My Name is Bryan
by
Stacy Lynn Carroll
If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too?
Bryan chose to dive. Moments later, as he lay on the beach, unable to move his arms or legs, two questions ran through his mind: Would he walk again? And would he ever have kids? Based on the incredible true story of life, love, and never giving up.
Excerpt
The
sun was scorching now, with the temperature at 100 degrees and steadily
climbing. Despite the heat, Bryan’s face grew paler by the hour. His tongue felt
swollen and rough, like sandpaper rubbing against the roof of his mouth. It was
harder and harder for him to stay awake. His mom remained steadily by his side,
waking him each time he began to doze. His friends continued to try and make him
smile and laugh, but he didn’t return the smile as easily. The waiting was pure
agony. His body tingled occasionally, but it was becoming less and less
frequent. He had been trying to get his foot, a finger, anything to move, but he
was becoming increasingly tired and the concentration it required was
exhausting. He had to stop thinking about his stationary limbs and focus his
mind on staying awake.
Carol Jean looked
at her watch for probably the millionth time. Glenn left seventeen hours
earlier. She stared up at the bright blue sky, squinting into the sunlight, and
straining her ears for any sign of hope. All she could hear were the voices of
youth all around her and an occasional bird. She couldn’t see even a cloud in
the sky and pretend the helicopter was hiding behind them.
One of the EMTs
approached her cautiously. “Do you want us to start preparing a
raft?”
“I just . . .” She
looked to the sky again and found nothing. “No, but yes.”
The EMT nodded.
“I’ll have my guys start moving supplies around to make room, just in
case.”
Carol
Jean waved him away and placed a hand on Bryan’s forehead. His pale, clammy skin
had become beet red and cracked in a matter of hours. Her palm seared from his
touch. She grabbed her bottle and dripped the last remaining drops onto the
crusty sock. Bryan’s lips were cracked and stained with dried blood. He didn’t
even react to the sock being placed on his mouth. His eyes were closed, his
breathing shallow. They were out of time.
Praise for the book:
"I plowed through his story, amazed at how he could so easily accept something that would destroy anyone else and just move forward with such a positive attitude. I don't give many 5 stars, but it's well-earned. This book really touched me. It's the kind of story that stays with you for a long time."
--Amazon customer
"I actually love stories like this. Ones that show the power of the human spirit and what love and determination can achieve. I cried multiple times while reading this but they were a happy sort of hopeful tears. If you are looking for something uplifting and motivational read this heart-felt story of love and hope."
--Inspired Kathy ;)
"You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wring your hands in frustration, and you won't be able to put it down to go to sleep as you keep waiting to read about Bryan's happily ever after. This is one of those books that stick with you long after you've finished reading it."
--Bookmom
"Each chapter begins with an inspirational quote to lead the reader into the goodness, hardship, unconditional love, and humor that is Bryan's life. The 30 year journey the reader takes runs smoothly page after page. You will cry and you will laugh. You will want to hug Nedra and Bryan when you are finished."
--Kriss A.
Follow the Blog Tour hosted by I Am A Reader
October 29th to November 14th
Book Trailer:
Author Stacy Lynn Carroll
Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English. Go Aggies!
She then finished her BA at the University of Utah (to be closer to her then boyfriend, now hubby) where she got an emphasis in creative writing.
After college she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers.
When her first daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. It seemed like fate when Matt and Stacy married. She was a writer, and her father-in-law had a story that demanded to be written. She and her husband have three children, two Corgis, and a fish named Don.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/21/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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