Life is Magic

My Inspiring Journey from Tragedy to Self-Discovery

By: Jon Dorenbos, Larry Platt

Narrated by: Jon Dorenbos

“Jon Dorenbos is a magical person. Life Is Magic shows how we can all choose happiness in the face of overwhelming odds.” —Ellen DeGeneres

An extraordinary and empowering story of resilience, forgiveness, and living a life of purpose in the face of unfathomable obstacles.

You may know him as an NFL All-Pro or as a world-class magician who made the finals of America’s Got Talent, but Jon Dorenbos says that what he does is not who he is. He is someone who coached himself, at the most tender of ages, to turn tragedy to triumph.

One morning in August 1992, when Jon was twelve years old and living a seemingly idyllic childhood in suburban Seattle, he woke up for baseball camp. His dad waved goodbye. Later that day, Jon heard the news: his father had murdered his mother in the family’s three-car garage. In an instant, his life had shattered. He’d essentially been orphaned.

Thrust into foster care while his father stood trial for murder, Jon struggled. Left to himself, he discovered an unlikely escape performing magic tricks. If you found a way to alter your reality, after your dad—your hero—killed your mom, wouldn’t you cling to it too? Then came football, which provided a release for all of his pent-up anger. Together, magic and football saved him, leading to fourteen NFL seasons on the gridiron and raucous sleight of hand performances to packed houses across the globe. In 2017, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition leaving him with a choice. To either break down or—as he’d by now long taught himself—bounce back.

“Life Is Magic shows how we can all choose happiness in the face of overwhelming odds” (Ellen DeGeneres) and provides a roadmap for overcoming even the darkest of times. Jon’s story is poignant and powerful, told by a charismatic and optimistic man who has overcome life-or-death challenges with grace, persistence, a childlike sense of wonder…and jaw-dropping card tricks.

Great listen

Amazing story full of highs and lows and every emotion that goes with it but above all a story about perseverance and a love of life

listen and enjoy

A true listen and enjoy book. John can certainly help you get it if you are up to the journey.

Magical

One of the absolute best books I’ve come across in seven years on audible. If you’re not touched, entertained and inspired by this book you don’t have a soul. Go Birds!

Inspirational

I did not know Jon Dorenbos before I chose this book but I am glad to know him now. Not just for football fans. This book, his story will entertain and inspire you. very touching look at someone else's life and how people cope. Highly recommend.

Great man with a great story

I loved this book and didn't want to stop once I started it. This is a great roadmap for how to live an inspired life.