True Strength

My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal - and How Nearly Dying Saved My LIfe

By: Kevin Sorbo

Narrated by: Kevin Sorbo, Sam Sorbo

Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

On television, as the star of the popular Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Kevin Sorbo portrayed an invincible demi god. He relished living the part—putting in 14-hour days on set, doing his own stunts, and relentlessly working out at the gym. Until one day, it all came to an abrupt end.

Now, for the first time, Sorbo shares what viewers didn’t know: he suffered three strokes from an aneurysm in his shoulder that had been radiating blood clots throughout his body, likely for months. He was left partially blind and entirely incapacitated at just 38 years old. Appearances are everything in Hollywood, so Sorbo and the production studio hid the full details of his condition from the media. After all, how could the strongest man in the world be… fragile?

To continue filming Hercules, the number-one worldwide syndicated TV series at the time, they frantically reworked scripts and revamped production to allow for the star’s severely limited involvement. But as the effects of the strokes persisted—with painful, mysterious, debilitating symptoms—and physicians could offer few answers, Sorbo grew increasingly despondent. What happens when your entire identity vanishes? True Strength is the story of how one man faced the unimaginable and ultimately found the real measure of success.

With tongue-in-cheek humor and an unfailingly candid voice, Sorbo reflects on his childhood in Minnesota, his early modeling and acting days, and his hard-charging charmed life in television. He recounts the onset of his stroke symptoms, the frightening hospitalizations, his battle with depression, and fighting for a recovery that defied medical expectations. And how, through it all, love conspired to save him from missing out on what matters.

With this refreshingly honest account of celebrity, personal tragedy, and the power of letting go, Sorbo aims to blaze a trail for anyone who may have suffered a serious setback in life and is struggling to find their way forward.

©2011 Kevin Sorbo (P)2011 Oasis

Critic reviews

"Sorbo is candid about the hopelessness and resentment that characterized his slow recovery, his frustration with contradictory medical advice and holistic therapies of varying effectiveness and the stress his condition placed on his new marriage." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"[A] compelling memoir…. Throughout his chatty tale, [Sorbo] drops enough Hollywood names to make any Us Weekly reader happy." ( Booklist)

Good book

I did not know Kevin Sorbo went through so much. I am glad he is doing better. It is good to remember to slow down in life. That's what I learned from the book. I am glad Kevin is doing much better.

Great story soothing narrative

Now I understand Kevin Sorbo's painful journey from fame to humble family man, never would've imagined the pain he was in watching all of hercules, it's a great listen God bless him and his family.

awesome

this book was amazing I loved just about everything about it. the narratives were great and kept me into the book. I come away from this book thinking I was meant to listen to it

A very personal look at Kevin Sorbo

Very good book, it is definitely a personal look at Kevin Sorbo and all the health troubles he endured. I was hoping for a few more stories about being on Hercules, but I was still really intrigued about how he was able to put on a strong front even though he felt like he was always on the verge of dying. I also enjoyed Kevin's narration, adds to the personality of story. Really powerful stuff, totally recommend even if you might not be a fan of Hercules.

enlightening

as a long time fan of the actor it was incredible to hear him narrate. his struggles are inspiring, his triumphs even more so. what truly shines is his message of humility and grace under extreme duress. kevin sorbo will always be a hero to me.

Excellent listen!

I really enjoyed this book and found it encouraging. There is NO limit to GOD.

A Testament To Stubbornness Subdued

An incredible look into the man who portrayed Hercules. God bless this man, his family, and very clearly his story.

good book

good read, fairly well laid out and entertaining.
while I am sure he glosses over some negative aspects, he does go I to the struggles he had early on and in his relationships.

this guy can narrate books! his story is amazing.

perfect narration. I mean it's being read by Hercules himself. All jokes aside, he is a great narrator in general. his story of recovery can help anyone who is going through a hard time in life. Sorbo needs to read us more books!

Interesting Story ...

Gave me much better insight into Kevin Sorbo. Have really admired his work and faith.