print length
    298 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Knopf
  5. Publication date
    April 30, 2024
  6. File size
    37290 KB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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From the Publisher

Steve Gleason has changed the world says Roger Goodell

An extraordinary book says Mike Lupica

Gleason stands for hope says Drew Brees

Teaching us all what it means to show up and fight for others says Bill Gates

One of the world's most inspiring people says Sam Harris

A true hero whose wisdom is hard-earned says Eddie Vedder

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Steve Gleason and A Life Impossible

"Steve and Michel Gleason have helped ease suffering and restore hope for countless families grappling with ALS. In the face of unrelenting adversity, they’re teaching us all what it means to show up and fight for others." —Bill Gates

"Steve Gleason stands for hope, and he stands for infinite possibilities.” –Drew Brees, former New Orleans Saints quarterback

“Steve Gleason has proven to be a great man, a great partner and father, and a truly great competitor. . . . His battles are daily and his victories are to be celebrated. . . . The same goes for this book. It is not written by a mere mortal, but a true hero whose wisdom is hard-earned and his generosity a public service. I love and admire him, deeply.” —Eddie Vedder

"[An] equally devastating and inspiring new memoir. . . . If there is one thing that A Life Impossible makes repeatedly clear, it is that while Steve Gleason is indefatigable, he is not tireless. . . . Gleason makes no secret of the suffering necessary to reach even fragmentary moments of wisdom and acceptance. His book doesn’t just gesture to the wilderness in which Gleason has done his time, but makes you feel every thorn. . . .  [A Life Impossible] will not be an ordinary ex-athlete’s inspirational memoir. Instead, A Life Impossible is about Gleason’s search for peace through philosophy and spirituality, but it also demands that the reader bear witness to the blunt realities of his day-to-day life. . . . [The Watermelon Sacrifice] is also where he met his wife, Michel Varisco Gleason, beginning a great and difficult love story that is the emotional heart of A Life Impossible.” –Brett Martin, GQ

"An unflinching memoir. . . . More than a decade after learning he had A.L.S. at the age of 33, Gleason has survived with the help of faith, resilience and the support of his wife, Michel, who has endured her own share of suffering. I greatly admire “A Life Impossible” — its unflinching honesty and candor. . . . ‘My body is a prison,’ Gleason writes. ‘I face insurmountable adversity each day, yet my family and I are able to survive within this miraculous, wonderful life. And I have learned to accept things that are out of my control, to transform suffering into strength.’. . . The most moving parts of the book are the journal entries and emails between Gleason and his wife. . . . Ultimately. . . Gleason is a symbol of resilience, hope and optimism.” —Buzz Bissinger, The New York Times

"Steve Gleason has, in the face of some extraordinarily bad luck, become one of the world’s most inspiring people. Each day, he demonstrates that a mind imprisoned within a failing body can still live in freedom. This is a possibility that most of us can barely understand—and yet we at once recognize it to be an expression of the deepest love and highest wisdom." –Sam Harris, New York Times bestselling author, host of the Making Sense podcast, and creator of the Waking Up app

"Steve Gleason has led an extraordinary life, and this is an extraordinary book. It is searingly honest, and doesn’t gloss over anything, including the effect ALS has had on his mind, his body, his marriage, and his family. But what should be sad somehow becomes inspiring, and even, in a unique way, joyous and triumphant. A Life Impossible will change the way people cope, think, and live." –Mike Lupica; New York Daily News columnist, co-author with James Patterson of 12 Months to Live

“Steve Gleason has changed the world for a lot of people and literally given a voice to people who didn’t have a voice.” –Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

 "The minute I met Steve and Michel, I knew it would change my life and the lives of millions around the world. Steve has a vision for the role of technology as part of the human experience, and it’s our collective responsibility to bring that vision to life." –Jenny Lay-Flurrie, Chief Accessibility Officer, Microsoft

"Gleason’s bluntly candid memoir opens with his care crew’s grueling one- to two-hour routine to prepare him for the day ahead “because I can no longer move, talk, or breathe.” In 2011, the author was diagnosed with ALS; defying the typical five-year life expectancy, he survives today. . . . After dramatically depicting his career highlights, Gleason writes frankly about finding motivation now through his children, his faith, and the defiant spirit of Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc, which “inspires and motivates me every morning.” The author intimately portrays the evolution of his relationship with his wife and capably recounts his tireless efforts raising funds for and awareness of ALS. Though his post-football life has grown physically and emotionally arduous, Gleason takes nothing for granted and courageously exposes the raw details of his journey, which are persistently grim but also moving and hopeful for others dealing with disabilities. A sobering, inspirational sports memoir grounded in inner strength and resiliency." –Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

