Description
Jimmy Mulzet has had a remarkable life. Despite his cerebral palsy diagnosis, he was able to attend school, work for the New York City government, and develop the strength and willpower to walk. He hasn’t only done what most of us might take for granted, however. He also has met three Popes and served as the spokesman for the Special Olympics. He’s well aware that his life has been an adventure, perhaps even a miracle, which is why he has chosen to write his memoir.
Mulzet writes in a simple, honest style, one which is easy to read and will be accessible to many. That and the short chapters make it easy to get into his story, and easy to empathize and connect with him. On every page, it seems, there is a reminder that though our struggles may have been different, there is far more about each of us that is the same.
I also enjoyed seeing the pictures scattered throughout the book. Some show Mulzet in his early childhood, while others show his family, or show him as an adult. They help to ground the book, and to allow the readers to picture who they are reading about. At times they feel like reminders that this story is real, and that everything in it actually happened.
The one part I had trouble with was that at times the style got in the way of the story. Mulzet has lived a compelling life, but the short chapters mean that we mainly get a surface view of it. There are few details, and at times he skips around in time, mentioning something only to say that he will cover it later on. I also had some trouble following places where the subject would suddenly shift from one paragraph to another.
Facing the Challenge, Beating the Odds is the most compelling memoir I have read all year. Jimmy Mulzet has lived a life well worth talking about, and I’m glad I was able to read his book. I hope it can serve as an inspiration to many more people in years to come, showing that while our circumstances may dictate our present reality, with willpower and support we have the chance to rise above them. I would recommend this book both to those who might need that support, and to those who do not need it but would be able to provide it. I hope it would speak to both groups.