You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For (2024)

I will never forget this book. It’s a story I wanted to read for years prior to this book even existing. Eight years ago, I was sitting on a couch, alone in a foreign country. It was late at night. I was depressed and frustrated with how life was turning out. I began watching some David Letterman, where I was immediately snapped out of my funk by a young man who appeared in military uniform. I was instantly taken by how immaculate his uniform was, along with the way he spoke and held himself. And then I noticed some battle scars. As Kyle recounted his Medal of Honor story to Letterman, I was overcome with emotion at hearing how this guy (my age) threw himself on a grenade in Afghanistan to save his mate.

Like that Letterman appearance, You Are Worth It made me emotional at times too. It also provided a great source of inspiration, motivation and cause for reflection in my own life. It’s a gripping read that never treads water. It’s easy to harness motivation from every step of Kyle’s journey – from his pre-Marine life, to his Afghanistan deployment, injury and recovery, his marathons and college life.

I never wanted the book to end, and already know it’ll be one I revisit in future.

“I threw myself over the grenade apparently.”

If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to throw yourself onto a grenade - here’s your chance. It was mind-boggling reading the description of the event for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

“I tried to call for help, but the only thing I could feel was my tongue searching for my lower jaw - no cheeks, no teeth, no jaw. It was as if the bottom part of my mouth had disappeared.”

Kyle pays tribute to the many people who gave him a second chance at life. The book is a wonderful exercise in gratitude, and reminder to us all to appreciate what we have, and all that others do to help us.

“People can be miracles for one another; that is one of the greatest and most sustaining lessons I have learned in my life and some of the best advice I can offer to anyone else: Be part of someone else’s miracle. That, and call your Mom.”

His family is featured throughout and I couldn’t help feeling part of the family by the end. Some of the most touching segments featured his Mum; a remarkable lady who reminds me of my own. I’m still laughing at her comments upon finding Kyle with just 7% battery on his phone, minutes prior to a scheduled call from Obama regarding the Medal of Honor . His dog Sadie was pretty amazing too, and reminded me of my own, with how she took his care and comfort to be her personal responsibility when he returned home after hospital. The fact I could relate so much to Kyle’s life made the heavy moments, along with the inspiring, just hit that much harder. Plus, there’s just something about a Marine sharing life lessons with you that hits differently.

Kyle really bared his soul and didn't hold back, in particular with the hospital and recovery chapters. The details of his injuries were not only harrowing to read, but the painkiller-induced hallucinations too – giant spiders in his room anyone? Thankfully, Kyle’s sense of humour is prevalent, including during the medical chapters, such as regularly asking medical staff: “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

The photos featured in the middle helped bring to life chapters in the book, and the gravity of all that Kyle has achieved and overcome. He even got me contemplating skydiving, after reading the impact which Jumping for a Purpose had on his recovery.

“By pushing yourself past your pre-injury comfort zone, you can come to terms with your real strength and resilience post-injury.”

I was touched by Kyle’s humility and way of looking at the world. He shares countless words of wisdom gained from his life experiences – words of wisdom that I will remember and apply to my own life. I’m incredibly grateful for this book, for Kyle and his service, and for reminding me that I’m also capable of creating a fulfilling life for myself.

“No matter who you are or where you are in life, there are simply things that are going to be terrible - but you just have to lower your head, put one foot in front of the other, and walk straight into that storm.”

A great and inspiring read by a true hero (even though he does not see himself as one). I knew about Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter from his social media, where his handle is @chiksdigscars and the heroic deed of jumping on a hand grenade to save a fellow Marine and surviving the blast. Even though the book looks at these events, it is more about his recovery and pays homage to everyone who was there and helped him on his way to recovery. Interspersed between all this is some very important life lessons learned along the way that one can take notice of. What amazes me most is how mature he handled everything thrown at him at such a young age and how he overcame all these hurdles, to where he is busy living a full and extraordinary life and helps people along the way.
Highly recommended for an inspiring read to lift up your spirit.

As a military brat and a big sister to brothers who have been in combat, it's hard for me to deal with the emotions that surface when I see or read stories from combat zones. After hearing Kyle's interview on the Rise Together podcast with Rachel and Dave Hollis, I pre-order Kyle's book. I devoured this book in two days. When you need a hero, when you need a pick me up, when you need a reality check, when you need a reminder of how incredibly blessed you are, when you need to be reminded that America IS Great (and will remain great as long as people like Kyle dedicate their lives t our country), when you need to be called out, when you know you are taking the most simple, precious things in live for granted, you need to read this book. Kyle Carpenter - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SACRIFICES! You are the epitome of all the good our country represents!

