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Those who have read my book A REASON FOR LIVING are welcome to send me their reviews of this book.
Any time I select one of these reviews, in part or totally, I will post it here.



Awards:

November 2004: A REASON FOR LIVING is one of the highlighted titles by Independent Publisher Online, who "recognize[s] the latest and greatest in independent publishing.... These books are honored each month for exhibiting superior levels of creativity, originality, high standards of design and superior production quality."

July 2005: A REASON FOR LIVING is listed under "Recommended Reads" at Online Review of Books and Current Affairs, which is a showcase for carefully selected books released by small presses.

January 2005: Laurent Grenier earned "PLATINUM membership level [at Ezine @rticles]. This is a status that cannot be bought and can only be earned by sending in quality articles. Only a small fraction of... thousands of authors ever obtain this level."



Reviews:

- "Highly recommended. 8/10.
"In 1974, Laurent Grenier is an athletic young man just finishing high school.... Then, in one tragic moment, his dreams are dissolved when a diving accident leaves him physically, and then emotionally, paralyzed.
"'A Reason for Living' is an intelligent and unique book describing the author’s journey from the despair of great loss to the wisdom that comes from overcoming challenges. It is first an autobiography, unfolding in chapters aptly named for the emotional stages of recovery, from 'denial' to 'happiness.' It is also a self-help book, offering words of advice for others facing unwanted changes in their lives. And finally, it is a well-defended philosophical dissertation, covering subjects from man’s purpose in life to the existence of God.
"Laurent Grenier does exemplary job writing about what are often heavy and complex subjects, made easier to digest by way of a thorough table of contents detailing the sections and subject matter. The structure of the book also helps the reader follow along with the author’s recovery in a way that makes his philosophical discoveries more comprehendible and layman-friendly. Meanwhile, the honestly presented 1st person narrative provokes the reader to face the tough question of 'what if it was I?'
"Despite the heartrending subject matter, 'A Reason for Living' offers a new perspective to the limitations of a victim of a spinal injury, and a philosophy that is as uplifting as it is honest. Laurent Grenier leaves the reader more than simply grateful for their own physical ability, but also poignantly aware of the personal responsibility to bring life to its fullest potential." Nancy Morris at Allbooks Reviews.

- "I'm really impressed.... writing is very in-depth and scholarly.... a fantastic job!" Lisa D'Angelo at BookReviewNU.

- "Physical adversity and mental triumph.
"[Thirty years have] passed since author Laurent Grenier became paralyzed as a result of a... diving accident. A robust teenager interested in sports, girls and motorcycles, Grenier is soon told... that he will never walk again. This news brings on years of... emotional struggle..., and he spirals into denial and bitterness. ‘Such was my weakness, a common human fault: What is considered unliveable is spontaneously considered unbelievable,’ Grenier writes.
"Amidst his fading hope that he will ever rule his once healthy body again, Grenier must contend with... his condition -- pressure sores, muscle atrophy, and urinary tract infections, for starters. And his denial, despite irrefutable evidence, continued. "I still regarded my disability as a terrible stroke of bad luck. It never occurred to me that I was less a victim of my circumstances than a victim of my attitude toward them." His dark before his dawn is a death wish that stays with him for years.
"This book succeeds less as a memoir and more as a guide.... In the end, because of his active inner life, Grenier does find his "reason for living" as the title promises.... What defines life on earth is suffering, Buddha taught him. Loving what is left after that suffering brings acceptance, and peace. Laurent Grenier's story is about how he achieved that peace." Alice Barnstead at ForeWordreviews.com.

- "Rating: 4/5 – highly recommended.
"Two thumbs up for 'A Reason for Living' by Laurent Grenier. The author – who suffered a diving accident that left him a near quadriplegic at the young age of 17 – shows us with great depth of thought how he achieved happiness in spite of everything.
This author/philosopher enlightens his readers with his journey through denial and depression, which he conquered by force of his courage to make the best of what he has.
'A Reason for Living' is better than just a memoir, it is a guide as well, which makes it even more valuable. Without sounding preachy, Grenier opens the readers’ hearts to an ocean of acceptance and peace.
I’m fortunate to have read this book because now I understand another dimension of human determination and acceptance. Nothing is impossible for us." Jennie S. Bev at BookReviewClub.com.