STEVE GLEASON played eight years for the New Orleans Saints and, in 2011, was diagnosed with ALS. Shortly after his diagnosis, he founded Team Gleason, a foundation that has been a leader in raising awareness of the disease and improving the lives of those affected by it. Steve also helped found Answer ALS, the largest and most comprehensive ALS research platform in history. He has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the most prestigious civilian honor Congress can bestow, has passed two laws, received the NCAA Inspiration Award, ESPY's Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award, and in 2014, he was named Sports Illustrated Inspiration of the Year. He lives with his wife, Michel, and their two children in New Orleans.
JEFF DUNCAN, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, is a sports columnist for
the New Orleans Times-Picayune and was a member of the team that won two Pulitzer Prizes for the paper’s coverage of Hurricane Katrina. He is the author of Payton and Brees, Tales from the New Orleans Saints Sideline, and From Bags to Riches.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BV6B5DVX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Knopf (April 30, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 30, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 37290 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 298 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 112 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
112 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the content riveting, visceral, and inspiring. They also describe the themes as honest, heartfelt, and masterfully crafted. Customers also describe it as an excellent read from one of New Orleans heroes.

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ContentThemesWriting qualityReading experience
9 customers mention "Content"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the content riveting, realistic, heartfelt, fascinating, and a true story of love and friendship.

"...Steve’s struggle with ALS is both heartbreaking and inspiring it’s a fantastic read thank you Gleason family for sharing your story" Read more

"...big things, of many, that I found that hit me hard was how relatable Steve's story is. And thinking that can be so crazy to me...." Read more

"Riveting, visceral storytelling. I couldn’t put it down...." Read more

"...This is a realistic portrayal the struggle of a family facing ALS. Their resilience is embodied in the Gleason Foundation motto:..." Read more

7 customers mention "Themes"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the themes inspiring, honest, and heartfelt. They say the book is an eye opening lesson on what it is to live the life. Readers also say the humanity and personalities are illuminated.

"...Humanity and personalities are also illuminated...." Read more

"...Your book is life altering in the most amazing way. I'm unable to show in text how much I appreciate your words...." Read more

"Gleason is beyond inspirational. He has truly experienced the full spectrum of what life can be, the highest highs and crushing lows...." Read more

"...Not just his, but Michel's as well. It is a love story and an eye opening lesson on what it is to LIVE the life we're given...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality inspiring, honest, and heartfelt. They also say the book is masterfully crafted and hard to believe it was written with the author's eyes.

"...It is so masterfully crafted, it’s hard to believe he wrote it with his eyes...." Read more

"What an amazing book. So real and honest. A true story of love and friendship. A page turner!" Read more

"Honest, heart breaking, but ultimately triumphant. Though trapped in his body, Steve Geason is free - because he chooses to be." Read more

"Inspiring, Honest, Heartfelt..." Read more

3 customers mention "Reading experience"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an excellent read and a page-turner.

"...’s struggle with ALS is both heartbreaking and inspiring it’s a fantastic read thank you Gleason family for sharing your story" Read more

"An excellent read from one of New Orleans heroes...." Read more

"What an amazing book. So real and honest. A true story of love and friendship. A page turner!" Read more

Inspiring, Honest, Heartfelt
5 Stars
Inspiring, Honest, Heartfelt
I couldn’t put this book down.Steve’s struggle with ALS is both heartbreaking and inspiring it’s a fantastic read thank you Gleason family for sharing your story
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Top reviews from the United States

Tyson Thielman
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, Honest, Heartfelt
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2024
Verified Purchase
I couldn’t put this book down.
Steve’s struggle with ALS is both heartbreaking and inspiring it’s a fantastic read thank you Gleason family for sharing your story
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Tyson Thielman
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, Honest, Heartfelt
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down.
Steve’s struggle with ALS is both heartbreaking and inspiring it’s a fantastic read thank you Gleason family for sharing your story
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3 people found this helpful
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gimp10
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting, Scary, Honest, Inspirational, Instructive, Meaningful
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2024
Verified Purchase
As a New Orleans Saints Fan from Day One (and before,) Steve’s recounting (any recounting) of the blocked punt that supercharged the determination of fellow New Orleanians to recover from the utter devastation of New Orleans never fails to give me chills.

As a person who has dealt with disability (Cerebral Palsy) since thirty-six hours after birth, grown up in New Orleans, gone to college, been employed by Exxonmobil (and recognized as Employee of the Year,) married a beautiful woman who still loves me passionately after forty years, I appreciate Steve’s brutal honesty about the momentous obstacles a disability can place in the lives of the person immediately challenged as well as the lives of loved ones and friends. I especially appreciate that Steve does not shy away from the effects a progressive loss of abilities can have on the psyches and attitudes of all people involved. Though CP is not progressive, as ALS is, I have lost many physical abilities during the past few years and the resulting frustrations have been expelled primarily on the person who should least bear the brunt - my passionate and compassionate wife. I’m thankful that this book gave me something I was hoping to find - tips on how to manage my frustrations. Managing my frustrations when venting to my wife is so important in maintaining a healthy marriage that I am now intent on finding way to improve.

As far as the philosophy of how to live out my life is concerned, it has been basically the same since I reached adulthood. I have never put it into words as succinct as Steve’s “No White Flags” or “Laugh and smile while I cry and die,” but I decided long ago to enjoy and be grateful my life to the end. Like Steve, my hope is to be grateful for my life even during the process of death. Thank you, Steve, for the validation.

I should also mention that Jeff Duncan is a favorite sportswriter of mine. With him, it’s not just about the names and numbers, wins and losses, or scores and standings. Humanity and personalities are also illuminated. Thank you, Jeff, for illuminating the courage in each us via the story found within Steve and Michel Gleason.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in living a fruitful life, especially if they have a Dumb Jock attitude. ;-)
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Life altering book
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
Just finished this book. One of the big things, of many, that I found that hit me hard was how relatable Steve's story is. And thinking that can be so crazy to me. I think this because I feel so guilty to think I could relate to your experiences because they are in no way comparable to mine. But that's one of the important messages I think you're trying to share. Every human goes through pain, struggles and challenges in their lives. And to them they can be extremely difficult to navigate and work through. The timing of your book landing in my life couldn't have been better timing. I've found myself in deep introspection of my life. Thinking about my successes, my failures, and ongoing struggles in my life with myself and with my relationships. I can't describe in words how grateful I am that you were able to share your innermost self to the world. I'll be able to use many of your messages as tools in my life to understand myself, love myself as well as others around me with more depth and compassion. Your book is life altering in the most amazing way. I'm unable to show in text how much I appreciate your words. I wish I could give more then 5 stars.
4 people found this helpful
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Elizabeth C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating , exhausting , invigorating .
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is my type of book. Might not be for everybody . ALS is a bitch of a disease (condition)? How he and his wife have moved through this and come out connected is amazing. Steve O thanks for sharing this and opening up my eyes to your world .
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James C Salters
5.0 out of 5 stars This book will change you…
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
Riveting, visceral storytelling. I couldn’t put it down. I’m familiar with Steve and Michel’s story but I’ve never had an experience like this reading a memoir. Somehow this book moved me beyond words, beyond my mind, like speaking to my soul. It is so masterfully crafted, it’s hard to believe he wrote it with his eyes. The level of vulnerability and real raw truth Steve and Michel are willing to share is heartbreaking and powerful. I’m left stunned and inspired, to live my life differently, and so grateful and hopeful that art like this can help us triumph through these crazy times we’re living in… wow.
8 people found this helpful
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Doc
5.0 out of 5 stars A Story of Surrender and Triumph
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
An excellent read from one of New Orleans heroes. It is the surrender of the ego to a higher power and the triumph of the human spirit in the chaos of tragedy. This is a realistic portrayal the struggle of a family facing ALS. Their resilience is embodied in the Gleason Foundation motto:
No White Flags!
Read it and be inspired!
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Matt Reid
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've read in a while
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Gleason is beyond inspirational. He has truly experienced the full spectrum of what life can be, the highest highs and crushing lows. He doesn't sugar coat anything and is very real about the struggles, but also has a consistent message of love and hope. I love this book.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
What an amazing book. So real and honest. A true story of love and friendship. A page turner!
8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Susan Giles
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative
Reviewed in Canada on June 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
I’m still not finished, but learning of his journey has been helpful in dealing with my daughter’s diagnosis. Never give up.
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