Overwhelming Odds

Susan and Denny O'Leary have written a diary of a an ordeal placed in the path of their lives and in a very short little book have managed to restore the importance of faith and spiritual consistency in coping with seemingly insurmountable odds. In writing this book they have placed in the reader's hands a simple yet powerful guide for their fellow human beings who either are or may in the future be facing similar odds. It is a well written, honest, and inspiring little book about a miracle. Susan and Denny's nine-year-old son John was the victim of an accidental traumatic burning in 1987, a trauma even more sad as it was the result of John's playful games with fire and gasoline! Despite severe burns over most of his body John survived (a true medical phenomenon!) due to the expert care of the medical staff attending him, the support from his caring family, the generosity and kindness of his extended family and friends, and from John's own will to live and become normal again. The diary covers 17 years of trials responding to the O'Leary's indefatigable faith and ends with an epilogue written by John himself. If ever there were a modern day re-telling of the story of Job, this little book would qualify. Often little memoirs such as OVERWHELMING ODDS are written in the passion of reaction to a shattering event and the quality of the prose is at times a stumbling block to the final effect of the message. Not so with this book: the writing is sensitive, terse, to the point, and while there are significant religious overtones, the message remains one of the triumph of the indomitable human spirit. It is a fine little book to read and to share with friends who may be facing crises. It is an inspirational diary. Grady Harp, July 06

Perhaps I'm a bit biased as I am John's first cousin, but I found this book to be truly inspiring. It's so amazing what he was able to go through without ever complaining. I also got some true religious insight through reading this book... it's hard to deny the effect of prayer on the outcome of the story.

Great, quick read. This well-written book underlines the fact that life is what you make of it. Any time a challenge approaches, hit it head-on knowing that the human spirit is capable of overcoming tremendous odds. Although I was familiar with the situation before reading the book, it will be inspiring for anyone who picks it up. It will help you notice and appreciate many of little things in life currently taken for granted.