- "'A Reason for Living – the way to fulfillment against great odds.' This book is strongly inspirational and I would recommend it to anyone, though it is also philosophical and requires some effort of thought." Lawrence and Jayne Harry at www.spiritual-medium.com/books1.htm.

- "Excellent book… for a better, wiser, happier life.
"'A Reason for Living' is half autobiographical and half philosophical in style. The narrative is based on the life experiences and philosophy of the author, following a diving accident when he was 17 that left him a near quadriplegic.... The book explores a personal journey through periods of denial, bitterness and depression to achieve happiness and a fulfilling life.... 'A Reason for Living' considers the effect these emotions had on the author's recovery and explores strategies for helping others in similar situations.... There are also suggestions for practical ways professionals, family and friends might be able to help a person to acknowledge the truth and to come to terms with their paralysis.
"The challenge to become an 'athlete of the soul' grew from a love of poetry, which marked a turning point in his life, followed by an interest in art and philosophy that became a passion and evolved from a "vocation as a poet into a vocation as a thinker with a positive message to convey."
"The worst tragedy was my failure to appreciate the abilities that had survived my diving accident, while I grieved over those that had not. These surviving abilities enabled me, with time and effort, to attain a new happiness, more intellectual and spiritual than physical, more human in comparison to the old one."
"'A Reason for Living' is insightful and thought-provoking. On one level it is a personal story of the experiences, feelings and coping strategies of an individual following a high level spinal cord injury, on another it is a philosophical journey, a search for meaning and understanding. It could also be described as a self-help book, opening the mind to ideas and possibilities. While on another level still it provides valuable observations about working with people with spinal cord injuries from an insider's point of view. If you look, you might also find it catalogued with other motivational guides that show you how to achieve greater success and happiness." Sandra Vassallo at e-bility.com.

- "Very inspiring. A fantastic book." Angie Poirier at The New RO (TV station).

- "'A Reason for Living," by Laurent Grenier, is an honest and sometimes humorous memoir in which the Ottawa author candidly writes about creating a meaningful life after a diving accident in his teen years paralyzed him." Abilities magazine.

- "Ottawa writer describes quest for happiness after accident left him paralysed, hoping to inspire others to find meaning in their lives after tragedy.... In the part-autobiographical, part-philosophical work ['A Reason for Living'], Grenier takes his readers deep into his heart as he describes his tumultuous journey from desolation to contentment.... 'I was a 220-pound young athlete whose only interests were girls, sports, and motorcycles,' Grenier says. This was all taken away in an instant when, making a shallow dive in his friend's pool, he suffered a spinal injury.... The tragedy sent Grenier spiralling into utter hopelessness. Hitting bottom forced him to choose between life and death.... Laurent decided to explore ways to adapt to his new reality, reduce the isolation and create meaning in his life.

'Hardship often serves as the catalyst that promotes existential questioning and turns many a soul into a philosophical one,' he says. 'I focus on what life has to offer now, and make systematic efforts to see what is worthy within the limits of life,' Grenier says.... Grenier, who has written for art and philosophical magazines, says he wrote 'A Reason For Living' hoping that his experience will touch someone in need of wisdom." Stephanie Stein at The Ottawa Sun (newspaper).

- "As his book describes with clarity, Laurent has lived through many experiences that have made a lasting impact on [him]. His insight and ability to connect reality to philosophy makes for an interesting read. Laurent describes early in the book how his diving accident was a misfortune but also something that allowed him to discover a deeper and truer reason for living, and now considers his injury that happened a quarter of a century ago a 'blessing in disguise.'" Stacey Norris at DPCR (Disabled Persons Community Resources).

- "Unfortunately, your book is not for the masses. It is light-years away from J. K. Rowling's best-seller, however magical your writing is!... It has changed the exercise of my profession… my worldview…. After more than ten years of research, your work has changed my life and I always will be a fan of yours." Marcel Desrosiers, occupational therapist, winner of a gold medal from the governor general of Canada for the excellence of his research.

- "Your book is excellent! You write REALLY well. Thanks for being a bright light on the planet." Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D., author of the book Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water among others.

