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My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit
Hyperion
November 2012
On Sale: October 30, 2012
256 pages ISBN: 1401324746 EAN: 9781401324742 Kindle: B008740PGA Hardcover / e-Book
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Non-Fiction Memoir | Non-Fiction Inspirational
An inspirational journey from tragedy to
triumph
In 2003, nineteen-year-old Private
J.R. Martinez was on a routine patrol when the Humvee he was
driving hit an antitank mine in Iraq, resulting in severe
injuries and burns on his face and more than one-third of
his body. Out of that tragedy came an improbable journey of
inspiration, motivation, and dreams come true. In Full of
Heart, Martinez shares his story in intimate detail,
from his upbringing in the American South and his time in
the Army to his recovery and the indomitable spirit that has
made him an inspiration to countless fans.
J.R.
Martinez always had a strong spirit. Raised in Bossier City,
Louisiana, and then Hope, Arkansas, by a single mother from
El Salvador, he was well known at school for his good looks
and his smart mouth. At seventeen, showing an early
determination and drive that would become one of his
trademark qualities, J.R. convinced his mom to move to
Dalton, Georgia, where he believed he would have a better
chance of being recruited to play college football. His
positive attitude earned him a spot on a competitive high
school football squad, but when his college dreams
collapsed, he turned to the U.S. Army. A few months later,
he found himself serving in Iraq.
When J.R.’s humvee
hit a mine and exploded—just one month into his
deployment—he was immediately evacuated to a San Antonio
medical center, where he spent the next thirty-four months
in grueling recovery. Seeing his disfigured face for the
first time after the accident threw him into a crushing
period of confusion and anger. His spirits were low, until
he was asked to speak to another young burn victim. J.R.
realized how valuable and gratifying it was to share his
experiences with other patients and listen to theirs. He’d
found a calling.
His fellow soldiers, along with the
local and then national media, soon latched onto J.R.’s
spirit and strength. His resilience, optimism, and charm
were also noted by Hollywood and scored him roles on All
My Children and Dancing with the Stars, where he
was the season thirteen champion.
Today, J.R. tours
the country sharing his story and his lessons for overcoming
challenges and embracing hope, lessons that abound in this
book. Full of Heart is an unforgettable story of a
man who never gave up on his dreams. After being
injured in Iraq, J.R. Martinez became a motivational
speaker, actor, and winner of season thirteen of Dancing
with the Stars. Martinez lives in Los Angeles
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