This inspiring memoir chronicles an extraordinary life. SMSgt Israel Del Toro, Jr. lost his father young and took care of his brothers and sisters when his mother lost her way. He eventually joined the Air Force, and he was severely injured in Afghanistan, with burns on over 80% of his body. Given only a 15% chance to live and told he would never be able to go back into the military, he defied all odds. While he was battling back from injury, his wife was defying odds of her own as she battled immigration laws and language barriers to get to her husband's side and to take care of everyday struggles once she arrived. I am also the spouse of a retired Air Force Senior NCO, and I salute her.

I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. It is a reminder to those in difficult circumstances that we should never, ever give up. It is proof positive that you can come out even stronger on the other side of hard things that have happened to you. It's also a reminder that when someone tells you that you "can't," you just might prove them wrong with determination and hard work. I'm so happy to have read it.

I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.