I’d give this 10 stars if I could. Kyle is the youngest recipient of the Medal of Honor. His courage, strength and fortitude are amazingly inspirational. He shares his story of serving our nation in Afghanistan in 2010 and coming home clinging to life. If everyone could have just one ounce of the integrity, selflessness and serving spirit this young man has - this world would be a remarkably better place. I choked up so many times, took notes (he offers so many nuggets of wisdom) and watched his Medal of Honor ceremony on YouTube in the midst of reading chapter 17. Kyle makes you feel like you’re there and that you’re a friend. I cannot recommend this book enough. This man is an angel on earth. Thank you (and all veterans) for your service 🇺🇸 Thank you for writing this book and sharing your heart with us. God bless you, Kyle! You’re a true American hero. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

The war detailing, day to day- that was hard to read. Gut wrenching and heavy as heavy can get.

He truly is a hero. Well written book and the photos were awesome. He tells you about all the years of afterwards stuff that hardly gets told.

This kind of person seems super human to me. His sense of what's important, his bravery, and his endurance. Beyond superlative remarkable.

And yet, it is just not a read I can say I enjoyed. Wars fought so far from home territory and endless in their crux issues? You need to be a "true believer" in powers of good intent? Loyal beyond reckoning for self sense- that's Kyle.

Wow! This book was incredible, extraordinary, and simply amazing .

When I first picked it up I was expecting a biography about one soldier’s journey of surviving but not one that pulled at the heartstrings of my own personal journey. Kyle Carpenter takes you on a journey of why “You are Worth It.”

Beautifully crafted, Kyle turns his story into a book that every one should read. Yes, everyone! After finishing this book, I literally could not stop talking about it! I was so impressed with this book, that every one of my family members received a message telling them that they have to read this one.
The one thing I loved about this books was that Kyle did not make his story about just himself but gave credit to each and everyone. Here is a soldier who just sacrificed himself for his teammates, survived which should not have been possible, had been given the Medal of Honor, and he wanted to make sure that he thanked all who helped him and his family.

If you are feeling depressed and need a boost in the right direction, definitely pick up this book. Believe me, you will not want to put it down. I was reading this while at work ( yes, I was at work. But what can I say, working at a library is so cool! What other job allows you to read for a living! LOL) and was literally was turning the pages as fast as I could. Don’t worry, I was polite to all the patrons who interrupted my reading but all I wanted to do was go back to the book. I have read many war biographies but none have stood out like this one. This was not only a story of survival, but it was also one of taking the chances you have and going for it. It is a story of being brave even in the darkest situations. YOU ARE WORTH IT!

As a proud American citizen I am thankful for all our brave men and women of the armed forces but this book just reminded me how grateful I really should be. The men and women of the armed forces deserve our utmost gratitude.

To Kyle Carpenter and all the brave men and women of the armed forces, thank you for your service. I know you might get tired of hearing that over and over but it is the only way I can make sure that you understand that I am truly am honored to live in this great, free country because of each and everyone of you!
And to the families of those who lost someone in the armed forces, my heart is with you all. WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

P.S. If you stuck with me this entire review/chat you can only guess what my next sentence will be. (; I highly recommend You are Worth It!

This is hands down one of my favorite books I have ever read. The human spirit in this young man is like no other. He shares his experiences in such detail that is raw and heartfelt. How one person can go through what he did and overcome is a miracle. I think he is an angel roaming this earth. I was lucky to have seen him in person and hear his story but this book gave me so much more insight on his amazing journey. I believe Kyle Carpenter gets the secret to life and he is doing amazing things with his second chance. #kylecarpenterforpresident

I couldn't put this book down nor could I stop the tears. Very heartbreaking and yet hopeful at the same time. He endured so much and yet managed to maintain a positive attitude. I would have to say this book was life changing for me. It makes me want to have a more positive attitude towards life. If he can, I can. Thank you, Mr. Carpenter for sharing your story.

Favorite Quotes & Passages:
Life was about more than what we could take out of it; it was about making a difference- Not necessarily on some global scale, But improving someone's day or helping to lift someone up.

