Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope

Just finished reading this excellent book about Gabby Gifford. I could not put it down once I started reading it. I loved learning about their relationship, who Gabby was and how she developed into a politician. The shared moments of Mark and Gabby were so real. I had no idea who Gabby was before that January day. Now I feel as if I am a friend. One will experience tears and laughter as you read through this moving story of an incredible woman who has only begun to fight. Her journey is going to be long, but she will succeed. I have shared this book with friends who agree they can't put it down.

An excellent book, Mark Kelly did an amazing job telling their story. The book covers so many aspects of their life. It's a great peak into the behind the scenes of those with brain injuries. This book is a great read! Strongly recommend!

Good story, I'm truly sorry for what some knuckle headed, few bricks shy of a load person who pulled this stunt. I don't condone gun control from people that lawfully carry guns and use them lawfully. For her pain and suffering I am really sorry. I do believe when you expose yourself to the public your exposing your life to these types of crazy people.

both myself and my wife are enjoying the above book very much.we live in the tucson area,gabby gifford and husband, mark kelly are both inspirational people. tom o'gara. the service for receiving this book was very good. thank you. god bless.

I think everyone should read this book. It is interesting because it talks about both Gabby's and Mark Kelly's lifes before the accident and now the everyday progress Gabby is making. Amazing people!!!!

Words cannot express how wonderful this book is! Despite the tragic accident that happened in January of last year, this book constantly leaves me with a smile on my face. It is so amazing to hear the Congresswoman's story of hope and her husband's unfaltering commitment and love. I live in Tucson, so this hits close to home but I highly recommend this to anyone anywhere, especially those who know someone who has suffered a brain injury. What an inspiration!

This is a well written book about an actual event. It is very straight forward and revealing. There are alot of photos, but especially the ones of Gabby after the shooting. It is well worth the read.

A very inspiring book. It's heartening to know that we still have people in politics that we can look up to. Mark Kelly and Gabby have written a love story and a story inspiring the best in everyone.

This is interesting. Not just for her recovery, but also for it's anecdotes on life as a congresswoman and his work as an astronaut. I am really enjoying it, which is great for a book about such a tragedy.

Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope is written mostly in the words of Mark Kelly, the husband of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, with the help of Wall Street Journal columnist Jeffrey Zaslow.

This story, of course, is about the shooting of "Gabby" in January 2011 at her first "Congress on Your Corner" gathering after being elected to Congress. Though the book covers is great detail the facts of that day and the subsequent months of her treatment and rehabilitation, it also contains much more.

Mark Kelly uses flashback storytelling to tell the reader how he and Gabrielle Giffords met, dated, and married; the things they had in common and what attracted them to each other. He also tells us about their previous relationships, including his two daughters. The book is very much an autobiography/biography of his life, Gabby's, as well as both of their parents and even grandparents' histories. I found the stories about their parents to be especially interesting.

He describes Gabrielle's hard work ethics and family commitment that had her taking over the family's large tire business at the age of 26 and her subsequent path into politics. He also explains his path into the Navy and subsequently the NASA space program.

He also tells many stories about his flights into military war zones as a Navy pilot and also aboard the NASA space shuttle missions. He explains his decision, or more accurately NASA's decision, that he be permitted to return to the space mission for its final launch in spite of his wife's condition. If you are at all interested in military or NASA flights, you will find all of this pretty intriguing. It's all the little details you never hear.

Mark Kelly provides a huge amount of information regarding his wife's views on politically hot issues such as immigration laws, health care, the death penalty, education, etc. and why she had and still has such a desire to make changes in these areas. In one poignant remark regarding their prophetic concerns of the increasingly aggressive and violent nature of political debating and wrangling, he brings up Sarah Palin's map that put Arizona in her "crosshairs." Interesting reading regarding Palin's response.

Although it is all very well written and also interesting, I at first wondered what such biographical detail would have to do with what occurred on that terrible day of the shooting. I soon realized that all of this information gives us a much better understanding of how his life, as well as that of his family and her family, better prepared them all to remain so strong and determined to help her get through this long and arduous recovery. It also helps the reader to understand that Congresswoman Gifford's positive attitude, ambition, perseverance, and desire to serve the people of Arizona and America in general has contributed to her determination to recover and return to work.

The author has to be commended for giving plenty of recognition to those six people who died the day of the shooting, telling us about their lives. Heart wrenching of course is the story of the little 9-year-old girl, Christine-Taylor Green, who had such great aspirations to do so much with her life. Appropriately, he does not waste the pages of this book telling about the disturbed young man who chose to destroy so many peoples' lives. There is enough of that written in other places for those who wish to read about him.

As he shifts back and forth between telling history and intermixing it with very detailed descriptions of his wife's slow, painful progress, I found myself both exhausted by her ordeal and yet inspired and uplifted by her spirit. She has come a remarkable distance. He leaves the final chapter of the book to be told in her own voice. The sentences are short and incomplete, yet Gabrielle Giffords manages in those few words to express her thoughts and desires to return to work for the people of Arizona and all Americans by ending with "I will get stronger. I will return."

Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly are a "power couple." Giffords was a member of Congress representing Arizona who was very nearly assassinated in a brutal attack that left six others dead early in 2011, and her husband was a NASA astronaut. Both have had a lot to say about the direction of space exploration in the United States, Giffords from her place on the House Science Committee and Kelly through his place as a respected participant in the program.

"Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope" is a book by Giffords and Kelly on their experiences as a couple, as advocates for their priorities in space, and as those who suffered an outrageous injustice at the hands of a madman with firearms far beyond any ever needed for hunting or home defense. The book especially focuses on the events of January 8, 2011, when Giffords was shot in the back of the head by an assailant while meeting with constituents at a Tucson super market. It also details the long road to Gifford's remarkable recovery from the shooting that nearly took her life.

Written primarily from the perspective of Mark Kelly, "Gabby" takes a thematic approach rather than one that is chronological. He discusses how the couple met, their relationship before the shooting, and a range of issues concerning her political career, his astronaut career, and his mission to the International Space Station in the wake of Gabby's recuperation and recovery from the attempted assassination.

This is an useful book in many ways. For those interested in human spaceflight, the most interesting material may well be about Kelly's career as an astronaut. This will be especially true for the internal controversies over whether or not he would be allowed to fly on STS-134, which he had been assigned to command, following Gabby Giffords' shooting. "NASA officials weren't sure they even wanted to keep me on the job," he confessed. Concerns about his psychological state as his wife fought for her life in hospital prompted many at NASA to recommend his replacement. Mike Kelly's twin brother, Scott, and an astronaut in his own right, argued the case for his brother. "You're trained to put aside personal issues, to focus on your mission," so NASA should have no worries about his ability to persevere. Some at NASA also worried about the public's perception of Kelly continuing with STS-134 when his wife lay critically ill for political reasons. Would it seem that the mission came ahead of his husbandly responsibilities? Kelly insisted that Gabby would have insisted that he fly the mission regardless of anything else.

Kelly, of course, flew the mission and it went well. Gabby was getting better every day, and she would eventually demonstrate a remarkable physical recovery. She, of course, lost an eye in the shooting, as well as other capabilities, but her ability to function as she does more than a year after the shooting remains an inspirational story. After the STS-134 mission Mark Kelly announced he was retiring from NASA, and Gabby Giffords has announced she would not continue to serve in Congress.

"Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope" is an interesting dual autobiography, actually more of an autobiography for Kelly than for Giffords, and it offers an interesting perspective on NASA, the Space Shuttle program, and the Astronaut Office. Much of what Kelly has to say about these is critical. He viewed the Astronaut Office as dysfunctional and petty. The Space Shuttle Program was shutting down and limping with layoffs, retirements, and other departures. No decisions were final in terms of a way forward for human spaceflight and this was troubling to Kelly. He states in several places that only more effective leadership will resolve these issues. Such is still the case in the first part of 2013.

To many who knew Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly, they were thought of as a "power couple." Two highly successful people with high-profile public service careers: Gabby, the dedicated young Congresswoman, and Mark, the Navy captain and space shuttle commander. Mark and his twin brother Scott, sons of police officers, were raised in an Irish Catholic family in New Jersey. Gabby and her sister were brought up by their artist mother and tire company owner father (who was Jewish) in the southwest.

Gabby and Mark first met on a trip to China; it was strictly professional and all business. Their next meeting was the following year, a follow-up to the first trip. They found they could talk easily to each other, and both were used to living a rather eclectic and interesting life. Their first official date was a visit to Death Row at the Arizona State Prison in Florence, a most unusual venue. Though their personalities and backgrounds were quite different, they had much in common and were quickly drawn to each other. They had a somewhat atypical, mostly long-distance courtship that culminated in their marriage on November 10, 2007.

With disparate career paths, their marriage often followed the same path as their courtship --- long distance --- with hours spent on the phone each evening. It later turned out that their ability to communicate well across great distances became a factor of huge importance during Gabby's recuperation and rehabilitation after the shooting.

The bullet did massive damage to the left side of Gabby's brain, and many delicate and critical surgeries followed. While the specialists did their very best, no one could guarantee that her brain eventually would be restored to its former level of functioning. The brain is still a great mystery, and although significant strides have been made in treating brain trauma, much remains unknown and perhaps unknowable.

With Mark and Gabby's mother, Gloria, as her constant companions and advocates for her recovery, and with an excellent team of specialists, therapists and caregivers in place, improvements in Gabby's condition came both by leaps and bounds, and what appeared to be at a snail's pace. Restoring language skills was very hard work, as was the intense physical therapy of learning to walk again.

For an outgoing, articulate young woman to have her main means of communication --- speech --- locked away and inaccessible, even temporarily, was a huge challenge and constant source of frustration. Though Gabby and Mark had only been married a little over three years when the shooting occurred, Mark knew his wife so very well that he was the perfect cheerleader and spokesperson for her. Gloria, with her common sense and her mother's instinct and deep love, worked tirelessly with Mark. They questioned the doctors and therapists to learn as much as they could about traumatic brain injury, and participated fully in Gabby's therapy, encouraging and challenging her. Many relatives, friends and colleagues also were instrumental in supporting Gabby. During this time, Mark prepared for and commanded the final mission of the space shuttle Endeavor, a monumental undertaking even during the best of times. That he was able to compartmentalize his professional and personal lives to accomplish such a feat is quite remarkable.

But the best efforts of the medical professionals and all the love and support in the world could not alone have done what Gabby herself has done. Tenaciously, painstakingly, and inch by inch and minute by minute, Gabby drew on her internal strength, positive attitude, strong will and courage, and has made what the doctors call a "miraculous" recovery.

Gabby walks unsteadily with a brace on her right leg, her speech is not yet completely restored, and she remains on the long road to recovery. Still, her progress has been absolutely remarkable. It is hoped and expected that she will continue to recover more as time goes by, though to what extent is not known by anyone right now. But it is certain that she will live a full, productive and good life, whatever form that may take.

This book is deeply personal and beautifully written, with the able assistance of Jeffrey Zaslow. It is also poignant, heartfelt and hopeful. Mark's love for Gabby jumps off every page, but the very best part is page 299, which Gabby herself wrote. Indeed, GABBY does have a "happily ever after."

Reviewed by Carole Turner

I finally understand why I took so long to finish this book - HOPE. Something that is in short supply of during these times and I found that Gabrielle Giffords most challenging moment offers hope to the rest of us. The gunshot wound that she received to her head would have killed most people, but she fought, her husband fought, her parents fought and every one of her loved ones fought. This is a person that is loved and because of that love, we saw a miracle happen.

On January 8, 2011, while in Tucson at a Congress on Your Corner event Gabrielle Giffords was shot at point blank range. The book does not give much time, less than a paragraph more along the lines of three sentences, to the person who pulled the trigger. The effort of this book does not dwell on the evil, it concentrates on the positive. That with determination and patience - and top-notch medical care - a devastating brain injury did not end the life of a promising and beloved woman.

We may not all know the story of her husband, the astronaut Mark Kelly and Gabby, but through this book we get to see the man and woman that they are. His humor, his fight, his frustration - but most of all, we see the love he has for his wife. More importantly, through these pages, we see a determined woman, a young girl wanting to right wrongs and a politician that does not take the powers given to her for granted.

I know that the main point of this book was to introduce me to Gabrielle Giffords, but I think my take away was more about neuroscience. Mark Kelly does a remarkable job in explaining some of the intricacies of the human brain and how they translate into future abilities and disabilities.

Now I do not know if it was right to laugh during the experiences that were related in this story, but there is humor. Laugh out loud funny accounts of how the brain can fixate on a word and how when you can't come up with the exact right term a substitute word can be funny , maybe not appropriate, but none the less funny.

Inspiring is a good word for this book. To see a good outcome from a horrible situation. I do not know if it would be realistic to think that Ms. Giffords will return to politics, but every life-challenging situation needs an advocate. Spinal injury had Christopher Reeves and traumatic brain injury now has Gabrielle Giffords. I just hope that she picks up this sword and fights for all - civilian and service personnel - that have had to battle the bureaucracy to get the care and treatment that they and their loved ones need and deserve.

I knew little about Gabrielle Giffords, the young Congresswoman that was shot at a "Congress on your Corner" in 2011, but thanks to newspaper coverage started to follow her story and recovery. I was interested in knowing more, but really didn't expect much from the book. I found the book riveting and was hard pressed to understand why others would not also like the book. I did not feel like this was a grab for attention or to earn money from a tragic day that killed six people, including one of her staff members as well as a nine year old girl. It makes me wonder if the people who didn't like it actually read it at all or just felt that on principle they didn't want to read it.

This book is written mainly by Gabrielle Giffords husband (since 2007), Mark Kelly, who commanded the last Space Shuttle mission. It intersperses stories of their lives from childhood to adulthood, and their meeting and eventually falling in love. It gives you insight to what a strong and powerful person Gabby Giffords was and is and how her positive personality and will to succeed has helped her to overcome amazing odds. I found this book fascinating, both in reading about her life as well as Mr. Kelly's life as a Navy Pilot and Astronaut. He writes with emotion, humor and a self-deprecating wit. He is down to earth and honest in his story, his feelings and his struggles with how to help Gabby to transition to her new situation and life is heartfelt. If you watched the 20/20 special that recently aired, you will get a good sense of what you will read about, but that will only touch the iceberg. Part of his reason for having record and of filming everything was to show Gabby how incredibly far she has come. They, in fact, worked on chapters together according to the afterward, and she would let him know if things were not quite right. Her comprehension level is about 99%, even though her speech is slower to come and she often struggles for words.

