The Viewfinder: Michael's Story

by Michael Bowen

Overview

Although Michael is unconscious, the 3D images he sees feel so real, so full of depth and vibrant colors that it's like he's looking through a View-Master. He wonders if this is his body's way of dissociating itself from emotional trauma or if he's dying and his life is flashing before his eyes. Or does this experience hold a deeper meaning? Perhaps God has placed the images of his past on the reel of this viewfinder to teach him some life lessons. The Viewfinder is an unforgettable true story that invites readers along on Michael's journey to recovery following a car accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. It's an incredibly inspiring memoir of faith, love, loss, and learning to love oneself, to never give up hope, and not to judge a book by its cover.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940185782620
Publisher:	Anchors Publishing
Publication date:	11/29/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Michael J. Bowen grew up in Washington Park, North Carolina, water-skiing on the glassy water of the Tar River and playing competitive sports. On November 19, 1985, during his senior year of college, he made the fateful decision to play an extra in an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. That decision ultimately led to a car accident, paralysis, and a spiritual intervention that taught him lessons about faith, empathy, and overcoming adversity. Today, he is a “walking” quadriplegic, a retired phys ed teacher, a high school tennis coach, and a motivational speaker.

When Michael is not coaching, he enjoys guest lecturing at universities–speaking to students who are studying to be nurses, physical and occupational therapists. He provides insight to and examples of how the patient/client relationship is paramount to a patient’s success. Using his experience as a lifelong educator, he also speaks at schools across the country on how to develop empathetic students, teachers, and school climates. At the corporate level, he speaks to groups on eliminating the mental barriers to cultivating a strong work ethic and overcoming adversities in the workplace.

Michael is a self-proclaimed beach bum and an avid drummer who lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, with the love of his life—his wife Laura. The Viewfinder: Michael’s Story is his first book.

Editorial Reviews

This book is such a moving and inspirational story of incredible strength, resilience, and spiritual revelation. Not only is Michael's determination for physical healing inspiring but his reflection and inner healing that he found is one of the most uplifting and moving testimonies I have ever read...This book will make you laugh, cry, feel inspired, and remind you of how important faith is in all of our lives. It is a definite must read!!!!

Amazon - Louisa Lee

A friend recommended this book and it was a great and inspiring story! Easy to read, the book shares Bowen's recovery journey after a catastrophic accident with just the right mix of medical detail, humor, reality and inspiration. As a reader, I got a much clearer picture of what happens on a practical level following a life altering accident - both medically and psychologically. Refreshingly, ...Bowen's approach to recovery has lessons of grit, determination and resilience. Highly recommend!

Amazon - Elizabeth Devolder

This book is a heartwarming and beautifully written account of how Michael survived a horrific car accident and what he went through on the way to recovery. It not only depicts how he overcame his extremely serious physical injuries, but is also a touching account of how God transformed him internally as well. The Viewfinder will leave you inspired, motivated to overcome adversity in your own life, and will show you how much God truly loves His children.

Amazon - Cynthia Edmonds

Michael gives such a personal testimony of faith, as he recounts a devastating accident that leaves him recovering from paralysis. I was instantly drawn into Michael's honest reflections of his life and was amazed at his strength to overcome adversity. It will make you laugh at times, and bring you to tears at others.

Amazon - Alice Faucette

What an inspirational story of resilience, courage, determination and faith. Michael's story captures the reader from page one and reminds us all of the good that exists in life, even when tragedy occurs. The support and unconditional love from his family plays a critical part in his recovery...Michael turns a tragic accident into a lifelong calling to inspire and have a positive impact on those around him. Highly recommend this book!

Amazon