I felt a burning imperative to join the Marines it. And I knew it was not going to be a feeling that went away; It was the only path that felt true to myself. It wasn't a matter of simply wanting adventure or fostering some idealism about changing the world- those were factors, of course- but I felt a kind of burning need to go.

"Robin, He's going to do this. We can either give him our blessing to do this or not. But hes going to do this. Let's give him our blessing so we can support him."

Even more basic than that, however, seeing your promises through is a reflection of your character and integrity-and an essential part of integrity is respecting yourself enough to defend and follow through on your personal convictions.

(These are just some of the quotes and passages I enjoyed.)

An amazing story of determination, faith that brought Kyle back to life. My heart broke and burst with joy while reading what this brave soldier went through.
We take for granted our wonderful military and after reading his story makes me appreciate what they do to protect us so much more. God Speed Kyle 🙏❤️

An incredible story told very well. Will inspire you to live life to the fullest. Highly recommend.

This is an inspiring book written by an exemplary man. A lot of memoirs of the veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are unfortunately not this well written. Even with the help of professional writers, they are often clunky and stilted with dialogue that’s obviously the product of multiple re-tellings and a need to dump exposition. Carpenter’s book feels very honest and his narrative flows effortlessly. His voice is present in the style of the writing. It’s accessible to people who aren’t familiar with military or medical terminology, strikes a balance between reporting events and reflecting upon them, and incorporates humor and small descriptive details that bring his memories to life in the reader.

There is no doubt Carpenter himself is an incredible person; his sacrifice in Afghanistan is evidence of the honor and altruism deeply ingrained in his character if not an innate part of his soul. His optimism and perseverance through his recovery are equally heroic.

After finishing the book, I wanted to learn even more about him and watched some interviews and read a few articles. I was surprised when reading old articles about his injuries and Medal of Honor ceremony to see his girlfriend featured heavily. According to these early interviews, she was best friends with Eufrazio’s girlfriend and was the first to hear something might be wrong and contact his parents. She was described as hardly leaving his bedside, postponing college to move to Virginia and live with him at the hospital, advocating for his care, celebrating and encouraging each small step of his recovery, and still standing by his side four years later as his fiancée when he was awarded the MOH. She is not mentioned in this book once.

The reason is probably the most obvious explanation. It either ended badly and he didn’t want to include her or (more likely in my opinion) she didn’t want to be included for some reason and this was done out of respect for her. And it doesn’t change his story or message in any significant way for the reader whether she’s mentioned or not. All the same, I can’t stop thinking about this and it’s completely overshadowed anything that was actually in the book.

It’s hard to explain why this is haunting me. He shares so many details. When he describes the day of the Medal of Honor ceremony, for example, he starts with waking up and talks about all these little things like petting the Obamas’ dogs, the color of his pants, off-handed comments, what food was served. After reading his descriptions of these scenes and having that version vividly in my mind, it was so strange to find out that there was, chapter after chapter, a whole human being there in the room, talking to him, helping him, holding his hand, active and engaged in these events, that has been erased. It would’ve been so easy to just have even a vague reference mentioning, “My girlfriend at the time offered me a lot of support during my recovery.” There’s something very eerie about recounting years of your life and re-writing that history to carefully trim out a central figure completely.

It’s such an enormous omission, it’s made me question what else has been omitted or changed. And there are some little things that don’t seem to reconcile with her existence. There are three times I can remember in the book he talks about being unsure whether his injuries will make him unattractive to women. There’s one story in particular that’s in the book and he’s repeated in multiple interviews about having a breakdown trying to eat a bowl of cereal and asking his mother hopelessly, “Who will ever love me now?”

Apparently there was someone who loved him very much, even before the extent of his injuries was known. When she didn’t know if his mind would be the same, if he would regain the use of his arms, how prominent any disfigurement would be. Through his years in the hospital and his transition into a relatively quiet and modest civilian life before being awarded the Medal of Honor broadened his prominence as a public figure.

I am both fascinated and saddened by this woman’s complete and total erasure. Ironically, this quiet ghost has made me reflect more on memory and perception, our impact on those around us, what legacy we leave behind, than the intended passages in the book.

Very moving

My husband went to Vietnam a month after we were married. Your words made me cry. I do understand how war is hell. My husband died at 65 from Agent Orange. I met him in high school when I was 15. Life without him is so painful. I’m glad you’re doing well. Thanks for sharing.