Other than the story of encouragement, beating the odds and her determination, which I found truly inspiring it is the kind of book that makes you thankful for what you have and is a testiment to living each day to it's fullest. You don't have to be a Democrat or a Republican to get that, you just need to be human. Overall, the story is a testimony to love, the love of a parent to their grown child, a love of a husband to his wife and in making decisions not based on what the public believes is right but in what you believe as a couple is right.

By far, this book has touched me the most this year. I just finished my library copy and have bought a copy of this to have as I enjoyed reading it so much.

If you enjoy an honest book with honest emotion and humor, as well as a story of courage and love you will enjoy this book. I laughed, and cried and cheered for Ms. Giffords. What a wonderful book!

GABBY: A STORY OF COURAGE AND HOPE (Scribner) by Gabrielle Giffords and Mark Kelly, written with Jeff Zaslow, is the moving story of two remarkable individuals . . . Giffords, a rising star in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Kelly, a NASA astronaut, were both working to make the world a better place.

On January 8, 2011, their lives both changed when she was the victim of an assassination attempt . . . the book tells how the couple fell in love, experienced a traumatic event and how they are now working together to regain what they had before the shooting.

As Kelly notes how life had been:

* Being married to Gabby was like hanging out with a full-time motivator. It was hard to be lazy or unenthusiastic when she was making plans for your life.

As for his life:

* To understand the risks of space travel, I'd sometimes ask friends who aren't astronauts to consider a deck of cards. "Imagine that I offered you a million dollars if you pick any of the fifty-two cards except the ace of spades," I'd say. "A million dollars just like that. But the deal would be: If you pick the ace of spades, you'd lose your life. Would you take that risk--one out of fifty-two?"

Unfortunately, Giffords' life took a somewhat similar turn . . . in essence, she drew the ace of spades (something that wasn't supposed to happen) . . . and though she didn't die, she did have to change her life radically.

Stuff that was always so basic for her--for example, asking simple questions--became a major chore . . . I was particularly touched by the account of her work with various therapists, and how it seemed she never gave up.

The story of how she made it to Congress for a vote on the debt-ceiling bill had me nearly cheering out loud.

And I dare you to read the last chapter, actually written by Giffords and in her own words, and not be in tears--especially when you come across this tidbit:

* Trying to get back to work. Back to work for Arizona. Back to work for the American people. I love the people of my state. I'm so sorry I'm unable to work right now. My staff's been awesome. Been hard for them, too. They are working hard. . . . I will get stronger. I will return.

My hope is that she is able to do so before the 2012 election!

I found this to be a remarkable and inspiring book. It is the story of a congresswoman who almost made the ultimate sacrifice for her country. What I really enjoyed about this book was the devotion of her husband and family. As I read through the pages of this volume I was impressed and inspired with the way her husband and family rallied around her and gave her all the support she needed to get through a terrible time in her life.

Some poor people have spouses that desert them or even divorce them when some disaster like this hits, but not Gabby's husband. The book is as much his story as it is hers. When someting like this happens it effects the entire family, and in this case the entire nation. This couple did a remarkable job of suppporting, rebuilding, and just the hard day to day work of rehabilitation therapy. This is a wonderful, ongoing story of hope, courage and love. I give it 5 stars. -- Valerie Lull, Author, Ten Healthy Teas

I received this book for free as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

I'm not all that into politics. I didn't even know who Gabrielle Giffords was before the shooting in Arizona. But I was touched by her story and fascinated by her seemingly miraculous recovery, so I was really looking forward to reading this book. I'd heard what the media and the general public had to say about everything - I wanted to read what she and her husband Mark had to say.

This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. It's a very personal account of Gabby and Mark's lives together and before they met each other, of their dedication to their careers, of their thoughts on the shooting and the political situation surrounding it, and of their struggles and successes during Gabby's recovery. It starts with stories from their childhoods and their early careers, especially Gabby's, so that by the time the shooting occurred in the book, I felt like I was old friends with Gabby and Mark and was very emotionally involved in their story.

The most touching part of the book, for me, was the individual paragraphs devoted to each of the victims of the shooting. Each paragraph talked about the victim's life and what they were doing when the shooting took place. It was a solemn, simple, beautiful tribute. I cried as I read those paragraphs.

