Life Is Magic: My Inspiring Journey from Tragedy to Self-Discovery

fast delivery, great inspirational book!

Tragedy struck in this young man's home at the age of 12. Jon Dorenbos's dad murdered his mom and apparently with zero remorse. This is John's true story of that day, how his life changed instantly and how he moved on...eventually becoming a long-snapper in the National Football League, an All Pro for 14 years. And, a well known magician as well as a motivational speaker.I loved the quotations from people at the beginning of the chapters including some from Helen Keller, Oprah Winfrey, JK Rowling and more. One of my favorites was from Frank A. Clark 'If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere'.The book speaks of love, self-discovery, letting go, resilience, forgiveness and grief...and so much more. It is the story of determination at an early age and trying to find a focus for his young life. He turned to magic and football as a coping mechanism. And, he was excellent at both of those passions~Such empathy I felt for Jon when he attended the trial of his father. Just imagine being 12 years of age and listening to the gruesome details of your mother's death..Not only that, but he testified and also viewed the autopsy pictures.. so brutal to listen to at that tender age.He actively kept a journal at the advice of his therapist and some of his journal entries are included. Jon also says that the choice is yours...choose happiness over sadness, and forgiveness is key to moving on in one's life.A Stanford University study was most interesting to me. This concerned grief and the effects on the body when one is unable to grieve. Paraphrasing: if one is bitter...anger will result; when hopeless....despair; and the inability to cope...leads to mental and physical damage...So glad Jon was given his Super Bowl ring even though he was not on the team...Class act!This touched my heart and mind at many levels. His marriage to Annalise and the birth of their daughter, Amaya is also covered near the end.Most important lesson for me after reading this book....forgive others and remember that this choice belongs to you.Most highly recommended.

After hearing Jon speak at the ABC national craft championships I knew I had to get his book. It is great. Very motivational. I love his self talk and how he creates his own narrative. I will be implementing all his advise in my life.

I recently heard Jon's interview on POTUS with Michael Smerconish driving to my office in Long Beach, CA which is my normal daily routine.. I grew up in Bucks County, PA raised by my family as a DIEHARD Eagles fan so that is how I knew of Jon to begin with as a long snapper. After hearing the interview I immediately purchased the book and read it this Labor Day weekend and it was excellent. An easy read that had me laugh out loud, fill up here and there with that grapefruit in the throat, and a reminder to truly remember to forgive, surrender, and focus on the "Power of Now" in life. There are so many life lessons to take away for myself as a leader and to share with my own children. Great Work Jon and thank you for adding enjoyment to my weekend here in Hermosa Beach!PS~ Truly glad you got your ring! Jeffrey is a class act! I was there, took my entire family as my own father passed before we got one, that was one thing he really wanted.. I was able to take my son and sister with me to witness our first Super Bowl together, just typing it gives me chills.You have truly had an amazing life in such a short time thank you for opening up and sharing with us.

Heartbreaking, heartwarming memoir. One of the best books I have read in a very long time. I highly recommend this wonderful book!!

This book is well-written, engaging, and flows well, without bogging down. I do not regret buying it. H/t to Michael Smerconish for having Jon on his show to promote it!I, too, come from a dysfunctional family. No one has murdered anyone physically, but emotionally it's felt like it sometimes.I've also suffered an unexpected event that damaged me physically and left me permanently disabled.Jon's story was uplifting. Even though I'm several years older, I feel I can look up to him and form some resolve that I, too, will survive and thrive. I appreciate his positivity, feel gratitude that he's opened his heart and vulnerably shared his story, and that he's reached out to encourage others facing hard things. Thank you, Jon Dorenbos, for sharing.

I’ve seen him on TV and he seems like a really really nice guy and I like the way he thinks but I was unimpressed with the book because it seemed to me that almost every couple of chapters it drilled in your head that his father killed his mother (which it would seem that’s the one thing that he’s trying to put in the past) and I just found that unnecessary to be repeated that frequently like begging for sympathy…also it had a lot more to do with football than I was expecting. But he seems like a wonderful guy & I remember him on AGT and I also have seen him do his magic on Ellen & he’s very good

I’ve been following Jon’s career and journey for a few years. As an Eagles fan, I heard a bit of his story while he was an Eagles player. Then I saw him on America’s Got Talent and I became a fan of his magic. As soon as I heard that Jon was writing a book, I preordered his book (in Aug) and anxiously waited for its release (in October). I started reading it one evening, went to sleep, and actually woke up at 4:30 a.m. to continue reading until I was done. I just loved the story. What happened to Jon and his family is heartbreaking but how he learns to forgive and come to terms with the cards he’s been dealt is truly inspirational. I’ve seen Jon in person 3 times. How he writes is how he seems as a person. He is fun, engaging, honest. Each of us can learn from his message of forgiveness over bitterness. I absolutely loved this book and will definitely read it again.

Jon’s book is jaw dropping, inspiring and just radiates how an amazing kind and humble human being he is. Everyone should read this for a multitude of reasons but above all to realise life is short but it can be incredible and it all comes down to managing our emotions and how we treat others! A must read!

This book was awesome, quite a life story, very uplifting and really made you think about your own life and how much worse it could be. A motivational book for sure.

I’ve seen him of course on AGT, but reading this, you really get to know him, the highs and the lows. A very real and vulnerable and emotional read. Well written.

It is an easy read, very touching and inspirational. Thank you for being you and teaching me the art of forgiveness, not for them but for me. God bless you and your beautiful family.

He is true inspiration how to work through such tragedies and come out the other side with love in your heart. Peggy