This entire memoir is a love letter to all of the people in Kyle’s life who helped him get through the aftermath of a direct hit from a grenade. And it was beautiful. I definitely cried multiple times when he told stories like how another soldier’s mother held both of their hands on the plane from Germany or how his dad was uncertain about going in the room to see him.

Favorite quotes:
“Scars are evidence that injuries can heal and pain can fade. Your scars can give someone the reassurance that they are not alone, and give others the hope that someday, their wounds will become nothing but scars too.”

What an inspirational book! My favorite quotes include:
"People can be miracles for each other. Be part of someone else’s miracle.....and call your mom."
"People meet in terrible, wonderful ways. I'm thankful we did. With Love, Kyle Thank You Belive in Purpose"
"I don’t know what I want to do, or how I’m gonna do it, or where I might end up but...
As long as I work hard, try to do the right thing, try to be a good person and try to help people...
I can’t go wrong doing that."
"We are the only ones who get to choose who we become."

I rarely read memoirs written by people who acquire disabilities in adulthood. Most of us in a certain age bracket qualify in that category, and many of us probably aren’t living inspirational book-worthy lives. I’m not suggesting we’re not valiant in our efforts to marginalize whatever disability we’ve acquired incident to mortality; we may well be. But most of us aren’t going to write about it. For whatever reason, this book drew me to it, and I’m thrilled I read it.

Carpenter grew up in Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina. He developed a love for Jesus early on that carried him through phenomenal trials. But don’t fling this review aside. This book isn’t preachy or screamy. It’s the amazing story of a young man who lived a clean life, loved his close-knit family, and loved his country and the idea that he could do something for others. When Carpenter deliberately smothered an exploding grenade while fighting in Afghanistan in November of 2010, he saved the lives of those around him, very nearly lost his own life, and ultimately qualified as the youngest Medal of Honor recipient in the nation’s history. This book is his inspiring story.

If I worked in a circ*mstance where I dealt frequently with people who are losing their sight, I’d do everything in my power to make this book a must-read. Carpenter lost his right eye completely, most of his face, and for a considerable amount of time, the use of his right arm. His battle back moved me to tears, made me smile, and inspired even the most jaded side of me. So, why would I encourage newly blinded people to read this? Because Carpenter lays out some amazingly good rules to live by. One of the things he stresses is the fact that you can’t control your past, but you have complete control of your future. He encourages his readers to remember their yesterdays but not to dwell in them. Rather, he stresses the value of almost sealing off the past to move forward.

Don’t mistake this for an artificial inspiration goop you squirt on your life and thereby make it more palatable. He writes about the night when, after taking what felt like forever to pour a bowl of cereal, he breaks down and loses control completely. His unwavering mother put her arms around him and let him weep through it. But he also writes of the sweetness of being able to skydive and experience reunions with those he fought with until the fateful day of his injury.

This is a remarkable book about a humble young man who never believed he was going to be a medal recipient until the White House switchboard operator called one afternoon to announce that President Obama wanted to speak to him.

This is not a story of bitterness and frustration. Rather, it’s the account of a decent young man who continues to draw strength from a remarkable family and who never stopped being grateful both for his nondisabled life and for the one that came after he deliberately fell on that grenade.

I’m not sure what drew me to this book in the winter of 2020 days prior to the lockdowns, and I can’t explain why it languished on a hard drive until now. But the Nolan who existed in February of 2020 did the Nolan who wrote this review three years later a real favor by downloading this. Carpenter narrates his own book, and that lends a youthful immediacy to it that made it better.

I’ve skipped and glossed over much of what’s in here. But I came away convinced that with or without a medal from a president, Kyle Carpenter is an honorable man indeed. Reading his book enhanced my life, and you can’t ask for much more than that.

pg. 183 - "The more I fought FOR my future instead of AGAINST my past, he more I realized that there wasn't just life for me on the other side of this - there was life for me in the middle of it." and ".......by letting go of the world where I wasn't injured, I could focus on the life I HAD been given - a second chance that not everyone is lucky enough to get."

In November , 2010, a young Marine on his first deployment to Afghanistan, jumped onto a grenade to save his friend, Nick. Thus is the story of Kyle Carpenter and his journey and path to a new life. His spirit for life will revive you. As Carpenter tells his story of recovery you get the sense of just sitting scross from him and having a conversation - he wants you to know where he got his courage to live.

If you only read one non-fiction book this year You Are Worth It should be that book. Carpenter's humble account of his service to his country and from his recovery and life will humble you. A multitude of doctors, family members, friend and associates can really put Humpty Dumpty together again. I laughed, I cried, I found worth in Carpenter's words. "Stay Motivated."

