Description
Despite experiencing the difficulties of living with cerebral palsy, Jimmy strived to achieve his goals and lead a godly life. He strived to compete at the Special Olympics in New York, work for the City University of New York, and even gain an audience with the pope. Today, he is an elderly person with many amazing achievements and experiences, including pursuing his passion for sports, working as a civil servant, experiencing amazing travel adventures, and retiring to enjoy a more relaxing lifestyle. Jimmy Mulzet recounts his amazing life experiences and his wholesome journey with friends and family while living with cerebral palsy in Facing the Challenge, Beating the Odds.
The book’s brisk pace creates an engaging atmosphere that keeps readers excitedly reading the book from start to finish. Jimmy speaks matter-of-factly and doesn’t stay too long on a topic. Still, the book’s pace is calm enough to allow readers to get a grasp of the theme before it introduces another. Additionally, readers will be engaged by its descriptive travel stories and the author’s compelling accounts of sports activities. I enjoyed learning about the green landscape of Boyne Valley in Northern Ireland and can’t wait to see it myself. Also, the book includes amazing characters, like Ken, who volunteered to get Jimmy in shape for a marathon competition. He made sure he dedicated time to meeting Jimmy at 7:00 a.m. in Central Park on Sunday mornings, despite his duties to his family.
Since God is a big part of the author’s life, his story is filled with many messages that inspire readers to stay strong in their faith. Facing the Challenge, Beating the Odds is a joy to read and pick lessons from, with messages like, “If we have enough courage and enough faith, God will walk with us.” Furthermore, the descriptive stories about his difficulties shed light on the struggles of living with a disability and the extra efforts needed to enjoy the things many of us take for granted. It’s wonderful to see the impact of government organizations like the Special Olympics on the lives of the competitors, as they create a space for exercising and experiencing healthy camaraderie.
Facing the Challenge, Beating the Odds will have you feeling bouncy and light after you’re through with it. From Jimmy’s grateful attitude to his many impactful accomplishments, the book is a brilliant reminder to be positive and thankful for life’s blessings. Whether you’re experiencing life with a disorder, taking care of someone who needs assistance, or seeking a better outlook on life, you’ll find this book worth reading and sharing.