I'm so glad I read this book. I learned a lot about an inspirational woman who has an honest desire to serve others, a passion for living green and treading lightly on the earth, and an indomitable spirit. I learned about a man who followed his dreams, which led him to the stars, and who stood beside his wife she needed him most. I learned about brain injuries and the way they affect the lives of victims and their families. I learned about politics, about how kind-hearted and dedicated some politicians can be, and about how cold and selfish some others can be. (There was one very telling paragraph about a certain female politician; specifically, her reaction to Mark's call for an end to the political mudslinging that could be interpreted by some as an encouragement of violent acts. This was right after the shooting, and her response was reprehensible. I have not been so disgusted by a human being in a long, long time.) This book opened my eyes to a lot of issues and introduced me to a wonderful couple that has a truly beautiful love.

An exceptional book of courage, hope, determination, and working past the impossible. Mark Kelly has a crisp style of writing, and his voice comes across quite clearly. Gabrielle Giffords' personality, both before and after the shooting shines right through. The narrative is matter of fact, deeply sad at times, very human, and even funny on occasion. I can't say how much collaborator Jeffrey Zaslow was involved in the process, because the book feels very true to Kelly's voice. The lasting impression of the book is the sense that we get to really like and admire these two people, both for who they've been and what they've done in the past, and the extraordinary resilience they've shown since that terrible day.

Readers who are down in the dumps about whatever curve life has thrown lately can feel motivated and inspired by the new biography titled, Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope. Few of us were familiar with the representative of Arizona's 8th congressional district, Gabrielle Giffords or her astronaut husband, Mark Kelly, until the day she was shot. Thanks to their work on this book, assisted by the late Jeffrey Zaslow, their lives are described in depth for readers to get to know them better. The subtitle tells it all: this is a finely written account of courage and hope.

Rating: Three-star (Recommended)

I thought I understood the challenges faced by Gabby Giffords in the aftermath of the tragic shooting in Arizona. However, I had no idea of the courage and determination of this wonderful woman and her husband. The audio book is particularly moving because Gabby records the last chapter in her own halting voice.
Mark Kelly has done a great job of weaving the early details of Gabby's life with the events surrounding the traumatic shooting and painful recovery. My only regret is that I was not aware of the life of Gabby Giffords before she was struck down by a crazed gunman. Our nation needs more public servants like her.

I love human interest stories of all kinds, particularly ones about people overcoming overwhelming circumstances against all odds. This story has it all: tears, courage, determination, dedication, and incredible love. Mark Kelly wins husband of the year, in my estimation. What a guy!

As Mark describes the intelligent, successful woman that was Gabrielle, a rising political star full of passionate professional and personal dreams, it is heartrending to realize how it was all stolen from her in a moment. And yet...Mark doesn't let us wallow in sorrow for long. His description of Gabrielle's battles back from the brink to almost complete recovery is astounding. And one cannot fail to be impressed with Marks' ability to be able to focus on one of the most difficult jobs on earth--commanding a flight into space--during one of the traumatic events a person can experience: the near-death of a loved one. Whether you agree with their politics or not, you will surely be impressed with the love and courage of these two amazing people.

There was one thing, however, that I found a bit disturbing. Understanding that part of processing grief includes anger, and families of victims find it catharctic to find a "reason" for the tragedy and to affix blame, I was nonetheless disappointed that Mark found it necessary to blame political opponents for the shooting. Although he admitted there is no evidence that the shooting was anything more than another disturbed young man lashing out in a random manner--like Columbine, Virginia Tech, or countless other inexplicable horrors--he insists it had political motivations. Perhaps it is difficult to accept that the shooting was a meaningless and random event; calling it an "assasination" gives the tragedy a more noble, martyr-like quality, and also gives Mark a clear enemy to focus his anger on. I understand that. But, unfortunately, it also tends to undermine Mark's insistence that he and his wife are above the uncivility and partisanship by directly participating in it.

However, overall the book was engaging and inspiring, and definitely worth reading. Your faith in the human race will be renewed.

A Students Review of "Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope."

"Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope," is a work of non-fiction written by Gabrielle Giffords, Mark Kelly, and Jeffrey Zaslow that recounts the life of the Congress Woman and Astronaut before, during, and after the deadly shooting in Tucson, Arizona on 8 January 2011. The major goal of this reading is to describe the type of lives that the couple led prior to the incident and the strengths that they have gained in the recovery process after the shooting. The story is told in first person by Gabby and Mark and displays how incredibly strong the couple has become and the optimism that they both have. This story makes a reader evaluate his or her own life and makes you realize how quickly your life can change.
At a quick glance, one would assume that this story is about the life of Gabby Giffords and the terrible shooting that occurred, but rather it is a story of the life she shares with her husband, Mark Kelly, and the obstacles they have overcome together. Most of the writing is done by Mark, in the midst of Gabby's recovery, with a co-author that is mentioned at the end of the story. The book details the couples chance meeting at a leadership retreat, learning to manage life as a couple with demanding careers living in separate states, the challenge of trying to conceive a child, journeys into space, and the recovery process after a traumatic shooting.
This story portrays what life becomes like after a traumatic brain injury. In the few weeks after the shooting, Gabby couldn't speak and it was hard for the people around her to know what she wanted. Not only did Mark struggle with making medical decisions, the Congress Woman's staff had to make the hard decisions of what would Gabby want said about her to the media. With his wife lying in a hospital bed trying to recover, Mark was faced with a daunting discoing of whether or not to return to Space a few months after the incident. Gabby was silent and would remain that way for several weeks as she learned to speak again and recognize objects.
Mark did ultimately return to Space. Gabby made great improvements in the few months after the shooting. She left the hospital in Tucson and was moved to a rehab facility in Houston, near NASA where the couple had a home. Prior to the incident, Gabby and Mark had several traditions before he left for a mission in Space. Mark feared that Gabby would not be able to partake in them with him and the crews family, but Gabby proved him wrong. She made great improvements every day and by April, she was able to travel to Florida and watch her husband blast off into Outer space for the last time. This story shows the will to fight and gain her life back that Gabby holds, all the while, Mark staying by her side.
I would have never read this book had my wife not raved about it. I picked it up one night and flipped through reading bits and pieces here and there and the next thing I knew I had read the book. This story is very uplifting and gets you to sit back and put life and love in perspective. It makes you ask yourself if you have the will inside yourself to stand up and fight back to regain control of your life.

Works Cited
Giffords, G., Kelly, M. & Zaslow, J. (2011). "Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope." New York,
NY: Scribner.

Before purchasing Gabby - A Story of Courage and Hope, I read the reviews and was not sure if I wanted to purchase the book. Alas, I went with my gut and bought it; this true life tragedy and inspirational book.
Many reviews are one dimensional and as fixated on Mark Kelly as the mentally disturbed gunman was obsessed with Congresswoman Giffords.
While the author gave respectful recognition to those who were killed or wounded in this sick outburst of violence, this is not a story of true crime for those who want the "gruesome details." No pages were wasted on profiling the mentally disturbed gunman, nor is this a political manifesto. Rather, this is a well written story of a woman who blazes her own trails on her own terms with a friendly smile, a true concern for people, and a love for her home state.
The shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords instantly brought her to the world's attention. Her traumatic injury and triumphant rehabilitation is nothing short of a miracle.
This book is for all people, young and old. Gabby's loving husband, Mark, is as selfless and giving as she is and valuable life lessons can be extracted from their examples love, friendship, and work ethic.
Gabrielle "Gabby" Giffords a true Phoenix.

This story of Gabby Giffords and husband Mark Kelly, brought tears to my eyes. I've been to Rehab's Centers myself for therapy, and I now how tough and tired one can get but Gabby's Hope
and Courage is amazing. Her husband, Mark Kelly also is an amazing person, because he is an
Astronaut, and left his wife's side, for one last flight into space. He had amazing courage and
a very difficult decision, to make at that time, and it had to be very hard for him, to leave
Gabby, they have taught a lesson about love and marriage that can make it, no matter what happens.

"Gabby" is an inspirational story of survival from an assasination attempt and life-threatening gunshot to the head. It could have, and probably should have, ended with the tragic death of the Congresswoman from Arizona. Instead, she miraculously survives and overcomes the odds.
She could be angry or distraught or depressed in the months required for rehabilitation from the horrible injury. Instead she remains upbeat and dedicated to recovery, a lesson for all who suffer in life. . .and that is all of us.
The book is also a love story about a dedicated husband helping Gabby to persevere and thrive while retaining life possibilities for both of them.
The book is filled with alternately tear-jerking trauma and knee slapping humor. It is a well-balanced, easy-to-read story of overcoming adversity. It is a must read for anyone with personal tribulations or loved ones who are struggling to recover from one of life's curveballs.

In this country, kids must decide for themselves their own life's direction. On page 66, Mr. Kelly says, "At our fourth-grade parent-teacher conference, our teacher told my parents that both Scott and I had learning disabilities." It wasn't true at all.

Page 67 explains how both Kelly boys went from Cs and Ds to As, after their Dad helped them decide to do it. He got Scott to see where he was headed, so he decided he'd rather study. So he did. Both he and his twin brother became United States astronouts.

Kids, you decide to study and find someone to study with. It's up to you. I have seen other kids decide to apply themselves, no matter what their circumstances. For good reason they say, "God helps those who help themselves."

You pick what you like best, pray for it, study and work at it. It becomes your life. It is so much fun to start feeling like you know something, or know how to do something useful. In this country good people will always help and encourage you to do well. But you can't depend on others to educate you, without your own effort.

