Synopsis (taken from Amazon)
We all have two lives. We only get to experience living in the second after we realize we only have just one.
Simon Yeats had his first real scare in life when he was attacked by a kangaroo when he was seven years old. His first brush with the cliff-face edge of death came when he was 12. His father drove his family down the dangerous, 4WD only Skipper’s Canyon dirt road in New Zealand in a rented minivan.
Including the occasions he was almost involved in two different plane flight crashes, in the same night, there have been at least a half dozen more times when the author has come within a moment’s inattention of being killed.
However, none of those frightening incidents compare to what he experiences after his son is abducted to South America.
This memoir is the story of how Simon used the traumatic experiences of his life to give him strength to forge on during an incomprehensible 13 year fight to be a father to his son.
What did it take for him to get to his second life?
It took him to truly understand what fear is.
Life is a struggle. While we all often think that we are the only one going through tough times. Knowing how others have suffered and gotten through it brings each of us hope that we can do the same.
Review
The first few chapters outline significant moments in the author’s life—moments that were heartwrenching, traumatic, and down-right scary. These chapters create a memorable moment for the reader as we are reminded how short life can be and to never take it for granted.
Every chapter starts with an essential short life lesson that we often forget. These small reminders were what brought me to connect with the author.
Simon Yeats had multiple near-death experiences, but what I found more heartbreaking was the betrayal of friendship. My heart broke being reminded of similar betrayals. Not only that, but the emotion put into this book about the ups and downs of trying to be a father to a child you are forbidden to see. As parents, we only want to do what is best for them, but when everything seems stacked against us, how can we do it?
There were a few grammatical errors, but the story is so emotional that they don’t detract from the lessons it bestows on the readers.
It is a book that pulls at your heartstrings, and you want to keep reading in hopes that you will get the answer he deserves.
When I read the title about having a second life, I never realized the lessons you must learn before getting there.
If you enjoy emotional and inspirational books, this is for you.
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