A truly inspiring story. I have known about some of Kyles story for a long time now, but it was insightful to learn the full details of it all. I think the greatest takeaway for me is being able to maintain a positive attitude in every circ*mstance, and using the difficult parts of your life to grow and increase your perspective. I appreciate his statements on how ribbon racks and resumes shouldn’t define you. I also took a lot from how noticed his scars gave him credentials to other people who have had a rough go at life, and allowed him an “in” to understand and talk to them in a more meaningful way. There was also a point where he mentioned that he felt he medically retired before having made enough an impact in the Marines, and as a Marine myself I relate to this notion, and see it as an encouraging detail that even Kyle Carpenter feels this way sometimes. I even laughed aloud at his disfunction when speaking to President Obama on the phone. Basically, the book gave me the entire range of emotions I am capable of. Amazing story, inspiring perseverance, and I hope I get to meet him someday.

A 9 hour unabridged audiobook.

As a general rule I feel that autobiographies are typically written in an apologetic style, where one writes of themselves in a very optimistic, or even self serving fashion. I didn't get that sense here. Carpenter doles out so much praise to his family, the medical staff, fellow service members, etc., that he actually comes across as a very sincere and selfless person. Which makes sense based on his character and deeds. He genuinely seems like an all around nice guy.

The style is well written and riveting account. I found myself cringing when he described his vivid, drug induced, hallucinations. I was spell bound by many of his recollections. I really liked this book.

Where do I even begin? I have not gone through nearly as much as Kyle Carpenter, but just framing all of the health complications I have overcome with his thoughts brought tears to my eyes several times as I read this book. For one, his story is a miracle. But even moreso than that, to see his perspective shift on his life’s circ*mstances was beautiful. There are so many lines from this book I underlined. But I particularly loved this: “if I stayed locked in the vision of myself as a broken, shattered, incomplete person, that was all I would ever allow myself to be.” We are in charge of how our life takes shape after a significant change, not our circ*mstances. Turns out Carpenter is right - scars are a universal language, and I’m so glad he’s sharing his with the world.

A quick, fluid read that never gets boring. A true testament to the human drive to survive, and something to reflect on when you think you’re having a bad day or are stuck in a hopeless situation. What this guy did for a fellow Marine, the consequences of that act, and the near impossible recovery are awe-inspiring. The dedication of the healthcare professionals and the military are noteworthy as well.

Most enjoyable book I have read this year. Kyle Carpenter is a remarkable human being. I am not one to get emotional easy but this book made my eyes watery on multiple occasions. This is not a book written just for veterans. I think it would be moving for anyone who reads it. The gratitude Kyle shows for people who helped him along the way and for a second shot at life is extremely uplifting.

Wow. I am blown away by this book. It was so inspiring.
Everyone needs to read this book. This is one book I would totally have on my desk one day to just recommend to everyone I know.

A must read!!!

Really moving life story with some inspiration thrown in, this guy is a superhero!

Exceptional book. I got the chills many times over and felt all the range of emotions. Highly recommend. *Stay motivated* !!!

Best Line: "They say there are no atheists in foxholes; I think maybe we all become philosophers in combat outposts as well." Page 98

What a man, what a story. So well written, Kyle Carpenter presents a raw recount of his life as an example of why we are meant to live to the fullest. With so few living medal of honor recipients, especially out of the Iraq/Afghanistan campaigns, his perspective is so meaningful.

Fantastic book, not just about war but about life.

An incredible story, an incredible sacrifice, and an incredible shift in perspective. Stay motivated and call your mom. (I texted her when I read that chapter.)

SO inspirational! I've added to my very sorry bucket list: "Meet Kyle Carpenter"

Having been medically evacuated from Afghanistan, this book brought tears to my eyes more than once. Kyle tells his story in the most unbelievable humbling way. All the while, dropping inspiring nuggets of wisdom telling you that no matter what your “grenade” is, you have a second chance and a life worth living. You might not have taken the conventional/predictable route but that’s exactly why you have to make the most of this second chance - someone is depending on your perspective to help and encourage them. When someone says “thank you for your service” I used to reply with “it’s my pleasure, I love what I do.” But from now on, I will say “you are worth it.” What a powerful and empowering statement for others!

Fantastic! I absolutely love the little tid-bits of advice spread through the book. A real inspiration!