This is a great book, interesting and inspiring, maybe a little over the top on the kudos. No harm in that.
I recommend it highly, most especially to show young people they can if they want to. With God's help, all is possible.

Gabrielle Giffords has made a truly remarkable recovery so far and reading about all her determination made for a great read. She really is an exceptional person. I wish her continued success and good health.

The only downside of the book would be the decidedly unflattering remarks about Arizona. Since she is from Arizona, it was surprising to read that she represented all Arizonans whether they voted for her or not, and then denigrate those same constituents. Since her political affiliation is the minority in Arizona, such comments may be her opinion but had no place in the book. Comments describing those who disagree with her as "out of control politics" and "nutcases" were uncalled for. Voicing an opinion like that does not advance the discussion. On the other hand, the lack of concern by Sarah Palin and John Boehner really showed a lack of class.

It must be hard to be a liberal in a very conservative state. That doesn't justify calling names. And yes, I'm a conservative Arizona resident but neither "out of control" nor a "nutcase".

Again I hope Ms. Giffords continues to make advances and I look forward to reading that she is recovered. I wish her well.

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down. Yes, I'm from Tucson and live 1 mile away from the Safeway where the shooting took place. Now seeing the whole picture one year later, how Gabby and Mark met, how important their love story is wonderful. I loved Mark's side of their story....their younger years and how special being an astronaut is. I learned way more than I expected from this book and highly recommend it to everyone. I voted for Gabby because I believed and still do. She is an amazing Congresswoman. God Bless all those who survived the Tucson tragedy, and those who are now angels looking down on us. Thank you to the first responders, and those who still pray. Keep praying and may Gabby someday be President Gabrielle Giffords. Miracles abound! Carol Craig, Tucson,AZ

Gabrielle Giffords is a woman of courage and gives hope to those that have suffered a traumatic brain or other injury. It is a miracle she is alive and has made such enormous progress in her recovery. I found the story of her upbringing, various jobs, including "knocking on doors" for signatures (i.e. running for Congress) very interesting. Mark Kelly's life/career as an astronaut is intriguing only as it relates to his training and last shuttle launch during Gabby's recovery. I felt he included quite a lot of personal and career details that were not relevant to his wife's life or horrific injury. Only time will tell if Gabrielle can return as a Congresswoman or what else the future holds.

I felt really inspired after reading Gabby. It's a well-written, detailed account of their lives up to and following the January 8th shooting. Getting an inside view of the amazingly rich lives of an astronaut and a congresswoman was a treat which makes me want to do better in my own endeavors. I also enjoyed the sweet love story aspect of the book, and learning about Gabby's amazing recovery and her strong willpower. Highly recommended!

The Tucson Tragedy: Lessons from the Senseless Shooting of Gabrielle Giffords

"Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope" is an extremely well written and inspirational book. The authors skillfully move back and forth between a vivid, most intimate portrayal of the heart wrenching tragedy of the shooting and Gabrielle's miraculous healing journey from that day forward, and an impactful revisiting of highlights from Gabrielle and Mark's courtship and marriage, their respective upbringings and a compelling portrayal of Gabrielle's career in public service.

The bulk of the text is narrated by Mark Kelly, assisted by journalist Jeffrey Zaslow. I was spell-bound by Kelly's extreme love for and devotion to Gabrielle, and the incredible bond between this wonderful couple. Kelly also does an outstanding job of portraying Gabrielle's signature qualities as a compassionate and highly effective public servant.

In today's contentious political environment where vitriol and character assassination have become the norm, Gabrielle Giffords stands forth as a most welcome breath of fresh air. May her outstanding qualities as a resourceful and compassionate bridge-builder continue to serve as a source of inspiration for politicians and rank and file citizens alike. Whether or not she chooses to run for re-election in 2012, one thing is for certain - this dynamic and inspirational young woman definitely has a bright political future ahead of her!.

John Newport
Author, "The Tucson Tragedy: Lessons from the Senseless Shooting ot Gabrielle Giffords"

Autobiography of Mark Kelly; with bits of pieces of Gifford's stories interjected at the end of each chapters, coming off like afterthoughts; liken to the garnish (Gifford's stories) of a main course (Kelly's stories). The journey of the amazing recovery of Gifford were loosely touched throughout the book. The best part of the book turned out to be the very last chapter, few sentences constructed by Gifford that indeed emanate "Courage & Hope". Still, it is just too small portion of a dessert, my whole appetite have been completely ruined by the over-stuffing main course!

All the respect of the world to this amazing woman - Gifford!
Speedy Recovery, Gabby!

I was so disappointed when I read this book. The title is "Gabby, A Story of Courage and Hope", but -- for the most part -- it's Mark talking about himself. His training as a pilot, his Gulf-war experiences, how he got to be an astronaut, blah, blah, blah. And then, every once in a while, he seems to remember, "Oh yeah, my wife is a congresswoman, and she got shot."

