On Any Given Day

I cannot add much to the previous reviews-- all of with which I agree-- except this: Mr. Martin is, first and foremost, a writer. Indeed, he has ALS, and that is much of what he writes about here. But his lean, athletic style, keen observation and outstanding sense of humor would entice me to read router bit catalog copy, if Mr. Martin wrote it. I'm in search of his short story published in the Crescent Review ([email protected] if anyone finds it first) and am hopeful he is at work on something else for us to enjoy and think about.

Like another reviewer, I also have the pleasure of knowing Joe Martin. And while I knew of some of his remarkable achievements, I was astounded to read of many more. Like Joe, I have ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. He, and his book, have inspired me to live life with joy, love, purpose, hope and faith notwithstanding the ravages of this disease. His book, like Tuesdays With Morrie, should inspire anyone and everyone. But while Morrie spoke as a dying man, Joe, with the same terminal illness, speaks with the vitality of a man truly living life to the fullest.Laura Murphy Atlanta, Ga.

I found this first person account co-authored by Joe Martin, who has ALS, very inspirational. Joe allows the reader to share his feelings of frustration as well as to grasp the depth of his convictions that life should be celebrated and cherished. Ross Yocke's commentary throughout the book provides an additional source of information which is helpful for the reader to gain perspective about Joe Martin's life with ALS. This short 178 page book pulls the reader into Joe Martin's reality, and allows the reader to share his religious and moral convictions, as well as to revel in his wonderful anecdots. This book reminds me of Tuesdays with Morrie. I hope others will enjoy reading On Any Given Day as much as I have.

Joe Martin and his family (family, friends and bank colleagues) are the greatest support system. Joe's life inspires, challenges and motivates all to do more. His will to live is refreshing, unbelievable given the impact of ALS on his body but not on his mind or spirit. For anyone facing disease, stress or looking for meaning, this is a must read. It's a quick read and doesn't leave you down -- but instead deals with a tough subject -- living with a terminal disease -- with reality and purpose. You will learn how "you can live like this"

I must admit my bias up front. I know the Author, although we've never met face-to-face. I viewed a video of Mr. Martin several years ago, "Mountains Into Molehills", where he gave his acceptance speech for the Whitney Young Award from the Urban League. I was so inspired, I sat down and wrote him a letter, and so started a long distance relationship (I would like to call a friendship) via e-mail. The Joe I've admired for these past 3 years certainly comes across in his book...a man who is "recovering" from ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease), a man so full of life and hope despite the fact that he cannot lift his head, or any other part of his body, from his pillow in the morning.There will be obvious comparisons with this book and the best-seller "Tuesday's With Morrie". Both books deal with the struggle of ALS,and both books feature remarkable human beings. Joe, in fact, mentions that book in his memoir. If it's possible, Joe affirms life and hope even more that Morrie. He may not offer his observations on all of the points of life that "Tuesday's" addressed, but his lessons on life shine through in how he lives every day. He faces each day with hope, gratitude, and grace. Long before this book, Joe Martin has impacted lives across the country..mine included.If you are questioning life, are feeling sorry for yourself, or are facing the challenges that living can sometimes bring, buy this book now, and read it tomorrow. I'm sure the book will never achieve the stratosperic sales that "Tuesday's with Morrie" has achieved, but the message is just as inspirational and timeless. Joe's lessons and words will endure for many, many years.