You Are Worth It

Building a Life Worth Fighting For

By: Kyle Carpenter, Don Yaeger

Narrated by: Kyle Carpenter

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

From the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, an extraordinary inspirational memoir that will change the life of every listener.

“Kyle displayed a heroism in the blink of an eye that will inspire for generations." (President Barack Obama, at Kyle Carpenter's Medal of Honor ceremony)

"I want my story to help others see what’s extraordinary in themselves." (Kyle Carpenter)

On November 21, 2010, US Marine Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter was posted on a rooftop in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when an enemy grenade skittered across the roof. Kyle’s post that afternoon, with his friend and fellow Marine Nick Eufrazio, had been eerily quiet; now, with no time to escape, they had to make a split-second decision or they would both be dead. Without a second thought, Kyle jumped on the grenade, a brutal killing device. His vision went blank, his entire body numb, he tried to move but could not. His gear had melted. It felt as though someone was pouring warm water all over him; he dazedly realized that the liquid was his own blood. He had made an instantaneous decision, almost on instinct, one that would change his life forever.

Kyle’s heroic act saved Nick Eufrazio's life, but nearly cost Kyle his own. His heart flatlined three times. Wounded from head to toe, Kyle lost his right eye, as well as most of his face from the nose down. It would take dozens of surgeries and almost three years in and out of the hospital to reconstruct his body - and from there, he began the process of rebuilding his life. What he has accomplished in the last five years is truly extraordinary: He’s undergone extensive physical rehabilitation, graduated from college, ran three marathons, and embarked on a new career as a motivational speaker. And in 2014, he was awarded our nation’s highest military decoration, Medal of Honor, by President Barack Obama, making Carpenter the youngest living recipient of the award.

“With that singular act of courage, Kyle, you not only saved your brother in arms, you displayed a heroism in the blink of an eye that will inspire for generations”, stated the president.

You Are Worth It is a memoir about the War in Afghanistan and Kyle’s heroics, yes, but it also is a manual for living. Organized around the credos that have guided Kyle’s life (from “Don’t Hide Your Scars” to “Call Your Mom”), the book encourages us to become our best selves in the time we've been given on earth. Above all, it’s about finding purpose in life, despite the significant challenges that may come your way. As Kyle writes, addressing us all: “You are worth it. You are. You are worth protecting, you are worth fighting for, you are worth time in a hospital bed and deep scars on my body...."

Moving and unforgettable, You Are Worth It is an astonishing memoir from one of our most extraordinary young leaders.

©2019 Kyle Carpenter and Don Yaeger (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

Beyond inspiring... just WOW

The ability to recall a memory can entertain but the ability to tell a story well can change lives and inspire, and that’s exactly what this book does. It is so well written and narrated by Kyle that you wouldn’t think he was once a grunt on the front lines but that he was a career author. His journey is captivating to say the least. I have no doubt that the goal Kyle had in mind when writing this book of helping people will be accomplished. If you ever served in the military, this is a must. It is, at times, emotionally draining (in a good way) because you feel like you are standing in the hospital room or at the blast site. I got choked up many times but as a veteran, one part that really got me was Kyle‘s almost panicked concern for the placement of the Medal of Honor after the President placed it on him slightly crooked. It’s a special kind of concern. One of respect for the uniform, but more so, everything it represents. The privilege of wearing that uniform and being a representative of our nation wasn’t taken lightly, and it really hit home for me. Just an amazing story and journey!

Riveting

I knew his of his story, I didn't know his story. Absolutely humbling! Amazing! Thank you to all that have served, sacrificed, and payed the ultimate price. We can never repay such a debt.

Simple but hard to put down

I sped the narration up a little bit, but otherwise a really well-told account that brought tears to my eyes in several places.

Wow

To hear Kyle read his book. It was emotional to say the least. Highly recommend.

Inspiring and genuine

Kyle Carpenter writes in a very authentic way thy will impact generations of leaders. His views on grit, follow through, gratitude, and humility are inspiring. Mostly through, his story, and the way he tells it is the human story. Faced with massive adversity, what do we do? It’s never too late to start, but earlier is better. We have to lay solid foundations for the next generation, and ourselves. So when that day comes, we can act in a worthy manner, and in a way that shows others they are worth it.

SEMER FI

Thank you for your words and service to our great nation. SEMPER FI.

Mike

Beyond Incredible

Kyle's story is beyond amazing. Sounds cliche, I know, but there is no other way to put it. This book - his story and outlook - is life/perspective changing and I strongly believe EVERY human being should be REQUIRED to read/listen to "You Are Worth It".

a must read

I don't think there's a good way to review this to give it enough credit. Kyle's story is one that will make you believe Superman is real. by the end of the book you're left feeling that there isn't anything you can't do. also the fact that it's Kyle himself narrating the story makes it that much more personal and amazing. this may be the only book I felt that I will absolutely listen to again when I finished

A must read

Wow! Such an incredible and inspiring book. A must read! Thank you for your service, Kyle!

Powerful Must Read

This book should be on every high school/college student’s reading list. I have been truly touched, humbled and proud of this man and the people in his life.

Semper Fi