- "I finally sat down this weekend and gave proper attention to your incredibly moving and inspirational book. Wonderful writing. You are my hero, indeed! Please know I personally learned so much through your insights. Of course, I will reread the book often and ponder your thoughts over and over again. One reading of that rich, rich book is not enough." Susan Jeffers, author of Embracing Uncertainty and of many other books.

- "I have glimpsed, through your life and writing, the resilience of the human spirit. What also strikes me is that part of your discovery of meaning must have been through your writing and website creation, which adds meaning to your life by allowing you to give encouragement and perspective to others who have suffered loss. Thank you for sharing." Dave Myers, professor of social psychology and author of many books, including The Pursuit of Happiness.

- "Wow, brilliant... truly uplifting." Melyssa G. Sprott, author of Descent Into the Dark and other collections of poems.

- "First of all, your writing is very strong – stylistically, grammatically, and in terms of content.... The depth and breadth of your knowledge in philosophical and scientific matters are extremely impressive.... I found your ideas to be often quite profound and your insights very meaningful. 'Santa Claus eventually dies of our old age' is one of the passages I remember most – such a brief and poignant comment that completely summarizes your thoughts on ignorance, fantasy, and belief. Wonderful!... Your philosophy/worldview is strong and extremely intelligent.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to… respond to your work. I enjoyed ARFL [A Reason for Living] very much, and should I ever get back into teaching creative writing, I think I’ll definitely use excerpts for class discussion." Eric Barstad, author of the book A Gloss on Our Painted Gods.

- "Laurent, you are an excellent writer." Kim D. Blagg, author of the manual My Book Kit.

- "I really enjoyed your book. The message... was quite positive. Let me paraphrase: Life is difficult, accept that, get on with life and you will at some point... find that, although difficult, life... is great!... The environment is what it is. We can only control our response to it. I also enjoyed your many injections of poetic prose to support your arguments... (There were many more interesting points as well, I'm simply paraphrasing your major thrust). I did, however, have some personal difficulty with sections 1 and 2 of your book... I know... part of your book's message is that the pain and suffering made you stronger, and I believe this to be true; I nevertheless found the duration of your early trials painful to read about.
"The logic of your arguments was quite sound. I found the discussion about the origins of good and evil extremely interesting.... I also enjoyed the breadth of issues from physical exercise, to diet to psychological and philosophical to religious – you covered all aspects of an individual....
"I await your next work.... you were indeed right when you said that by taking away your reliance on physical prowess, the injury allowed you to develop your intellectual muscle!” Daryl Rock, author of the book Making a Difference: Profiles in Abilities.

- "I found [the book] very interesting and powerful… Quote: 'Life without courage is like a bird without wings; it cannot take off.'" Thachp, at TScholars.

- "Wonderful book! So beautifully humanistic – is really universal in application. [It] speaks directly to my heart!" Don Beaudreault, reverend (Unitarian Universalist Church).

- "I justifiably applauded as well as enjoyed your book. A normally fast reader, many a passage of yours slowed me down, as I reread them. I, too, have been a student of philosophy in my youth, and your deductions on various subjects fascinated me. Your book is... an honest and objective attempt to discover the uncertain region of self, where the essence, or the spirit lives. By means of the meticulous examination of physical fact and personal spiritual flight, you expose your soul, the soul, surrounded by other souls, the body, surrounded by other bodies, and then... everything.... Your stamina, both physical and spiritual, can be admired if not envied. Above all, however, I admire your ability to see good, to perceive beauty and experience joy in everyday life. It is a gift to you and from you to those who have not been as fortunate yet." Gundega Cenne, artist.

- "Bravo and again bravo! You have become a man in the noblest and wisest sense of the word. Your book is a pleasant read, and a suspenseful one at times. A number of pages deserve to be read again several times and I would love to have written them. Thank you for this beautiful account of your life, these beautiful descriptions of people and places, and philosophical reflections." Dr. Gaston Sauvé.

- "You must be a genius!... your ability to describe situations, objects, etc. is fantastic.... I am very impressed.... I am [also] very moved by what I have read, and continue to feel privileged for the opportunity I have been given to read into your mind." Miriam.

