Beyond Belief

Finding the Strength to Come Back

De: Josh Hamilton, Tim Keown - Contributor

Narrado por: Ethan Sawyer

In this intimate memoir, former Major League Baseball player Josh Hamilton reflects on his battle with addiction and the impact it had on his career—and the spiritual journey that helped him heal.

Josh Hamilton was the first player chosen in the first round of the 1999 baseball draft. He was destined to be one of those rare "high-character " superstars. But in 2001, working his way from the minors to the majors, all of the plans for Josh went off the rails in a moment of weakness. What followed was a 4-year nightmare of drugs and alcohol, estrangement from friends and family, and his eventual suspension from baseball.

Beyond Belief details the events that led up to the derailment. Josh explains how a young man destined for fame and wealth could allow his life to be taken over by drugs and alcohol. But it is also the memoir of a spiritual journey that breaks through pain and heartbreak and leads to the spectacular rebirth of his major-league career.

Josh Hamilton makes no excuses and places no blame on anyone other than himself. He takes responsibility for his poor decisions and believes his story can help millions who battle the same demons. "I have been given a platform to tell my story" he says. "I pray every night I am a good messenger."

©2012 Josh Hamilton (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Moving

I'm a baseball fan but really didn't know the Josh Hamilton story. This is a story of a man with talent to spare and a wife and family that didn't give up on him.

Great for baseball fans, good for sports fans, and OK for readers who just want to read a story about overcoming obstacles.

It's important to recognize the time frame of the book since this is the same Josh Hamilton who hit four home runs in one game for the Rangers early in the 2012 baseball season.

Once I started I could not put it down!!!!!

This was a fantastic book. I went in knowing some details about Josh’s life and Baseball career. BUT WOW! To hear how this played out and where the journey currently is? Pretty amazing!!!!! I totally recommend this book for everyone, not only fans.

one of the best books i have ever read.

great inspiration i loved it. josh has a awesome story and comeback to where he is now.

Absolutely Inspiring.

A truly incredible and inspiring story. Love and respect this man so much after learning of his battle and how he conquered it. Must listen

A Very Incredible Journey

What did you love best about Beyond Belief?

That it is a true story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beyond Belief?

When Josh found the strength from God, through the love of his Grandma to get off drugs.

Which character – as performed by Ethan Sawyer – was your favorite?

Josh Hamilton

Eye opening

Story is a roller coaster of emotion. So many questions for Josh and his life and I hope he finds his way.

Refreshingly Honest

If you could sum up Beyond Belief in three words, what would they be?

honest and insightful journey

What did you like best about this story?

That Josh really opens up and gives insight into how a drug induced mind evolves in their thinking. He is clear.....it is not easy to come back from drug use/abuse. It is an ongoing effort.

What does Ethan Sawyer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think narrators with their performance and voice inflections, etc. help you to grasp more of the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes........but could not

Any additional comments?

This is not an someone I would normally pick up an autobiography about. I am not a major league baseball fanatic (I do keep up with the Texas Rangers - but casually), but I am glad I did listen to it. I am the mother of two sons.....who for whatever reason (not logical to me) went down the path of drug abuse. This book gives insight into the thinking pattern and how it develops and shows me that it was not a matter of not loving our family or how they were brought up......it is a matter of choices at any given point in someone's life - whether a good time or a bad time in their life I enjoyed learning through Josh's story.

The relevance of the content

I myself and many people near me, has experience with this life-reality. A great read, I finished it on vacation.

Amazing story Josh!

You are an AMAZING Baseball Player! You are always in my prayers, hope your struggle gets smaller the older you get. I'm sorry for everything, good luck!!!

Sincerely, Bob B!

A Texas who "still" loves Josh Hamilton

Would you consider the audio edition of Beyond Belief to be better than the print version?

His book was right on. He showed the world that you can, as the world says... Fall from Grace... Even though God tells us as a Believer, nothing can snatch you out of the Hand of God. Josh lost his way for a time while drugs and alcohol controlled him... His story shows you can hit bottom and reach up for God's Hand and come back to His loving arms. With true repentance He will restore your life to the blessing of God, as He planned from the beginning... I like the way it was written but then again I am a huge fan of Josh Hamilton as a Godly Man and also as an athlete...

What did you like best about this story?

In the end with God all things are possible... Josh proved it!

Have you listened to any of Ethan Sawyer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes