From Publishers Weekly
While in an ICU, in rehab and in recovery at his parents' home after an accident left him partially paralyzed with a spinal cord injury, Stephen Thompson often asked himself, "Why did this have to happen to me?" But at the same time, he concluded, "Why not me?" Having survived "fears, anxieties, lack of choices, and humility of dependence," Thompson recounts his experiences with both excellent and incompetent health care professionals, regaining various capabilities (like eating and walking), flirting with nurses, befriending other patients, interacting with his family and old friends and, most of all, his alternating despair, depression, triumph and acceptance. Chatty, honest and inspiring, Genesis: A Portrait of a Spinal Cord Injury will be welcomed by survivors of serious injury and their loved ones. Photos. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Thompson was a college student in 1981 when a car crashed into him on his bicycle, injuring his spinal cord. He spent seven months in the hospital. He nearly lost his life when appendicitis struck him but wasn't recognized until the appendix ruptured, and again when a nurse gave him the wrong medicine, resulting in a Code Blue situation. In addition, a cardiac arrest put him in grave danger. On the other hand, many nurses and doctors genuinely cared about him; his family and friends visited regularly and gave him substantial psychological support; and his roommate, Mike, served as mentor and motivator. Details of his recovery include the placing of a protective "halo" on his skull, psychological lows that he often fought with Bible readings, and the slow, tedious work of rehabilitation. This highly personal book could be quite helpful to others in similar predicaments and to their families. William Beatty
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From Book News, Inc.
Thompson was a college student in 1981, racing his bicycle to make it on time for a tennis tournament, when he was hit by a car and suffered a serious cervical spinal cord injury. He recounts his torturous struggle to stay alive, his near-death experiences in the operating room, and his physical and spiritual transformation during rehabilitation. He holds a Masters degree in rehab psychology.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, June 11, 2001
"Chatty, honest and inspiring,...will be welcomed by survivors of serious injury and their loved ones."

SYNOPSIS

Thompson was a college student in 1981, racing his bicycle to make it on time for a tennis tournament, when he was hit by a car and suffered a serious cervical spinal cord injury. He recounts his torturous struggle to stay alive, his near-death experiences in the operating room, and his physical and spiritual transformation during rehabilitation. He holds a Masters degree in rehab psychology.