- "I think your book is very well written and that you are a skilled and talented writer. You express many complex thoughts and ideas clearly, succinctly and effectively. The analytic and philosophical part is what Bob found particularly interesting and compelling. He likes to know how people see things. You also describe various events very effectively and movingly when you discuss things concretely and on your own personal level…. Lastly, [your] book makes a memorable impression on anyone who reads it. Being able to see and understand things from your personal point of view does expand one's awareness of life and the living." Marcia.

- "Congratulations for your book! I have read it with great interest, truly, as it comes at a time when I myself am suffering great hardship. Your progress from suffering and anger toward life to acceptance and spiritual tranquility has given me much to think about. What a beautiful and extensive piece of work!" Louise Lagacé.

- "I was happy to read 'A Reason for Living' as my brother Pierre was full of praise for you and your writings, thereby piquing my interest. I thank you for this beautiful book and for the example that you set. I will recommend 'A Reason for Living' to my English-speaking friends." J. F. Bourque.

- "Keep the excellent writing happening!" Sue Alvarez.

- "Some of your phrasing... has really helped me understand in actual terms things I had only considered in random, termless thought. Some great 'AHA!' moments where I recognize truth. Just thought I'd thank you for that.... You're a very good, honest writer. Nothing superfluous, but all the important details are handled so carefully.... I am impressed." Carol Cowgill.

- "You are a remarkable man. When reading your book, I am filled with a desire to learn more and to acquire the deep compassion and philosophical meaning that you bring out so brilliantly. Every night I read a few pages of your book, and when I'm finished I will read it again. I'm choosing to read this over any of my other books. It is wonderfully written. I'm speaking from my heart. The content of your book is beautiful (I do like the philosophical parts). It's brilliant. I'm not an author... but books are my passion and you, sir, are becoming a part of my life." Lori Perkins.

- "You should know that your reflections visit my mind regularly thanks to your book and your periodical newsletter that I take pleasure in reading. I greatly admire the course you have followed throughout your life in the face of terrible hardships – especially the one that has brought about all the other ones. It took great strength of character to get to where you are now and to have accepted the limitations that life has imposed on you. Some of your philosophical explorations are very much in line with my interests and help me go further on the path of discovery. The way you approach religion for example opens up new vistas that are most interesting and enlightening." Andrée.

- "'A Reason for Living' has greatly interested me and deeply moved me. This hymn to the joy of living is also a lesson in courage and perseverance. Not only does your book give much food for thought, but it also gives the means to keep oneself fit, both mentally and physically. And this fitness is most certainly needed to face the difficult reality of life. Do persist in loving life and writing, much to your own benefit and that of your readers, who I hope will be numerous." Margot Lebas.

- "I very much enjoyed your book. Your life story is greatly inspiring. You also incorporated a lot of learning and thought into it. Truly remarkable." Beth Porter.

- "You wrote an amazing book! I'm impressed. 'A Reason For Living' … places us on a plain of higher thought… [and] enables us to see our own personal struggles clearer. Thanks for the journey, Laurent." Todd Peak.

- "Reading your book sparks off a lot of emotions and reflections.... It appears to me that your suffering was not for nothing and that you were meant to be an inspiration to others, to help them understand and accept their own difficult times, and to help them acknowledge and value the bright side of life, which is often taken for granted. For you to reach this high point, you had to suffer the death of all your dreams to discover in the end, after God knows how much rebellion and distress, the true values of life and the potential for happiness it contains. Bravo to you; congratulations for your marvelous work! It is said that 'many are called and few are chosen.' I sincerely think you are among the chosen ones." Élodie Gagné.

- "Thank you for the sample copy of A REASON FOR LIVING. It's well-written, well-produced, and fairly priced. Congratulations." Rick Kamen at autographedbyauthor.com.

- "I love what you wrote in the 101 Great Ways book. It touched me in more ways than you could imagine. I was taking a break from writing my son's story, for us...not for publication....but so much of what you wrote in the book reflects a part of what we have lived and believed over the years. I thank you for sharing something so beautiful." Donna Karlin, Founder & Principal of A Better Perspective, Executive Training & Coaching.

- "The quality of your articles has impressed us." Editorial staff at Ezine @rticles.



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