Back in the Game

The Majority Whip's Remarkable Fight for His Life

By: Steve Scalise, Jeffrey E. Stern - contributor

Narrated by: Steve Scalise

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

The "gripping and inspiring" true story (Washington Examiner) of how Congressman Steve Scalise survived a political mass shooting and returned to Congress with the help of his friends, family, and faith.

On the morning of June 14, 2017, at a practice field for the annual Congressional Baseball Game, a man opened fire on the Republican team, wounding five and nearly killing Louisiana congressman Steve Scalise. In heart-pounding fashion, Scalise's minute-by-minute account tells not just his own harrowing story, but the stories of heroes who emerged in the seconds after the shooting began and worked to save his life and the lives of his colleagues and teammates. 

Scalise delves into the backgrounds of each hero, seeking to understand how everyone wound up right where they needed to be, right when they needed to be there, and in possession of just the knowledge and experience they needed in order to save his life. Scalise takes us through each miracle, and each person who experienced it. He brings us the story of Rep. Brad Wenstrup, an Army Reserve officer and surgeon whose combat experience in Iraq uniquely prepared him for the attack that morning; of the members of his security detail, who acted with nearly cinematic courage; of the police, paramedics, helicopter pilots, and trauma team who came together to save his life.  

Most important, it tells of the citizens from all over America who came together in ways big and small to help one grateful man, and whose prayers lifted up Scalise during the worst days of his hospitalization. As we follow the gripping, poignant, and ultimately inspiring story, we begin to realize what Scalise learned firsthand in real time: that Americans look out for each other, and that there is far more uniting us than dividing us. 

©2018 Steve Scalise (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Steve's faith, from the moment of his injury throughout his recovery, is a powerful example to us all, as he and his family trump over the evil that found us on the field that day." (Congressman Brad Wenstrup, R-OH)

"A must-read for all Americans! Despite being targeted and nearly killed for his political beliefs, Steve Scalise came back stronger than ever to keep fighting for our values. He's a true conservative leader, and his story is powerful." (Sean Hannity) 

"The firefight described in Back in the Game had me on the edge of my seat." (Townhall) 

Written from the heart

Miracles do happen and I believe this is the closest call I have ever heard of. This is such an inspiring story that should be told to all Americans instead of the garbage that we get from the so-called leading news stations.

Things we didn't know

There us so much about this incident that we didn't hear in news broadcasts. Steve Scalise has put many of them in this book. It is an extraordinary tale of fate, Faith, family and friends. The medical story line is awesome. One of the best books I've read in a long time. Thank you Steve, for sharing your journey. God Bless you and yours.

Amazing and inspirational

Words cannot describe the emotions this book brings out of you while reading it.

When is the movie Coming out!

What a beautiful way to take an evil action and turn it into a Blessing from God. Who brought many "Players" together to unite a nation and heartfelt prayers and encouragement from even other parts of the world.

So happy to hear all the wonderful emotions that you shared with us that didn't bring this book to an end, but brought new beginnings.

Very inspirational!

Started listening, couldn't stop, finished sameday. Extremely moving, amazingly positive outlook by Steve. Highly recommend!

Wonderfully inspiring!

This book is a wonderful example of the indomitable American spirit. I especially love the way people from all walks of life and political points of view came together to aid in his recovery.
The book was well written and held my attention from the very beginning to the last word.

Terrific storytelling and sharing of behind-the-scenes details

Like most people, I was stunned when a gunman began firing at members of Congress who were practicing for an upcoming game.
I knew Rep. Steve Scalise was critically injured but the details shared in the book show the incredible effort it took to save his life on the field and during his hospitalization.
His fight to live and then to walk again were aided heavily by his family and friends, plus prayers from around the country.
The writing was so good and intriguing that there were several times I sat in my driveway just to see how something was going to turn out.
And anyone who doesn’t at least tear up as Scalise is recounting his surprise return to Congress and the effort it took to get him there must be missing a part of their heart.

Emotional & Inspiring

Stayed up all night to finish! Beautiful and heartwarming story. It will make you believe in miracles.

Evan Review

Inspiring book of really an unknown congressman from Louisiana that became one of best known member of Congress nationwide because of an Assination attempt on him. This book I strongly recommend that he is a walking miracle by God though the work of first responders Doctors nurses police family friends and Steve faith that he survived and continues his work in Congress for people of Louisiana and America.

How challenges show the insignificance of politics

Well done book that could pnly be written and voiced by the one who went through it. If only politicians and citizens could remember their humanity more than their ideology