After pages and pages and pages of descriptions in exact detail (I buried the stick in my lap... I pulled the plane into a 10-degree bank... blah, blah, blah) of how he won "...an award from the Navy for 'heroic achievement'", he tries (and fails miserably) to tie it all in to the Gabby story with a very short paragraph saying that -- after Gabby got shot -- he "thought about the violence humans are capable of committing."

In addition, Jeffrey Zaslow "ghost" wrote this book. (If you aren't familiar with the name, he co-wrote "The Last Lecture" with Randy Pausch, and "Highest Duty" with Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger.) So while it may be unreasonable to assume that Mark Kelly should be both a NASA pilot and an accomplished writer, it does seem that Zaslow -- as a professional writer -- should have known that four totally unrelated sentences don't make a paragraph. In some parts of the book, you have to wonder if Gabby wasn't in charge of editing.

If Gabby's story of recovery isn't long enough to make a book out of yet, Kelly would have done far better to wait until it was. As it is, this book seems a very thinly veiled demonstration of his ego in wanting to put out "his story."

If you want to read about Gabby, there's precious little here. If you want to read Mark Kelly's biography, this is the book for you.

This is a very good book describing the recovery of Gabby. She had one of the most horrendous injuries, and is just plain lucky to be alive and in such good mental health. It is an inspiration for anybody close to someone with or recovering from such a terrible ordeal. The only part I did not like was the politics of mentioning Sarah Palin and the map with crosshairs on Congressional districts and hinting that it beared some responsibility; all politicians do this sort of stuff. It is easy reading and kept my interest throughout the book. I did wonder if they might have had help with a ghost writer, as many authors do.

I like this book and I really hope that everything in it is true. So many men in high-level positions cheat on their wives it seems, and I hope that Mark Kelly does not turn out to be one of them. After reading this book, I want the best for her. She's a cool lady. Mark better treat her right.

This is a most inspiring story and I urge everyone to read it. But at the same time, I feel that something is lacking: a concluding lesson for us all. So, I am giving it a 3 ***star rating.

Let me suggest a lesson for us all, just from the title, "Gabby". We know that Gabrielle Giffords was referred to as "Gabby" for short. But she was also a gabby, talkative person. (Perhaps, she was targeted by the deranged assassin for that very reason, because she talked so much.

It's a rush, rush world, with sound bite after sound bite. We babble on and on. Communication is being lost. Learning is not happening in schools! Our politics are not working! The economy is failing!

Enter, Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly and a fabulous story of courage and hope. Now, with her brain injury, Gabby speaks much less and she repeats herself, over and over. This is where I get a great lesson.

Perhaps we can repeat ourselves, as Gabby says: "yes, yes, yes". Maybe we can use some clipped sentence fragments as she does. Maybe we can avoid questions, as she does. Maybe we can gesture with humor, as she does.

Perhaps the title could have included something about communication, listening and learning. I don't know. But every time I think of Gabby and her story, I wonder what we can all do to improve dialogue and understanding. Why don't we all try to slow down our conversations? Why don't we all, stop, look and listen?

I do hope that this book will encourage more sanity, as we struggle to make sense of our lives.

I applaud the Medical team that brought Gabby miraculously back from the brink.
I applaud her courage and strength, as well as Mark Kelly's efforts toward her recovery. What I don't applaud is their don't-give-a-damn attitude toward their
fans and supporters .... people who really cared about her and her wellness.
I bought the $27.00 book and sent it with a nice and caring note to her in Phoenix,
in December, asking her to autograph the book,from my home in the Turks & Caicos Islands at a cost of $14.50 in postage, plus a stamped return-addressed envelope, for another $14.50. I just got the book back, in April, unsigned, with no note or anything. That's just not very nice! Everyone is rooting for her, and she can't be bothered acknowledging or thanking them. Shame on her.

Firstly, I wish to open this review by stating that I am, obviously, endeared by the incredible recovery of Gabrielle Giffords. It's remarkable that somebody can sustain a traumatic injury to the head (in this case, a gun shot) and not only survive but make the strides that she has done so over the course of the last 9 months. However, I cannot read this book on principle because there is something that upsets me greatly about a person who was tragically shot in the head and 9 months later already has a book on the shelves. Is this really the world we live in? I cannot help but think of how quickly publishers approached her to write a book about this (though I can only assume that her husband did most of the writing given that she was rehabilitating for so long). It deeply troubled me when I saw Mark Kelly on the Jon Stewart show promoting this book. Of course I anticipate negative comments to this review and that's understandable. Please know that I find the story to be uplifting but that having a book on the shelves when she has barely stepped foot out of the hospital bed depresses me, as it should all of us.