Turning This Thing Around is an inspiring memoir of overcoming personal struggles. This brutally honest, deeply personal account of redemption takes readers on a moving spiritual journey. Confronted with a myriad of obstacles–a debilitating arthritic disease, narcolepsy, anxiety and depression–the author was outwardly happy, but inwardly miserable.
Pushed to the lowest point of his life, he discusses how he gradually turned things around and used his experiences to grow as a person. Supplemented by quotes from Gandhi to Dr. Wayne Dyer to Eckhart Tolle, Turning This Thing Around has universal themes that speak to nearly everyone, as we all must face challenges as part of being human. It is a self-help memoir of sorts: The author discusses not only what he had to overcome, but how he did so–and how others can, too.
Unlike many popular memoirs on the market, this is a story that more people can relate to. The author didn’t grow up in an eccentric family (Jeannette Walls in The Glass Castle, memoirs by Augusten Burroughs), nor did he travel to Italy, India and Indonesia, as Elizabeth Gilbert did in Eat, Pray, Love. Rather, Turning This Thing Around is a story of a normal young man’s resiliency when battling extraordinary circumstances.
Keith Maginn was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, the youngest of four kids. He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as an Evans Scholar. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Keith relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee, to work for AmeriCorps (a service organization like the Peace Corps, but within the United States) and for Knoxville Habitat for Humanity.
Keith recently moved back to Cincinnati after living nearly ten years in Tennessee. He likes to be around family and friends and has eight nieces and nephews that he adores. He loves playing and watching many sports and also enjoys live music, writing, meditation, yoga and reading.
In December 2012, Keith self-published an inspiring self-help memoir, Turning This Thing Around. Maginn’s second book, Goodwill Tour: Paying It Forward, is about a philanthropic experiment on the road. Released in January of 2013, the author hopes it will be his second book of many more to come. He feels writing is his life’s purpose and that he has a message to share that will help others.
My Review:
What I liked most about this book was the way the author wrote it. He was telling his story, and not judging. He had a lot of issues and he was just trying to help people realize the same symptoms. I would love to see a sequel where we learn more about Mary. I applaud Keith for all he did for Mary and I wonder how many other couples are living out there with the same problems that never get help. I am so happy that Keith gave his Doctor's name so that as others read this book that have the same ailments, or know someone who does, know where they can get help. This is a great memoir and it gives hope to all those affected by personal and health issues. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from the author, however all opinions are my own.
The author also sent me a paperback copy that is signed to giveaway. Please enter here:
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